Between Palermo and Trapani lies Castellammare del Golfo, a charming seaside town on Sicily's northwestern coast. The historic fishing port is situated underneath steep mountain slopes, with a beautifully curved harbor at the foot of a narrow headland topped with a castle. The town is dominated by its castle, which over time has been influenced by all the cultures that dominated Sicily over the centuries, including the Normans, Arabs, and Swabians, who all modified it. Lying just outside the town you'll find sea caves with frescoed walls dating back to the early Christian period and beautiful beaches for which Sicily is so well known.
With seven miles of remarkable beauty, the Riserva Dello Zingaro is one of Sicily’s finest gems. The ancient Greeks would call this place Cetaria due to the abundance of tuna that fattened the seas. Abundance is the right word to use about this sweet spot along the San Vito Lo Capo. With wildflowers frothing on the hillside, paths that ebb and flow, and ancient caves carved into the mountains, there is a lot to love about this beautiful part of Sicily. Charter guests who love wildlife and walking are sure to be in their element. The trees and skies around this part of Sicily flood with birds -from seabirds to falcons, kestrels, and owls - bring your binoculars to see a whole cast of winged characters. Pretty pebbled coves are also enticing spots for dropping anchor and cooling off in translucent waters.
The western coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea is home to many treasures and San Vito Lo Capo is one of them. Summer travelers and sailors fall hard for this corner close to Palermo thanks to the wide sandy beaches and clear blue seas. San Vito Beach is a sight for sore eyes with its white sands and soft waves sitting beneath the shadow of the impressive Monte Monaco.
An impressive Blue Flag beach, it stretches on for almost 3km and offers plenty of pretty spots for sipping a Sicilian wine and watching the light change colour. Pay a visit to the nearby Tonnara del Secco with its old ruins and tales of gigantic tuna. Take the tender to Bue Marino’s Cove to see why it was awarded the most beautiful cove in Italy. Back on land and there’s a nearby nature reserve to visit to stock up on the sweet scents and sights of flora and fauna.
Macari Beach is situated on the Tyrrhenian coast of Sicily, within the Province of Trapani, and part of the comune of San Vito Lo Capo.
Places of interest nearby include the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro and La Tonnara di Scopello.
Stretching on for a shy 3-kilometres, the Sicilian island of Favignana may be small, but it’s a true treasure in the chest for both charter guests and Italians seeking summer bliss. The dreamscape of Caribbean-inspired blue hues, golden stretches of dusty road, and soaring craggy peaks set the scene for a reclusive hideaway less than 200 miles from Tunisia. Favignana is famed for its fabulous beaches, and Cala Rossa is a must with its calm, sheltered seas and corals. Those craving picture-perfect corners can head for Bue Marino with its atypical Sicilian vibe of locals bronzing on golden rocks with direct access to the cobalt and turquoise green sea. Of course, it comes as no surprise that the foodie scene in Favignana is fabulous. Expect simple yet extremely well-done seafood, pasta, and pizza made with authentic local ingredients. In-between dining and swimming, life is laid back on Favignana but there’s vineyards and museums and bicycle rides to keep you entertained.
The tiniest of the enchanting Egadi Islands, Levanzo is an Italian lullaby of cream coloured houses perched on an electric green blue waterfront dotted with colourful fishing boats. As an island on Sicily’s western coast, there’s a glorious sleepy vibe blending beautifully with the buzz of a small yet tight-knit local fishing scene. There’s one major tourist draw on the island - the Grotta del Genovese. This mysterious cave is home to prehistoric art with some images dating back to over 13000 years ago. When not gazing in awe at the ancient images of marine life and mammals, you can hike the fragrant trails that lead you across hills, woodland, and coastal tracks to the lighthouse. Of course, one of the most enchanting things about Levanzo is its welcoming blue waters - charter guests will find blissful coves and impressive rock stacks.
Nicknamed the secret seaside, Marettimo is the most remote of the Aegadian Islands. Wild and free and full of charm, Marettimo steers clear of the fancy footing that some of the other Italian islands revel in. Instead, it's relatively untouched by tourism and is backdropped by impressive beauty and ruggedness that calls to even the most casual of walkers. The western side of the island is all cool alpines, wild rabbits, and serendipitous sea views while on the northern coast you can see an old Norman castle and a Byzantine chapel. The main town itself takes on a timeless simplicity with blue shuttered buildings, a pieced-together port, a pale pebbled beach, car-free streets, and a tiny collection of bars and restaurants to keep inhabitants well-fed and watered. You instantly feel the pace of life slow down on Marettimo as hours are lost to long meandering walks, cooling swims, and sitting on a bench to enjoy an ice-cream with the locals.
Mondello is a stunning seaside village that is home to one of Sicily's most beautiful beaches. Known for its fine white sands and its electric blue waters, Mondello offers an inspiring setting for a Sicilian getaway. Whether you're soaking up the sun on its white sands or exploring the elegant architectural heritage, Mondello promises a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural discovery.
Marina di Balestrate is located in the middle of the long golden beach that overlooks the Gulf of Castellammare, in the heart of the homonymous and delightful town and overlooking its recently renovated promenade: a real balcony from which to overlook the harbor and the beautiful neighboring beaches such as Forgia and Forgitella, with crystal clear waters and full of life.