Castellammare del Golfo: why visit it

Castellammare del Golfo, in the heart of the province of Trapani, is one of the most strategic destinations in western Sicily. A natural link between Palermo and Trapani, it is the ideal base for exploring the Zingaro Nature Reserve, Scopello, San Vito Lo Capo, Erice, Segesta and the Egadi Islands.

Castellammare del Golfo is the perfect base to discover the best of western Sicily. Choosing TDS Transfer means turning your trip into an exclusive, comfortable, worry-free experience. Thanks to the NCC services and private transfers of TDS Transfer, you can travel in total comfort, without the stress of parking, schedules or changing vehicles.

A brief history of Castellammare

Castellammare del Golfo began as an ancient natural harbor at the foot of Mount Inici, in a strategic position that over the centuries made it a crossroads of peoples, trade and cultures. Its name comes from the Arabic “Al Madarig”, the castle on the sea, testimony to a past marked first by the Phoenicians, then by Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans, all drawn to this safe and fertile landing place.

During the Middle Ages, Castellammare became the maritime outlet of Segesta, a role that consolidated its economic and military importance. The Arab-Norman castle, still a symbol of the town today, watches over a seaside village that has preserved its authentic identity over time, shaped by fishing, folk traditions and intense flavors.

Today Castellammare del Golfo is a destination that combines “history, sea and nature”, a privileged gateway to the Zingaro Nature Reserve and to the treasures of western Sicily, where the past coexists with the present.

The 10 things to see in Castellammare del Golfo

1. Arab-Norman Castle
   Symbol of the town, it dominates the harbor from above. It hosts exhibitions and cultural events and is one of the best panoramic viewpoints over the Gulf.
2. Tourist harbor and fishing village
   The beating heart of Castellammare, ideal for walks, sunset aperitifs and seafront dinners.
3. Historic center
   A network of alleys, small squares and churches that tell the authentic history of the town, perfect to explore on foot.
4. Playa Beach
   The main beach, long and sandy, easily accessible and also suitable for families.
5. Cala Petrolo
   A small rocky cove below the castle, loved for its spectacular sunsets and clear water.
6. Mother Church of Maria Santissima del Soccorso
   The town’s most important religious building, dedicated to the patron saint, with interiors rich in works of art.
7. Water and Mills Museum
   A route that tells the story of the ancient water system and rural life of the Castellammare area.
8. Zingaro Nature Reserve
   One of the most beautiful reserves in Sicily, with panoramic trails and unspoiled coves, easily reachable from Castellammare.
9. Scopello and the Faraglioni
   An iconic village just a few minutes away, famous for the Tonnara and the Faraglioni on turquoise waters.
10. Viewpoints and panoramas over the Gulf
    From the road to Scopello and from Mount Inici you can enjoy breathtaking views over the entire Gulf of Castellammare.

What TDS recommends to see in 1, 3, 5 and 7 days

The 10 must-try foods in Castellammare del Golfo

1. Fish couscous
   A signature dish of western Sicily: hand-worked semolina and fragrant fish broth, inherited from the Arab tradition.
2. Busiate with Trapani-style pesto
   Typical pasta with tomato, almonds, basil and garlic pesto. A timeless local classic.
3. Fresh grilled fish
   Tuna, swordfish, prawns and squid caught locally, cooked simply to enhance the flavor.
4. Mixed fried seafood (paranza)
   A mix of small fish and fried squid, crispy and golden, to enjoy with a sea view.
5. Pane cunzato
   Rustic bread dressed with extra-virgin olive oil, tomato, anchovies, oregano and local cheeses: simple and irresistible.
6. Sarde a beccafico
   Sardine rolls with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins and citrus: a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
7. Eggplant caponata
   An iconic Sicilian sweet-and-sour appetizer, rich in vegetables and Mediterranean aromas.
8. Sicilian cassatelle
   A typical dessert from the Trapani inland area, filled with sweet ricotta, often flavored with chocolate.
9. Sicilian cannoli
   Crispy shell and fresh sheep’s-milk ricotta: a must at the end of a meal.
10. Granita with brioche
    The ultimate summer breakfast or snack, especially lemon, almond or mulberry.

History of Castellammare del Golfo

The history of Castellammare del Golfo has ancient roots, thanks to its strategic location in the center of the great gulf connecting Palermo and Trapani. This stretch of coastline, naturally sheltered and rich in resources, has been frequented since prehistoric times, as shown by discoveries in the caves of Mount Inici.

In ancient times, Castellammare played a key role as the natural harbor of nearby Segesta, one of the most important Elymian cities in Sicily. Through this landing place passed goods, grain and products destined for Mediterranean trade, making the area a vital hub for exchanges between peoples.

Under Roman rule, the harbor retained its commercial function, while in the following centuries, during the Arab period, the town took on a new appearance. It was precisely in this period that the first seaside fortification was built, from which the name Castellammare derives, meaning “castle on the sea”. The Arabs introduced advanced agricultural techniques, water systems and new crops, profoundly shaping the territory.

In the Norman and Swabian period, the castle was expanded and strengthened, becoming a military and administrative stronghold of great importance. Later, under the Aragonese and the Spanish, Castellammare developed as a seaside village, linking its economy to fishing, navigation and the grain trade.

Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the town experienced significant growth, with the expansion of the urban center and the construction of churches, noble palaces and port-related infrastructure. In this period, the popular, religious and gastronomic traditions that still characterize Castellammare’s identity were consolidated.

Over the course of the 20th century, Castellammare del Golfo underwent economic and social transformations, gradually shifting from a predominantly maritime center to an important tourist destination. Today the town represents a harmonious balance between past and present: the Arab-Norman castle, the historic center and the harbor tell centuries of history, while the sea, the Zingaro Nature Reserve and nearby villages make it one of the most fascinating destinations in western Sicily.

Castellammare del Golfo is, still today, a natural gateway to history, the Mediterranean and authentic Sicilian culture, capable of welcoming travelers with the strength of its memory and the beauty of its landscape.

How to get to Castellammare del Golfo

Why choose TDS Transfer to visit Castellammare del Golfo

• Professional, multilingual drivers
• Comfort and luxury vehicles
• Personalized transfers
• NCC for day excursions
• 24/7 service, even last minute