Alcamo

When to go

Alcamo is practically full of opportunities all the year round: in winter you can take advantage of Christmas events to visit the monuments in the town centre and the places of its "movida" (pubs, bars and pizzerias in particular), while in summer it is possible to walk along the promenade full of very good pizzerias too.
It is also a good idea to visit the town in June so you can take part in the celebrations in honour of Madonna of Miracles (Most Holy Mary of Miracles) or in spring if you wish to take advantage of the mild climate and visit the Nature Reserve and the ancient ruins on Mount Bonifato.

History

Though people think that Alcamo were founded by Arabs during the Middle Ages, the excavations in the surrounding territory confirm that there were already settlements near the present town in prehistoric times. Before the arrival of Arabs there were two villages: the first one, Longuro, was on Mount Bonifato, while the second, called Longarico, was near the present built-up areas.
When the Arabs arrived at the village, they saw it was semi-desert and so they founded Alcamo which was settled by Muslims. Afterwards the town passed under the dominion of Normans and Swabians. In time the old mosques were substituted by Catholic churches and only the ancient Arab fountain, still running, and the name of the town, whose meaning is uncertain, remained.
The built-up areas became a well fortified feud thanks to the construction of the Castle of the Counts of Modica and the walls surrounding the present town centre.
In the following centuries Alcamo progressively developed from the cultural point of view, both for literature (whose most important representative is the poet Cielo d’Alcamo) and the artistic production; in fact there are very important sculptures and paintings inside its churches, especially in the Cathedral (Chiesa Madre) where an art museum has been opened in order to collect some of these masterpieces.

Districts

Owing to its particular geographical position (with Mount Bonifato in the south and the Gulf of Castellammare in the north) a lot of streets have an inclination from the mountain, in the south, towards the sea, in the north. Mount Bonifato and the coastline are also two excellent points of reference because they can be seen from any place in town.
Corso 6 Aprile is very important: it is known by its citizens as “il Corso”(or lu Cassaru in dialect). This main street starts from The Church of Madonna of Graces (Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie, called "Munna 'Razia" in dialect) and finishes at Porta Palermo; on the way you will also pass the Saints Paul and Bartholomew’s baroque church with its rich interior and Piazza Ciullo, which is full of young people at night.
In Piazza Ciullo (called “the Square” or “la Chiazza” in dialect), you can see the Town Hall, the Church of the Jesuits' College (Chiesa del Collegio) which is in the middle of the square and has a big round clock, Saint Olivia’s Church, restaurants and sandwich bars. Going towards Chiesa del Collegio and turning on the left, you will arrive at Piazza della Repubblica, where you can admire the Castle of Counts of Modica and find also a large free car park.
Near Piazza Ciullo the main street (Corso) has a sudden narrowing: starting from this point it is called the “Narrow Corso” (“Cassaru Strittu" in dialect). The Cathedral (Chiesa Madre) is here; if you go straight on you will reach the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi and finally the end of the Main Street coinciding with Porta Palermo which opens on Piazza Bagolino, called the "Bastione" (or "lu Bastiuni"in dialect) owing to its high walls of defence surrounding the square. This is delimited by a sidewalk from where you can admire, above all at sunset, a very striking view together with the coastline of Alcamo Marina. Going down Piazza Bagolino, after two turnings, you get to a large square where you can admire the ancient Arab fountain. On its right there is a paved pathway leading to the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Mary of Miracles, which can be reached on foot through this paved road, or by car through a narrow street nearby.
Starting from Piazza Pittore Renda (Munna 'Razia), with Corso 6 Aprile behind, you can go round a roundabout (with the small Church of Our Lady of Graces in its middle) and arrive at Viale Italia which ends with another roundabout (known as "La Rotonda" par excellence). If you go left you will get to Viale Europa where there are several interesting bars in which it is possible to taste some typical local recipes. By taking one of the left streets (Via Monte Bonifato in particular) you will arrive at the Nature Reserve on Mount Bonifato, while if you go ahead you will get to a crossroads and by turning left you will first meet the Church of Saint Mary of Jesus (Chiesa di Santa Maria di Gesù) and then a small roundabout with a statue of Saint Francis in the middle.
From this roundabout you can go to Piazza Bagolino (by turning right and through Via Florio) and to Piazza della Repubblica turning on the left.

Tourist information

• Tourist's Office and URP (Citizens' Relations Office)

  phone: +39 092 459 0219, +39 092 450 1849
  address: Corso 6 Aprile,60

By plane

• Palermo-Punta Raisi Airport

  phone: +39 0917020273
  You can reach Alcamo, at about 42 km, through the A29 Motorway (towards Trapani, junction for Alcamo Est). The airport is linked by train or shuttle bus to Alcamo. You can get the Balestrate-Italia train going from Punta Raisi to Castellammare del Golfo railway station. From this airport there are home and international flights and several low cost connections; many touristic and charter flights in summer.

