When we speak of the sea around Italy, Sicily certainly springs to mind. And when Sicily comes to mind, San Vito Lo Capo immediately does, too. On a far strip of land pointing northward, a holiday in San Vito Lo Capo begins between two nature reserves, the Zingaro Reserve and the Monte Cofano Reserve . With splendid scenic views, this town has experienced unparalleled growth in the tourism sector over the last 20 years. The increase in holiday offers in San Vito Lo Capo has shown the world this corner of paradise, of unspoiled Mediterranean nature.
The town lies near a large expanse of white beach along a jagged coast, and unfurls along the whole promontory on both sides, with numerous sandy and pebbly coves. The boardwalk extends to the right of the town. There are few buildings, but in the summer it enjoys intense foot traffic with tourist comings and goings. The historical centre of the town is the current Santuario , an ancient fortress that has undergone multiple refurbishments over the centuries. The first building, erected around 1300, was a small chapel dedicated to San Vito, a martyr who healed the sick in the name of God. After the fame of the church and the martyr's "miracles" spread due to visits by faithful pilgrims, a need to build fortifications changed its appearance, giving it the form it still has today.
San Vito Lo Capo mainly evokes seaside life, but it has a lot of history, as well. In the south-east there's a pristine corner of the world, perhaps one of the most beautiful in Sicily, the Zingaro Nature Reserve . With a coastline of nearly 7 km shaped by a rocky coast of Mesozoic calcium, its beauty and intense colours are enchanting in every season. Its white coves framed by turquoise sea, its miniature palms, resilient Mediterranean maquis, tenacious olive trees and majestic carob trees harmoniously interweave between farmhouses. Heading towards the eastern part of San Vito, you'll find Scopello , jutting forth from a cliff of red rock facing east and the Gulf of Castellammare . This small fishing village grew up around an ancient 18th-century structure and is the perfect place for a stroll back in time to discover the simple flavours of the local cuisine, ancient trades and life at a slower pace. It's a place with an archaic ambiance that makes Scopello quite unique.
To the south-west, the town of Custonaci is the home of marble. This is where "Sicilian Perlato" is produced, a top "pearly" marble in demand worldwide, and even used in Rome's Saint Peter's Basilica. Custonaci is also famous for its living Nativity Scene. One of the most important in Italy, it is exhibited in the extraordinary Grotta Mangiapane Cave on the slopes of Mount Cofano , a reserve especially known for its complex ecosystem. Covering more than 500 hectares, the reserve houses diverse ecosystems and native vegetation, as well as species such as the famous Mount Cofano hawk.
Looking beyond the coast, you'll see the islands of Pantelleria and the Aegadian Islands , which make up a true natural paradise. The sea, the very essence of San Vito Lo Capo, laps nearly three kilometres of golden sand, beautiful enough to make any tropical paradise envious. Arriving in town by the only access road, you can see the sea even before you come across the first outlying houses. Here the sea floor slowly descends away to the depths. The currents are practically non-existent, which makes the beaches great for those who aren't strong swimmers and ideal for children. For those who prefer cliffs to sand, we recommend the Gulf of Castelluzzo Macari towards the Zingaro Nature Reserve. In the evening you can enjoy strolling along the shoreline, as the beach is well-lit and a stone's throw from the historic centre, to complete a holiday of sea, sun and relaxation. If you are a fan of breathtaking panoramas, there's a scenic road across the plateau, providing a unique view of the town and gulf below.
As in all of Sicily, in San Vito Lo Capo, too, festivals and celebrations have a long history. In late April, there's San Vito Italia , an annual festival uniting all communities bearing the name San Vito, with parades, debates and live music. In mid-June, there's the Festival of San Vito . Here the town celebrates its patron saint, and this is the perfect time to organise a last minute holiday to San Vito Lo Capo . An absolute must-see is the Cous Cous Fest , an International Mediterranean Culture and Food and Wine event, that represents one of the most popular ways to experience this unique dish, rich with ancient aromas.
