Tourists flock to the sandy beaches and crystal clear seas of San Vito Lo Capo in northern Sicily for a spot of relaxation and to recharge. But, if you fancy stretching your legs a little more and exploring what this picturesque Italian town has to offer, here are a few ideas to help get your wanderlust on.
1. Zingaro Nature Reserve
With landscapes varying from perilous looking cliff faces, sapphire blue seas, abundant wildflowers and deserted pebble beaches, this protected park encompasses everything beautiful you could hope to find in Sicily.
Extending between San Vito Lo Capo to Scopello, this is the perfect place to take the family for an afternoon of adventure, as kids get in for free - but remember to bring some sensible footwear.
Zingaro Nature Reserve
Address: 91014 Castellammare del Golfo Province of Trapani, Italy
2. Get your couscous on with the town's annual Couscous Festival
If you’re visiting the town in September, why not pay homage to your favourite grain, with the yearly Couscous Festival? Chefs from around the world have been coming here since 1998, to demonstrate the varied tastes and uses of couscous, as well as to compete against one another. With live performances every night, this festival is not just about food, it’s a cultural gathering that unites people around a shared love for couscous and a good time. Tickets to the festival cost €10, which gets you a portion of couscous, a glass of wine and a traditional Sicilian dessert.
If couscous isn’t your bag, consider one of the many other festivals that the town is known for, such as the Climbing Festival in October or the Kite Festival in May.
Couscous Festival
Website: Couscous Festival)
3. Enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many excellent restaurants
Like many places in Sicily, San Vito Lo Capo boasts a number of excellent restaurants with a mouthwatering selection of fresh seafood, crisp pizza and homemade pasta. Take some time to try some of the delicious food that the town has to offer. Try some signature couscous at Al Ritrovo or sample a creative twist on Sicilian food at Syráh.
Al Ritrovo Hotel Ristorante
Address: Viale C. Colombo, 314, 91010 Castelluzzo, San Vito Lo Capo TP, Italy
Website: Al Ritrovo Hotel Ristorante
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4. Make the most of the town's stunning beach
Voted Italy’s Best Beach in 2011 and 2012 by the Traveller’s Choice Awards, you’d be crazy to visit San Vito Lo Capo without visiting the amazing beaches it has to offer. The white sand and bright blue seas that run the length of the three-kilometre coastline are hard to resist. Whether you want to top up the tan with a little sunbathing or make a splash with some sea swimming, San Vito Lo Capo has got you covered.
Spiaggia Di San Vito Lo Capo
Address: Via Secca, 63, 91010 San Vito Lo Capo TP, Italy
5. Soak up some culture at Ancient Segesta
If you fancy engaging your brain and learning a little about the history of the area, the ruins of the ancient city of Segesta are a great option. With the temple of Doric providing the focal point in the city as one of the most well preserved Greek temples in the world, it is almost paradoxical that it was never actually finished. One interesting and widely accepted theory for this is that the Segestans began building it to deceive the Athenians into thinking they were wealthier than they really were, so they would become their allies. Once their guests left, construction was never completed. Nevertheless, the temple is still imposing in its grandeur and well worth a visit.
The ancient city is an hour drive from San Vito Lo Capo and there is free parking once you get there. At this point, the temple is only a five-minute walk and then you can either take the shuttle bus to the amphitheatre for €1.50 or make the 20-minute walk on foot, for free.
Ancient Segasta
Website: Ancient Segesta
6. Explore the area by bike
With daily hire rates from €7, a bike is an ideal way to see large amounts of the spectacular views and landscapes of San Vito Lo Capo. With a variety of bike routes for differing abilities, anyone can enjoy the Sicilian coastline this way.
Bike rental in San Vito Lo Capo
Address: Via Secca, 91010 San Vito Lo Capo TP, Italy
Website: Affitta Ombrelloni San Vito Bikes
7. Island hop around the Egadi Islands
What trip to Sicily would be complete without a boat trip through crystal clear waters? Egadi is made up of three islands; Favignana, known for relaxing settings and cheap wine, the beautiful Levanzo, complete with prehistoric cave paintings and Marettimo, perfect for diving and a little peace and quiet. You can choose to make a day of visiting all three or settle on one specific destination. Either way, there’s something here to suit everyone.
Egadi Escursioni
Address: Via Ammiraglio Staiti, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy
Website: Egadi Escursioni
8. Day trip to the cove in Scopello
A small village on the other side of the Zingaro Nature Reserve, Scopello boasts the stunning Tonnara di Scopello, a scenic cove that can be seen from the village. You may recognise this shoreline from films such as Ocean’s Twelve and Inspector Montalbano. Be prepared to pay if you want to go down into the cove, as the newfound fame has raised prices dramatically.
Scopello Cove
Website: Scopello
9. Get adventurous!
With its varied and impressive landscape, San Vito Lo Capo has an array of adventurous activities for whatever your tastes in adrenaline may be. Why not try your hand at stand up paddle boarding, soak up the sea views whilst kayaking or spot some fish whilst diving? The area has a hike for every skill set and locals love climbing so much they hold a four-day festival in honour of it every October.
SUP Center San Vito Lo Capo - SUPrising
Address: Via Litoranea SNC | Accanto Peppi’s Center, 91010, San Vito lo Capo, Sicily, Italy
Facebook: SUP Center San Vito Lo Capo - SUPrising
10. Visit the fishing town of Castellammare del Golfo and eat some fresh seafood
Less than an hour’s drive from San Vito Lo Capo, this seaside town boasts a picturesque citadel and a traditional fishing port. For this reason, it’s the perfect place to come for a little change of scenery and to make the most of the day’s freshest catches.
Castellammare del Golfo
Website: Castellammare del Golfo
Relaxation
So, whether your perfect holiday is relaxing on a beach, eating great food, soaking up local culture or getting your adrenaline fix, San Vito Lo Capo has something to satisfy every urge for fun.