• Trapani-Birgi Airport

  phone: +39 0923 610111
  address: contrada Birgi, Trapani
  You can arrive to Alcamo through the A29 Motorway Trapani-Punta Raisi and going out at the junction for Alcamo. Shuttle bus services are carried out by Terravision and Salemi for Trapani and Palermo. From and to Trapani Birgi there are home, European and "low cost" flights. Seasonal touristic flights also in summer.

There are also taxi and shuttle bus services from Palermo and Trapani airports as far as Alcamo (for information phone: Gabellone Viaggi e turismo, Viale Italia, 31, phone: +39 0924 505955).

By ship

• Grandi Navi Veloci

  phone: +39 010 2094591

• Linea Tirrenia

  phone: +39 0923 545433

• Linea Grimaldi

  phone: +39 0923 542470

• Linea Ustica Lines

  phone: +39 0923 873813

• Siremar

  phone: +39 0923 24968

• Traghetti delle Isole

  phone: +39 0923 22467

• Ustica Lines

  phone: +39 0923 873813

By car

From Palermo you can reach Alcamo by taking the Autostrada A-29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo (Motorway) as far as the junction Alcamo Est (about 64 km).
From Trapani by taking the Autostrada A-29 towards Palermo and as far as the motorway junction Alcamo Ovest (about 52 km).
Between the junction Alcamo Est and Alcamo Ovest there is another motorway junction for the neighbouring town of Castellammare del Golfo.
These motorways have two lanes and an emergency carriageway; people don't have to pay any toll but there are no petrol stations on the motorways themselves. However, you can refuel in the towns near the motorways.

By train

The nearest railway stations are Alcamo Diramazione (at about 7 km from the town, near the junction Alcamo ovest) and the station of Castellammare del Golfo (located at Alcamo Marina, about 9 km from the town centre).

By bus

• AST

  phone: +39 0923 21021, +39 0923 872939
  address: via Virgilio, 20 Trapani

• Atlassib

  phone: +39 0924 515561
  address: Via Mazzini,22 Alcamo

• Autoservizi Lumia

  phone: +39 0922 20414

• Autoservizi Salemi

  phone: +39 0923 981120
  address: Via Salemi, 97 Marsala

• FlixbusBuses from Rome, Puglia, Basilicata and Villa San Giovanni

• Segesta autolinee

  phone: +39 091 346376, +39 06 164 160 (Call center)
  address: Via Libertà, 171, Palermo
  Bus service from Palermo, Trapani, Partinico and Terrasini.

• Tarantola bus

  phone: +39 0924 31020
  address: Via Marina Petrolo, 16 Castellammare del Golfo
  Buses from nearby Castellammare del Golfo, Calatafimi-Segesta and Vita.

In the town centre you can easily move on foot, leaving the car in the large free car parks at Piazza Bagolino and Piazza della Repubblica. If you want to visit the near hamlet of Alcamo Marina or the Nature Reserve on Monte Bonifato, it is possible to use a taxi or car rent services. As you arrive inside the Nature Reserve you have to leave your vehicle in the car park at the entrance of the Reserve (next to Funtanazza and the picnic area) and go on foot if you want to visit the ruins of the Ventimiglia Castle, the Sanctuary of Most Holy Mary from the Height and the remains of the old settlement.

By taxi

• Io guido

  phone: + 38848 810000 (extra charge)
  address: Piazza Bagolino
  Car-sharing: one-way or standard bookings. With access to ZTL areas and no limits to antipollution measure, free parking on blue areas, authorized to transit in the lanes reserved to public transport.

• Noleggio Pullman Reginella

  phone: +39 0924 23335, +39 360 439620
  Town bus service and for Alcamo Marina and the railway station.

Taxi :

• Agosta.info transfer Ncc Low cost

  phone: +39 333 482 4148
  address: Via Corrado Avolio,12

• Taxi Transfer Gaetano Bonventre

  phone: +39 339 3014593
  address: Via Magarotto, 2 (Corso dei Mille, left turning)
  Taxi Transfer Gaetano Bonventre
  
  Indirizzo: Via Antonio Magarotto, 2, 91011 Alcamo TP
  
  Telefono: 339 301 4593

• Nstonline Taxi & Transfer

  phone: +39 339 409 8743
  address: Contrada Foce Molinello, 844
  Taxi, shuttle service to and from Trapani Birgi Airport and San Vito Lo Capo.

• Serviziotaxi

  phone: +39 3388379569
  address: Piazza della Repubblica, 104

• Taxi Service di Massimo Catania

  phone: +39 339 2341981, +39 328 6876416
  address: Via Giorgio La Pira,20

• Taxi Service Trasfert di Sandro Carrara

  phone: +39 338 639 0445
  address: Via Giacomo Serpott, 26
  Car rental with driver. Airports, hospital and other services by arrangement.

