San Vito Lo Capo, Trapani

The small town of San Vito Lo Capo rests in a valley between some spectacular mountains and hosts a beautiful beach, popular with local holidaymakers. The centre of San Vito Lo Capo has many eateries for the beachgoers. One of the specialities are bread rolls with a chick pea flower croquette “Pane e panelle” and is typical street food of the area. San Vito Lo Capo holds three main events throughout the summer. The International Kite Festival is held in May. The Summer Music Festival in July has been known to attract upto 70,000 visitors. In September, chefs from Africa, France, Italy compete for the prize-winning couscous during the “Couscous Fest”. This event has become a popular multicultural feast peppered with music and dance.

The mountains are popular with climbers and the nearby nature reserve, Riserva dello Zingaro, is one of the most important in Sicily and worth a visit.

The beaches in this area are of coral origins resulting in fine white sand. Tripadvisor has crowned these beaches as the best in Italy and the sea has been awarded 5 blue sails by “Legambiente” as one of the cleanest waters in Italy.

Other areas worth exploring are the medieval hilltop towns of Erice, the fishing villages of Scopello and Castellammare del Golfo. The solitary Greek Temple of Segesta is of indescribable beauty.

Further afield are the cities of Trapani and Sicily’s capital, Palermo. If you are passionate about the history of the Mafia, you are a car journey away from its birthplace and origin at Lago di Jato and Corleone.