The seaside town of San Vito Lo Capo is blessed with a gorgeous crescent-shaped bay set against the backdrop of Mount Monaco. A haven for sun seekers, nature lovers and food enthusiasts, San Vito Lo Capo offers hiking along dramatic coastal cliffs, diving among Roman ruins and fresh seafood dinners on the beach.

Things to do

San Vito Lo Capo is best known for its three-kilometre-long golden beach fringed by palm trees and a paved boardwalk. There are rows of beachside bars and restaurants to grab a granita or cure a craving for San Vito seafood, like the lively Sea Garden or local favourite Dal Cazzaro.

Wander along the narrow streets of the old town, where former fishing huts have been transformed into handicraft stalls, traditional trattorias and gelatarias. Don’t miss the Arab-Norman San Vito Sanctuary, a fortress-like church housing a beautiful marble statue. Bianconiglio is a popular pavement wine bar for soaking up the scenery, especially during the September Cous Cous Festival.

For incredible views of the Gulf of Castellammare, trek to the summit of Monte Monaco. The three-kilometre trail has been used by farmers and shepherds for centuries and is a comfortable two-hour round-trip walk. More seasoned hikers can head south-west of San Vito Lo Capo to tackle the daring heights of Monte Cofano, a limestone promontory popular among rock climbers.

Solitude and wilderness await those who venture into the Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve, just 10 kilometres south-east of San Vito. Wander along the stunning coastal trails overlooking the azure blue sea and gorgeous rocky coves, before descending to one of the pebbled beaches, like Cala della Disa.

Getting around

San Vito Lo Capo is easily accessed from Palermo and Trapani via a bus or car journey along the Palermo-Trapani motorway. The closest airports are Birgi Airport in Trapani and Falcone-Borsellino Airport in Palermo.