By car

Car rental service:

• Autonoleggio del Golfo

  phone: +39 0924 531871 (sede), +39 338 2208282 (Ezio)
  address: Stazione Ferroviaria di Castellammare del Golfo

• Gabellone Tatiana Trasporti

  phone: +39 0924 505955, +39 0924 529549, +39 335 7858357
  address: Viale Italia, 61

• LPR rent a car

  phone: +39 328 3149022
  address: Corso dei Mille, 153

• Noleggio Pullman Reginella

  phone: +39 0924 23132, +39 388 8987 413, +39 338 2185 710, +39 360 439620
  address: Via Domenico La Bruna,18
  Bus and minibus.

Arab buildings

• Arab fountain

  address: Via Discesa Santuario
  It is an ancient structure still working, built during the period of Arab rule.

• Arab Watchtower

  address: Corso 6 Aprile
  Ancient watchtower built by Saracens at about 980 AD. Inside it there are a characteristic stone winding staircase with 85 steps and a big water cistern.

• Funtanazza

  address: On Mount Bonifato
  A very old architectonic work which was probably used as a water reservoir, but according to some people it was a thermal plant. It has a rectangular plan with pillars sustaining a barrel vault, similar to the Moorish fountains of the northern coasts in Africa.

Castles

• The Castle of the Counts of Modica

  phone: +39 0924 22915
  address: Piazza della Repubblica,12
  Probably built in the 14th or 15th century by the Peralta family and then completed by the feudatories Enrico and Federico Chiaromonte. In 1535 the emperor Charles V lodged here. It was a possession of the Cabreras and then of the Counts of Modica, until 1812. Later, during the Italian Kingdom and until 1960, it was used as a prison. It has a rhomboidal shape, with four towers: two quadrangular ones at the corners and the other two are connected by curtains and are cylindrical. In each tower there was a torture room for prisoners, the rooms for sentinels and for passing guest sovereigns. One of the particular characteristics of the castle is given by the thick walls which bound it and that in old times defended from enemies' attacks extremely well.

• Castle of VentimigliaA medieval castle and today there are only some parts of the walls, the primary tower and the dungeons. It took the name from Enrico Ventimiglia, who declared he had built it only for defence, though according to some interpretations, it would date back to an anterior period.

• The Castle of CalatuboA fortress built in the early Middle Ages. The homonymous village of Calatubo stood nearby and its commerce was based on the exportation of cereals and millstones. In the same place there is an old necropolis dating back to the 6th century BC.

Other historical buildings

There are several historical civil buildings in Alcamo:

• Casa De Ballis

  address: Via Mariano De Ballis
  It was built in the 16th century and it has a square tower with battlements, adorned with a round arch that contains two windows, one twin lancet and one triple lancet; probably designed in 1490 by brothers Tommaso and Pietro Oddo.

• Pia Opera Pastore

  address: Via Pia Opera Pastore
  It was designed by the architect Giovan Battista Palazzotto in 1872;

• Palazzo Fraccia

  address: Via XI Febbraio,8
  In baroque style it was built at about the year 1700. Above the balcony there is the family coat of arms: an injured heart surmounted by a crown.

• Palazzo Rocca

  address: Corso VI Aprile
  It was built about the year 1629. Its portals and brackets are made with carved stones.

• Palazzo Rossotti-Chiarelli

  address: via Rossotti,30
  Built in the 18th century, it has a portal, railings and balconies in a baroque style.

• Palazzo Peria

  address: corso VI Aprile
  Built in about the year 1700; this palace has two floors and it has been restored with the Livigni method.

• Palazzo Di Gregorio

  address: via Dante
  It was built about the 17th century in a neo-classical style.

• Palazzo Patti

  address: Piazza Ciullo
  Built in the 18th century.

• Town Hall (Palazzo Comunale)

  address: Piazza Ciullo
  Built in 1843 in neoclassic style.

• Palazzo Ferrara

  address: via Francesco Crispi
  Built in 1909 in classical style.

• Palazzo Pastore

  address: corso VI Aprile
  It was built at the end of the 18th century in neoclassic style.

• Villa Luisa

  address: Via Rossotti
  built in 1903.

Museums

• Sacred Art Museum

  phone: +39 0924 21578
  address: Corso 6 Aprile

• Ethnic, agricultural, pastoral and craftmanship museum

  phone: +39 0924 22915
  address: Piazza Castello

• Museum of Multiethnic Musical Instruments "Fausto Cannone"

  address: Via Commendatore Navarra,75
  There are 202 musical instruments: rebab, sarinda, gansira, swarpeti, bansuri, takita, marambao, vojnica, iakir and many others collected all over the world by the music teacher Fausto Cannone from Alcamo; there are instruments and sounds coming from different peoples: from Thailand to Tibet, from New Guinea to South America, from Polynesia to China, from Australia to Argentina, South Africa and various European countries.

