Gulf of Castellammare

It is the last stop on the coast before the train turns inwards towards Trapani .

The largest of the fishing ports in the gulf , Castellammare is entirely enclosed by the surrounding high hills and built on and around a massive rocky promontory protected by the squat Aragonese Castle from which it takes its name .

Under the walls of the toll booth, on the harbor promenade, a series of bars and restaurants face the fishing boats: a nice place to have lunch and pass the time.

At the port there is an irregular sandy beach . The incredible bloody past of Castellammare once earned it one of the worst reputations for mafia crimes in all of Sicily.

This bad story today sounds strange and hard to believe; walking in front of the beautiful buildings interspersed with bars and shops selling beach items, Castellammare seems the most peaceful place in the world, ideal for a few days of relaxation.