Outdoor Activities

Exploring the gorgeous Sicilian coast by sea is an incredible way to spend the day and experience the scenic coast from a different viewpoint. You can rent a boat by the marina and visit the entire coast of the Zingaro Reserve to arrive at San Vito lo Capo. There are many options to rent a boat with or without a skipper. On the way, you can stop for a quick swim or dive by all the small caves. We recommend spending a day on a Catamaran to visit Favignana Island.

Trekking & Hiking

Foodies and nature-lovers rejoice! There is an ambitious trekking tourism project to promote all aspects of outdoor activities and agri-food products of Western Sicily called the Agro Ericino Footpath Network, sponsored by the world-famous Italian Alpine Club, the regional tourism office and the Association for the Strada del Vino.

The Sicily Trekking Tour website is a rich resource of 15 itineraries for over 110 km trails for hiking, trekking and biking enthusiasts, some along the Erice DOC wine road to explore the wines & foods of the area. The suggested trails for Castellammare del Golfo visitors are the Bosco Scorace – Inici, Tre Portelle – Fossa del Bove and Scopello – Castello di Baida.

The Zingaro Loop

Experience hiking and trekking immersed in nature at the Riserva dello Zingaro. There are three routes suitable for any level of trekker you are, from the youngest and least experienced to the most professional and experienced. The coastal path, the half-way path, and the high path.

Caving

Take part in one of the many guided tours organized by the CAI Speleological Group of Castellammare del Golfo, one of which will take you to the Abyss of the Shards-Branch of the Lakes. It is truly a breathtaking visual experience inside this cave with its spectacular array of stalagmites and stalactites. Caving is the perfect combination of outdoor sports, action, and exploration, especially in the summer heat. Caving brings the unique experience of exploration, the excitement of new discoveries, and the beauty and mystery of the caves.

Biking/Cycling

Cycling is one of Italy's most popular sports, and you will see cyclists everywhere you go. If you are passionate cyclists or leisure riders, there are many different routes for varying levels of difficulty. If you love challenges, Monte Inici is almost 1000m/.6 miles elevation at the top you will enjoy a stunning view of Castellammare del Golfo and the sea. 

Other routes reachable from Castellammare del Golfo:

• The Segesta Station - The route intersperses dirt roads and paved roads, almost 36 km away. It is divided from Contrada Gagliardetta, Contrada Palermo, through the Pispisa wood, the Temple of Segesta and the Abboppo Pioppo.

• Bosco Angimbe Calatafini up to Ponte Bagni, 31 km long

• Alcamo Marina to the beach of Balestrate, paved path, 31 km long

• Scopello to the entrance of the Riserva dello Zingaro, paved path length 27 km

• Scopello up to the Contrada Piano Vignazze, continue towards Contrada Sarmuci, then Visicari, until you reach Balata di Baida, facing state highway 187. Alternatively, the Contrada Grotticelli leads back to the Guidaloca beach.

• Scopello towards Castello di Baida, cross Monte Sparacio and arrive in Custonaci, the path is unpaved. From here San Vito lo Capo is 10 km away

https://www.wikiloc.com/trails/mountain-biking/italy/sicily/castellammare-del-golfo

Snorkeling & Diving

The waters around Castellammare del Golfo, Scopello, and the Zingaro Reserve are impossibly translucent, which is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. The sea is full of life abundant with fish and colorful marine fauna. You may even see ricci (sea urchins), marzapani (parrotfish), starfish, and octopus. This protected coast has excellent diving spots perfect for all skill levels. We highly recommend taking snorkel gear with you whenever you go to the beach.

Experienced scuba divers will be pleased with Punta Leone, in Scopello. Here there is the wreck of Capua, an armed shipwrecked in the Second World War and located on a depth of about 40 meters still in a perfect state of preservation. You will also find another wreck, the wreck of Kent, also known as the "ship of the Korans" because it carried thousands of copies of the Koran in the holds. The ship of Turkish nationality sank in 1973 and is well preserved at a depth of 50 meters.

Bird Watching

Being the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is a hot spot for bird migration in the spring and fall. The long, western coastline with excellent opportunities for watching and bird photography. The Zingaro's protected coastline sine 1981 offers a haven for migratory birds as well as local residents such as Bonelli's Eagle, the Mediterranean peregrine falcon, and the Sicilian rock partridge. The saline or salt pans between Trapani and Marsala a good place for observing the elegance of flamingos, egrets, and herons.

Within the Zingaro Nature Reserve, it is possible to see rare bird species such as the Bonelli's Eagle, the royal kites, but also on Mount Inici. Monte Inici is an important breeding area for raptors and for five of the 20 species of the Mediterranean biome.

Check out Fatbirder, the premier birders' web resource about birds, birding and birdwatching for are planning a trip or birding tour for more information.