• Museum of Contemporary Art

  phone: +39 0924 24592
  address: Piazza Ciullo

Natural areas

• The Nature Oriented Reserve

  phone: +39 0924 202626
  address: Via Monte per Monte Bonifato
  A protected area on Mount Bonifato with remarkable natural, historical, archeological and geological interest. Inside it there are the ruins of an ancient hamlet (among which are "Funtanazza" and "Porta Regina"), the remains of the Castle of the Ventimiglia and the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Mary from the Heights (Santuario della Madonna dell'Alto). You can also use a picnic area near the “Funtanazza”. They carry out several and different activities in the reserve such as Nordic walking, mountain biking, trekking, birdwatching, and creative and didactic research.

• Parco Suburbano San Francesco

  phone: +39 320 8598098
  address: Piazza Bagolino
  The park is managed by the Association "Laurus" of Alcamo. Thanks to its volunteers, this green lung with hundreds of plants of the Mediterranean flora, gives the chance to children and adults to relax in the middle of its green. Inside there are a children's playground and a small zoo farm.

Churches

• Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta

  phone: +39 0924 21578
  address: Piazza IV Novembre, 2
  Realized during the 14th century and rebuilt in 1669; the portal and the bell tower are the only remains from the original church of the 14th century. I t is located in the centre of the town, near piazza Ciullo. The interior contains frescoes by Guglielmo Borremans. In the apse and in the side chapels there are works by Antonello Gagini,

• Church of Saint Francis of Assisi

  phone: +39 0924 22397
  address: Corso 6 Aprile, 2
  It was built between the years 1224-1226, demolished and rebuilt between 1608-1648. Inside it there are a marble ancon, probably by Domenico Gagini, and two sculptures reproducing the Maddalena and Saint Mark, both ascribed to Antonello Gagini.

• Church of the College of Jesuits

  address: Piazza Ciullo
  It was built between 1684-1767.

• Church of Saint Olivia

  address: Piazza Ciullo
  It was built in 1533 and renovated in 1724. Inside there are a picture by Pietro Novelli on the main altar ("Sacrificio della Messa" dated 1639) and works by the Gagini.

• Church of Saints Paul and Bartholomew

  address: Corso VI Aprile, 183
  Built between 1615 and 1689: it has got characteristic baroque features and holds a very ancient and valuable picture, the Madonna del Miele (made about the year 1300).

• Church of Saint Mary of Jesus

  address: Piano Santa Maria, 28
  Built in the 15th century and enlarged in 1762. It holds the body of Beato Arcangelo Piacentini from Calatafimi.

• Sanctuary of Madonna of Miracles

  address: Via Massimiliano Kolbe
  It was built in 1547.

• Church of Saint Thomas

  address: Corso VI Aprile, 31
  The date of its construction is uncertain, probably the first half of the 15th century. It is faced by a great portal with geometrical decorations.

• The Convent of Saint Francis of Paola

  address: Via Commendatore Navarra
  Not to be confused with the church of the same name, it was built in 1531, demolished in 1699 and rebuilt in the first half of the 18th century. There are a picture by Pietro Novelli and some allegorical representations by Giacomo Serpotta.

• Saints Cosma and Damiano's Church

  address: Corso 6 Aprile
  Built in 1500 and rebuilt between 1721-1725.It has a baroque style and inside there are two sculptures by Serpotta.

• Church of the Annunciation

  address: Piazza Libertà
  Built in the 14th century, it was rebuilt in 16th and 17th centuries but collapsed in 1866.

• Church of Saint Francis of Paola

  address: Via Francesco Crispi
  Built in 1550.

• Church of Saint Anne

  address: piazza Padre Pio
  Built between 1630-1634.

• Church of the Guardian Angel or Sheltered People

  address: Corso 6 Aprile
  Built in 1647.

• The Holy Trinity's Church

  address: Piazza Trinità, near Piazza della Repubblica
  Built between 1746 and 1757.

• Church of the Holy Souls in Purgatory

  address: Via Anime Sante
  Built in 1813, demolished and rebuilt in 1958.

• The Holy Heart's Church

  address: Viale Europa, opposite Bis Bar
  Quite recent: it was built in 1967.

• Church of Jesus Christ the Redeemer

  phone: +39 0924 514842, +39 0924 082438
  address: via Kennedy, 128
  Built in 2006. It is the most recent church in Alcamo; there are three original works realized by the sculptor Massimiliano Apicella: Jesus Christ the Redeemer, the altar made with Carrara white marble and the red marble ambo.

