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Long sandy beach very empty in mid October. Much better coves for swimming and snorkelling around Scopello. Port area and castle attractive. Plenty of restaurants and supermarkets open, but we did not spend much time shopping

We also stayed in the old part of Castellammare del Golfo. This city is built on the side of a mountain and is very sloped. Everywhere you go is either uphill or downhill from where you start. Getting around was a bit of a challenge for us, but we found that we were fine so long as we took our time and rested when we needed to. Our lodging was on the main road, Garibaldi, and it was a couple blocks uphill from the main pedestrian area. The city itself is full of really old buildings that are in good repair. We weren't far from the places we were most interested in visiting while there, and it was a nice afternoon ramble to get to the castle on the shore that the city is named for. Unfortunately the museum wasn't open the day we were there, but it looks fascinating. We went on a boat tour that took us us along the coast with several stops for swimming at interesting sea caves and gave us a beautiful view of Zingaro national park (which was something we'd never have been able to see otherwise because you can only hike into it from a distant parking lot and we simply wouldn't have been able to manage that). We decided not to swim for a couple of reasons, not least of which was the boat we were in was smaller (maximum of 12 passengers, we had 9) and I was a little concerned we would have a hard time getting up the narrow ladder to get back into the boat after jumping off into the sea. There are many other tour boats out there that are much larger that had more sturdy ladders and do a similar tour route along the coast that it'd be worth looking into if you're big like us. I absolutely do recommend doing a boat tour, though. It was a lovely afternoon out (four hours). If you do book a ride, bring your passport. I forgot mine but fortunately they allowed me to go anyway.

I feel that it had everything. Although it was far too hot for us when we were there, there was a beach within a short drive, and the restaurants were varied and the food was great. At the harbourside, everything was a little more expensive, apart from a street food place, but in the town there were interesting shops and bars. I would certainly go back to this place, but you need to be able to walk up steps and steep streets unless you park at the harbour and stay in the harbour. Getting out of the town is easy enough, but you need your wits about you if you are driving, especially if you aren't used to driving on that side of the road. The one way system takes you through narrow streets and it's easier if you have an automatic car for the steeper areas. The heat can be difficult in the summer if you aren't used to it. We had 36 degrees one day, and I'm sure it was hotter earlier in the summer. I was surprised at the humidity, but this was probably because it was early September. Castellammare del Golfo is a great place if you want to take a boat ride or to hire a boat and there are many places to hire them. It's relatively inexpensive. It's also a great place for a base if you have a car.

I liked how it was more of a beach town. There were still a good amount of tourist in late September and I felt safe alone. There are many shops, restaurants, tours to Scopello and other places. I could have defiantly seen everything in less time but I liked the vibe so much four nights was great.

We were disappointed in this town when we first arrived during the day. We were only staying there to visit the Tonnara di Scopello, which we forgot to buy tickets for so we didn't get to see it. But the town came alive in the evening and we had one of our best meals ever at a restaurant recommended by the hotel receptionist - Egesta Mare. We ended up really enjoying our time here.

Great choice of Restaurants and Bars. The port area is good for walking around. Good cultural events and walking reveals churches and communities. Can hire self drive boats to explore the surrounding sea and coves and snorkelling.