FAQ

We have gathered the questions guests ask us most frequently, along with useful information about the local area, transportation, and life in Castellammare del Golfo. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please do not hesitate to contact us; we are entirely at your disposal to help create the stay you deserve.

9 Apartments

Complete privacy and independence

In the historic center

A stone's throw from the sea

ACCOMMODATION AND LOCATION

The Charming Apartments are set in the elegant Domus Mariae townhouse, at Corso Bernardo Mattarella 29, right in the heart of Castellammare del Golfo’s historic centre, opposite the Town Hall. The location is just a few steps from the harbour, the public gardens (Villa Comunale) and the pedestrian streets that form the beating heart of the town.

The nearest free public beach is Cala Petrolo, just 250 metres from the apartments, reachable in a few minutes on foot walking down from the historic centre. A little further, 1.9 km away and reachable by the bus that connects the town centre with the railway station, lies the long stretch of Playa, one of the most beloved beaches along the coast. At 300 metres you will also find Cala Marina, the picturesque tourist harbour overlooked by the majestic Arab-Norman Castle.

We provide private parking reserved exclusively for our guests, located 300 metres from the apartments. Alternatively, on-street public parking (paid, blue-line zones) is available in the streets of the historic centre — spaces cannot be booked in advance and are on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend, whenever possible, leaving your car at the reserved parking area: the historic centre is largely pedestrian and best experienced on foot.

Yes. Corso Bernardo Mattarella and the surrounding streets host pharmacies, ATMs, banks, grocery shops, newsagents and small local stores. The best-stocked supermarkets are a short distance away. For any specific need, we are here to provide personalised recommendations at check-in.

GETTING HERE AND GETTING AROUND

Castellammare del Golfo is about 50 km from Palermo Falcone e Borsellino Airport (Punta Raisi) and about 59 km from Trapani Birgi Vincenzo Florio Airport. From Palermo Punta Raisi you can reach us by car via the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo motorway, taking the Castellammare del Golfo exit (about 30-40 minutes). Scheduled bus services and private transfers are also available. From Trapani Birgi the journey by car takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

The Castellammare del Golfo railway station is located in Contrada Magazzinazzi (SS 187), within the municipal territory of Alcamo, approximately 4.8 km from the historic centre and therefore from our apartments. It is served by the regional Trenitalia Palermo-Trapani line. To reach the centre from the station we recommend the public bus or a taxi (to be booked in advance); we are happy to provide you with the contacts of our trusted taxi drivers. On request, we can also arrange a dedicated transfer.

It is not essential, but it can be convenient. The historic centre, the harbour and the main beaches are all within walking distance. Just 20 metres from the apartments you’ll find the bus stop connecting Castellammare to Scopello, the Zingaro Nature Reserve, San Vito Lo Capo, Alcamo and other places of interest. However, if you plan frequent excursions into the Sicilian inland (Segesta, Erice, Selinunte, Marsala) or wish to enjoy maximum flexibility with timings, your own car or a rental is the most practical choice.

These are two of the unmissable destinations in the area. By car, Scopello is about 10 km away and the Zingaro Nature Reserve (south entrance, Contrada Cala Mazzo di Sciacca) about 15 km. By public transport, the Russo bus line departs from the stop 20 metres from the apartments and connects Castellammare regularly with Scopello. Alternatively, the most spectacular way to reach the Reserve is by sea: daily boat and catamaran tours depart from the harbour of Castellammare, allowing you to admire the coast from its most beautiful vantage point and to swim in the coves.

EXPERIENCING CASTELLAMMARE

Absolutely yes. It is one of the most family-friendly destinations in western Sicily. The beaches (Cala Petrolo and Playa) offer shallow waters and fine sand, ideal for younger children. The historic centre is largely pedestrian, safe and lively, with ice-cream parlours, pastry shops and boutiques that make evening strolls a pleasure. The tourist harbour offers activities suited to all ages, from boat trips to excursions to coves and sea caves. The local gastronomy is also very family-oriented, with children’s menus available at most restaurants.

Castellammare del Golfo is a first-class gastronomic destination, with dozens of restaurants, trattorias, pizzerias, tavole calde and seafood venues spread across the historic centre, the seafront and the harbour area. The local cuisine is deeply tied to the sea — bluefish, tuna, sea urchins, red prawns, seafood couscous — and to the Sicilian rural tradition, with pane cunzato, arancine, caponata, cassatelle and cannoli. There is no shortage of Neapolitan and Sicilian pizzerias, contemporary cuisine and aperitivo spots with sea views. A short walk from the apartments will lead you to options for every budget and occasion, from a romantic dinner to a family-run trattoria.