• Ex College of Jesuits

  address: Piazza Ciullo
  Built in the 17th century, in the 18th century they added an arcade.

• Church of the Holy Family.

  address: Piazza Ciullo

• Church of Saint Joseph the Worker

  address: Via Monte Bonifato
  Built in 1947, thanks to the great work made by the first parish priest Padre Palumbo.

• Associazione Culturale Musikè

  phone: +39 3328 285 0926
  address: Via Mariano De Ballis, 25
  Exhibitions, concerts, courses of music and singing; they also organize dinners and guided visits to the Palazzo de Ballis and its tower.

• Associazione Laurus

  phone: +39 3208598098
  address: Via per Monte Bonifato,102
  Guided tours by bike, on foot, trekking: Castle of Calatubo, Mount Bonifato, Alcamo Town Centre.

• Centro Congressi Marconi

  phone: +39 0924 21920
  address: Corso 6 Aprile,119
  Classical music concerts, meetings and exhibitions.

• Centro Ippico Lo Sperone

  phone: +39 0924 26638
  address: Contrada Sasi
  Restaurant and riding school.

• Cinema Esperia

  phone: +39 0924 21766
  address: Corso 6 Aprile,19
  There is a hall with comfortable seats on two levels (the stalls on the ground floor and the balcony on the first floor).

• Cittadella dei Giovani e Anfiteatro Orto di Ballo

  address: Via Ugo Foscolo

• Civic Library "Bagolino"

  phone: +39 0924 590287
  address: Piazza Ciullo
  There are about 81,000 books and important old documents on art, tradition, craftmanship and religiosity of people in Alcamo. Some books come from ex convents and friaries and from the section of the History of Alcamo's territory. Inside it there is also the Multimedia Library with a lot of newspapers, film and music collections. You can also use the Internet for free. You can consult its OPAC.

• La Fenice

  phone: +39 0924 505911
  address: Via San Leonardo,13
  Swimming pool, acquatic park, gym club.

• Stadio Comunale Lelio Catella

  address: SP47 (Provincial Road)
  Football ground, tennis court and athletics track.

• Teatro Comunale Cielo d'Alcamo (Civic Theatre)

  phone: +39 0924 500139
  address: Piazza Castello
  There is a hall with comfortable seats on two levels (the stalls on the ground floor and the balcony on the first floor).

• Terme Gorga

  phone: +39 0924 23842
  address: Alcamo Diramazione
  Its sulphuric thermal waters are used to treat respiratory,rheumatic and skin diseases.

• Whisky a Gogò

  phone: +39 0924 1861542, +39 342 6130928
  address: Via Pietro galati,41/A
  Classical dance, hip pop, break dance, Caribbean dance.

Festivals

• Saint Joseph

  address: Saint Olivia's church
  Celebration in honour of this Saint with novena and procession.

• Good FridayProcession of the Dead Jesus and Our Lady of Sorrows.

• Gesù Cristo Redentore FeastOn the first Sunday after Easter they organize different cultural and religious events in honour of the Divine Mercy.

• San Francis from Paola

  address: Via Crispi
  Second Sunday after Easter (cultural and religious events).

• Feast of Patrocinio

  address: Piazza Ciullo
  In honour of the Holy Family (procession and lunch with the living Holy Family).

• Saint Joseph the WorkerCelebration in honour of Saint Joseph the Worker with a novena and procession.

• Saint Anthony of PaduaCelebration in honour of him (novena and procession)

• Maria Santissima dei MiracoliCelebrations in honour of the patroness saint of Alcamo: cultural and religious events. During the feast there are a solemn procession of Madonna’s simulacrum, fireworks from the "bastione" in Piazza Bagolino, and the descent of civil and political authorities to the sanctuary of Madonna dei Miracoli. Until the early 21st century, there were horse races along Corso 6 Aprile; the last two times they took place in Viale Italia.

• Saint Ann's Feast

  address: Piazza Padre Pio
  Novena, procession and cultural, recreative and religious activities.

• Madonna dell'AltoCelebrations on the top of Mount Bonifato (dialect poems recitation and procession).

• the Immaculate ConceptionCelebration in honour of Immacolata Concezione with a novena, pastoral melodies and procession.

• Alcamo ChristmasConcerts, outdoor performances, preparation of traditional Christmas cribs and pipers' passing.

• Alcamo Estate (Alcamo Summer)Sagre, "Calici di Stelle", "Blues Festival", "Festival of Nuove Impressioni"

• Alcart: legality and culture

• CortiamoShort Film International Contest.

• Costa Gaia International TrophyInternational football tournament for the young.

• Adragna il Caseificio

  phone: +39 0924 24130, +39 0924 510956
  address: Via Pietro Lombardo,11

• Bontà rossa di Sicilia

  phone: +39 334 8030135, +39 331 457 4911
  address: Via Pietro Montana 4
  Biological production of pomegranates (juice and fruit).

• Delizie

  phone: +39 0924 508508
  address: Via Kennedy,13
  Delicatessen, local cheeses, takeaway gastronomy and butcher's shop.

• Ceramiche Artistiche Ferrarella

  phone: +39 0924 24086
  address: Via Vittorio Veneto,74

• Farmer's Market

  address: Piazza Bagolino
  There are a lot of farm products: fruit and vegetables.

• La Galleria del Corso

  address: Corso 6 Aprile, 40
  There are some shops selling clothes, shoes and sport items.

  • Mercato Rionale

    address: Via Tre Santi
    You can find clothes, shoes, fruit, vegetables, fish and cheese.

  • Stellino Angela

    phone: +39 0924 22469
    address: Via Crispi,73
    Souvenir, ceramics, gifts, silver objects, bomboniere.

  • Vini Manfre' Enoteca

    phone: +39 0924 26596
    address: Via Maria Riposo,43
    They sell different types of wine and liquors.
  
  

Budget

Most part of them serve pizza only in the evening: they sell it by the slice. You can have it on the spot or take away. It is a cheap way of having dinner.

• L'Arcova

  phone: +39 0924 22670
  address: Piazza Mercato
  Pizzas by slices. Very frequented especially at night by teenagers, attracted by the smell of just-cooked pizza. There are outdoor tables.

• Bar Grazia

  phone: +39 0924 21232
  address: Corso 6 Aprile, 330
  Very famous for its snacks, especially arancini (filled with minced meat or ham). They also make very good sweets such as sfince di San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph’s fried sweets with ricotta inside).

• Bar La Preferita

  phone: +39 0924 502774
  address: Via John Kennedy, 71
  Good pastry. Its cassatelle with ricotta are excellent!

• Bar '900

  phone: +39 0924 21505
  address: Corso VI Aprile, 105
  Famous for the high quality of its sweets, snacks and ice creams (among which the hazelnut ice cream, fried iris and ricotta bocconcini stand out). On the first floor there are tables and a terrace with tables and large sunshades; from here you can appreciate a beautiful view of Corso 6 Aprile.

• Bis Bar

  phone: +39 0924 24525
  address: Viale Europa, 167
  Very appreciated for its sweets production, snacks and ice creams. The interior is very cosy and has comfortable seats and large glass walls. Very good if you want to spend a relaxing evening with your friends.

• Cafè Termine

  phone: +39 0924 22900
  address: Viale Italia,48
  Bar, pastries, ice-creams, snack-bar.

• Caffè Nannini

  phone: +39 0924 040689
  address: Piazza Bagolino, 30
  Bar-pizzeria-snack bar. Located inside a charming garden, there are often outdoor events (such as karaoke and musical performances). It is for people who like outdoor evenings together with friends.

• Dolce e Gustoso

  phone: +39 0924 1915420, +39 347 2620197
  address: Via Salvo D'Acquisto,24
  Self-service, pizzeria, snack bar, coffee bar, sweets. Dinners for any occasions.

• Locanda dei Matti

  phone: +39 333 233 2122, +39 391 419 6273
  address: Piazza della Repubblica, 65
  Appetizers, brasserie, restaurant. Open during summer.

• Mondo Pizza

  phone: +39 0924 509111
  address: Via Florio, 19
  Here you can taste pizzas by the slice, calzoni, sandwiches and snacks. You can also buy "pizza al metro" if you are not satisfied with some centimetres of pizza.

• Pizza.Com

  phone: +39 0924 27807, +39 334 830 2059 (mobile)
  address: Viale Europa, 261
  There are very different types of pizza by the slice, made with mother yeast (lievito madre).

• Pollo taxi

  phone: +39 0924 501566
  address: Viale Europa, 234
  Roast and fried food.

• Salato Polli

  phone: +39 0924 21706, +39 0924 21871, +39 334 6014887
  address: Piazza della Repubblica, 80 and Via Sant'Ippolito,1
  They make grilled chicken and gastronomy. Try the chicken with salmorigano (a special sauce with olive oil, garlic,oregano and lemon juice) with fried or roast potatoes. Simple and tasteful!

Mid-range

• Cibus Ristorante Self-service

  phone: +39 0924 23170, +39 339 1882268
  address: Corso Gen. dei Medici, 15

• Hotel Centrale

  phone: +39 0924 507845
  address: Via G. Amendola, 24
  Daily fixed menu or a particular one with meat or fish. Typical dishes prepared on request.

• Il Gattopardo

  phone: +39 0924 24498, +39 33 981 09820
  address: Via 11 Febbraio, 1
  Restaurant and pizzeria in the town centre, very near the Chiesa Madre and 18th century Palazzo Fraccia in a characteristic paved street. Its pizzas are cooked in a wood-burning oven.