The Castellammare coast offers a remarkable variety of seascapes. In the centre you’ll find free public beaches with fine sand such as Cala Petrolo and Playa. Heading west towards Scopello and Zingaro, the coastline becomes rocky and rugged, dotted with coves of crystal-clear waters: Cala Bianca, Cala Rossa, Cala Mazzo di Sciacca and the celebrated faraglioni of Scopello. The Zingaro Nature Reserve is home to seven wild coves accessible only on foot or by sea (Cala dell’Uzzo, Cala Capreria and Cala Marinella, among others), counted among the most beautiful in Sicily. You’ll find both equipped beach clubs with paid facilities and free public beaches with unrestricted access.

Yes, the harbour of Castellammare del Golfo offers a wide choice of rentals. Several operators provide boats and dinghies with or without a boating licence, with or without a skipper, for half-day or full-day trips. The most sought-after destinations are the Zingaro Nature Reserve, the faraglioni of Scopello, the sea caves (Grotta della Vucciria, Grotta delle Colombe, Grotta degli Innamorati) and San Vito Lo Capo. Prices start indicatively from €80-100 for a half-day in low season and rise in high season. On request, we are happy to point you towards the trusted operators we regularly work with and to help you with the booking.

Plenty. The Zingaro Nature Reserve offers hiking trails of varying difficulty between Mediterranean maquis and sea. The Monte Inici area and the Trapani Mountains are ideal for excursions and mountain biking. Underwater, the coast is a paradise for snorkelling and diving, with rich seabeds and excellent visibility. The harbour hosts sailing schools and sea kayak centres. There are also beach volleyball courts on Playa beach and family activities such as mini-golf and water parks reachable by car.

EVENTS AND CULTURE

Summer in Castellammare del Golfo is rich in appointments blending religious tradition, culture and entertainment. Among the most significant:

  • Feast of the Madonna del Soccorso (19-20-21 August) — the patronal feast is the most intense moment of the year. On 19 August the evocative Procession by Sea takes place: the simulacrum of the Virgin is carried by the fishermen on a boat adorned for the celebration and accompanied by hundreds of boats lit by thousands of lanterns. On 21 August the Procession on Land closes the festivities with chants in the local Castellammare dialect and spectacular fireworks.
  • Historical Re-enactment of the 1718 Battle (13 July, every other year) — a costumed pageant reviving the historic naval battle between the English and Spanish fleets that took place in the waters facing the Castle, culminating in the apparition of the Madonna del Soccorso who, according to tradition, saved the town. Fireworks and dramatic staging on the sea.
  • Feast of the Madonna della Scala (8 September) — an ancient celebration linked to the sanctuary on the mountain overlooking the gulf, featuring the traditional serving of pasta with broad beans and the ciacculata (evening torchlight procession).
  • Estate a Castellammare summer programme — the Municipality and the Pro Loco organise a rich calendar of concerts, performances, book presentations, food festivals, sporting events and themed evenings in Piazza Petrolo, Piazza Castello and along the harbour.
  • Cous Cous Fest in San Vito Lo Capo (late September) — about 40 km away, this international festival of Mediterranean cuisine features free concerts and chefs from around the world, easily reached in a day trip.

The full up-to-date calendar is published every year by the Municipality of Castellammare del Golfo and the Pro Loco: at the time of booking we can send you the events scheduled during your stay.

A selection of unmissable highlights, all within easy reach of the apartments:

  • The Arab-Norman Castle overlooking Cala Marina — built by the Arabs in the 11th century and expanded by the Normans, it now houses the Annali della Cultura del Mare Museum.
  • The historic centre with its alleys, churches and stately buildings.
  • The Tonnara and the faraglioni of Scopello, one of the most photographed views in Sicily.
  • The Zingaro Nature Reserve, the first nature reserve ever established in Sicily (1981).
  • The archaeological site of Segesta with its Doric Temple and Greek Theatre (about 25 km).
  • Erice, a medieval hilltop village with breathtaking views (about 55 km).
  • San Vito Lo Capo with its white-sand beach and lighthouse (about 40 km).

ON-SITE SERVICES

Yes, high-speed fibre wi-fi is included in all apartments. The coverage is designed to guarantee optimal performance both for entertainment (streaming, video calls) and for remote work. The apartments are equipped with a desk or work-friendly surface for those who wish to combine holiday and work.

No, we do not accept pets. For any specific need, we invite you to contact us before booking so we can explore the best solution together.

Check-in is available from 3:00 PM on the day of arrival. At the time of booking we will send you all the instructions to reach the apartments and to handle the practical aspects of check-in. If your arrival is expected at unusual hours, please contact us in advance: we will always do our best to meet your needs.

In accordance with current regulations, all guests (adults and minors) must present a valid ID document at check-in, to comply with the registration requirements with the Public Security Authority. The procedure is quick and does not affect the rest of the check-in experience.

HAVEN'T FOUND THE ANSWER YOU WERE LOOKING FOR?

We are fully at your disposal. Please contact us with any question, special request or specific need: we will reply as soon as possible and we will go the extra mile — and then some — to make your stay in Castellammare del Golfo truly unforgettable.

+39 335 6497654

info@castmare.it

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