• La Batìa

  phone: +39 0924 514160
  address: Via Porta Palermo,106
  Hotel and restaurant.

• La Faranna

  phone: +39 0924 506603, +39 338 1023622
  address: Strada Statale 113, km 322 (Alcamo-Partinico)
  Restaurant and pizzeria. On Saturday night you can dance here for free!

• La Giara Ristorante Pizzeria

  phone: +39 0924 507979
  address: Corso dei Mille, 105

• Lo Sperone

  phone: +39 0924 26638, +39 334 8982818
  address: Contrada Sasi (o Valle Nuccio)
  Restaurant and riding school.

• Salsapariglia Ristorante Pizzeria

  phone: +39 0924 508302
  address: Via Libertà, 1

• The First

  phone: +39 0924 200135
  address: Corso 6 Aprile, 46
  Fish specialities, traditional and revisited dishes. Very good the cracking tacos with prawns and vegetables and, also, the triangles of pasta with cuttlefish black and filled with grouper on velvety ferla mushrooms, lobster and truffle from the same area. Take away service. Outdoor tables in the adjoining small square.

• Via Vivaldi

  phone: +39 0924 040764, +39 3288442052
  address: Via Antonio Vivaldi, 21
  Restaurant and pizzeria. There is a children's area where they can play.

Pubs and clubs

• Alter Ego

  phone: +39 339 784 8553, +39 388 160 5731
  address: Via Tenente Pietro de Blasi, 2

• Graal Wine Bar

  phone: +39 3297993538
  address: Piazza della Repubblica,71

• Habituè drink & bistrot

  phone: +39 389 505 3285
  address: Corso VI Aprile, 93

• Jack The Ripper

  phone: +39 0924 26107
  address: Via Ingham, 29
  Disco pub, bowling and pizzeria.

• Mad Devil

  phone: +39 0924 201239
  address: Via Fratelli Varvaro,2

• 45 giri

  phone: +39 380 781 8639
  address: Piazza Ciullo
  Bar, risto-pub.

Budget

• Affittacamere Francesca

  phone: +39 0924 597739
  address: Contrada Magazzinazzi,165
  It has a free car park. All rooms have conditioned air, Wi-Fi, TV and private bathroom. At dinner you can have Sicilian home-made specialities.

• Affittacamere Windsurf

  phone: +39 0924 597900
  address: Zona Aleccia (Contrada Calatubo) Alcamo Marina
  There are flats and rooms air conditioned and a free private beach. The rooms have internal bathrooms, kitchen and TV, some have a balcony. It is 10 minutes' travel by car from Balestrate or Castellammare, and 20 minutes from the Nature Reserve "Lo Zingaro".

• B & B Costapicca

  phone: +39 333 8474825, +39 339 2699039
  address: C.da Costa, 37
  At the foot of Mount Bonifato, the B&B Costapicca has a garden and offers free Wi-Fi connection. The rooms are air conditioned, with central heating, TV and a bathroom with a shower. A buffet continental breakfast, including hot coffee or cappuccino, sweets and other food will be served every morning.

• B & B Rahal

  phone: +39 333 1813 479, +39 334 3008 334
  address: Via Marco Polo
  The flats of B&B Rahal include air conditioning, kitchen, dining room, bathroom with a shower, Breakfast is based on coffee, croissants and biscuits. The structure is at about 8 km from the beaches of Alcamo Marina and Castellammare del Golfo, 40 km from Palermo Airport and 50 km from Trapani Birgi.

• Casaulente

  phone: +39 338 6067197
  address: Via Discesa Santuario, 44
  Its flats are air-conditioned and have an independent kitchen and a living area with sofa and TV. The private bathroom has a hairdryer and the car-park is free. The bed and breakfast is 500 m away from the Castle and about 50 km from Palermo and Trapani airports.

• Villa Vaiasuso

  address: Via Gammara
  The rooms are in a house with a garden, at a about 7 km from the beach and 3 km from Alcamo. There are a terrace, shared kitchen and bathrooms, a barbecue, a free car park. Breakfast included in the price. No animals allowed.

Mid-range

• Agriturismo Fattoria Manostalla

  phone: +30 091 8787033
  address: Contrada Manostalla, Balestrate
  The farm is an ancient baglio of the 19th century, belonging to Jesuits and used for praying. It is located in one of most characteristic landscape of rural Sicily, near the Castle of Calatubo. Its restaurant suggests typical products such as: olive oil, milk, cheese, ricotta, vegetables and milk, sheepmeat, beef and veal used to prepare old recipes and dishes.

• Agriturismo Tarantola

  phone: +39 329 2713073, +39 347 3396 481
  address: Contrada Tarantola - Alcamo

• Angimbè Relais Hotel

  phone: +39 0924 0924 38156,+39 328 7043347
  address: A29 Motorway Alcamo Ovest Junction S.S. 113 km 338.4
  It's between Alcamo and Calatafimi Segesta, and is an old baglio that was recently restored. The rooms are air conditioned and have Wi-Fi, TV, Sky channels and a private bathroom. In the morning, it offers a rich breakfast and at dinner you can taste some typical Sicilian food at the restaurant. There is an outdoor swimming pool you can use in summer and a free car park.

• Baglio Fastuchera

  phone: +39 338 8316832, +39 334 3356060
  address: SS 119, turn at km 5
  Baglio Fastuchera is on an old farm on the S.S. 119 (National Road 119) Alcamo-Gibellina. The rooms are furnished in a simple way and air conditioned, with TV and private bathroom with a hairdryer. At the restaurant they serve Sicilian dishes and a good breakfast.

• Enny Camere

  phone: +39 0924 21942
  address: Via San Gaetano, 16 (SP55 for Alcamo Marina)

• Grand Hotel La Batia

  phone: +39 0924 514160 and +39 0924 25554
  address: Via Porta Palermo,106
  It's in the outskirts of Alcamo and was a convent restored some years ago. The exclusive rooms are furnished with free Wi-Fi, TV and air conditioner. You can also choose Sicilian specialities and a continental breakfast. There are two outdoor swimming pools, a terrace, free outdoor parking and a garage.

• Hotel Centrale

  phone: +39 0924 507845
  address: Via Amendola,24
  It's near the town centre and the places of movida. It has large rooms air-conditioned with TV and free Wi-Fi connection. The buffet breakfast includes sweet or salted food and you can taste Sicilian dishes at dinner. The structure is at about 6 km fro Alcamo Marina and about 20 km from Scopello and Zingaro.

• Il Baglio della Luna

  phone: +39 091 8789106, +39 345 0736 557, + 39 320 6654 196, + 39 329 2249 129
  address: Strada Statale 113 km.318,200
  An old baglio with rooms that are all elegantly furnished and in a different way.

• La Battigia

  phone: +39 0924 597259
  address: Lungomare La Battigia - Alcamo Marina
  It's in the middle of Alcamo Marina's beach, and has a wonderful view of the Gulf of Castellammare. It lodged the actors Brad Pitt and Catherine Zeta-Jones during the shooting of Ocean's Twelve, filmed in 2004 near Castellammare del Golfo. It has a swimming pool and private beach. In the menu there are fresh fish and local meat.There is also a large selection of typical sweets and wines. It's a 4-star hotel.

• Residence Ideal

  phone: +39 0924 24429,+39 329 1335 676, +39 328 8782 832
  address: Via Ludovico Ariosto, 20
  At the Residence Ideal in the town centre in Alcamo, the rooms are air conditioned, with free Wi-Fi and TV. The flats include a sitting room area with sofas and TV, Kitchen with an oven and a bathroom with as hower and a bidet. in some of them there is a terrace with an outdoor furnishings.

• Villa 2 Pini

  address: SS 119 Km 319, 700 (between Alcamo and Partinico)
  It's in Alcamo, and has an outdoor pool. This self-catering accommodation offers free Wifi, a patio and a seating area. There is also a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave oven. The bathrooms have a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. You can enjoy pool view and garden view. A barbecue and a free parking facilities are included.

• Villa Maruggi

  address: Via per Camporeale, 140
  It is at the foot of Mount Bonifato and is surrounded by a garden with very old trees. From its large terrace you can admire the Gulf of Castellammare. There are a living room, a kitchen, bathroom and a veranda on the ground floor. On the first floor there are: 3 double rooms, 1 single room and a bathroom. The house is furnished with conditioned air, oven, refrigerator, TV and ironing set; outside there are tables, chairs and a barbecue. The area is very tranquil and near Viale Europa (at 700 m distance) and to shops, bars and chemist.

• Police Station

  phone: +39 0924 500311
  address: Via Libertà, 1

• Carabinieri's Post

  phone: +39 0924 510746
  address: Piazza Garibaldi, 11

• Motorway Police

  phone: +39 0924 21286
  address: Via Pirandello, 5

• Traffic Police

  phone: +39 0924 502833, +39 0924 590401
  address: Via Don Pino Puglisi

• Fire Brigade

  phone: +39 0924 21222
  address: Distaccamento di Alcamo

• Hospital

  phone: +39 0924 599111, +39 0924 599250 (First Aid)
  address: Via Crispi, 116

• CRI - Italian Red Cross

  phone: +39 0924 26444
  address: S.S. (National Road) 113 km.326,100 N. 47

• First-Aid Station

  phone: +39 0924 599202
  address: Via Francesco Crispi

• Summer First-Aid Station

  phone: +39 0924 597500
  address: Alcamo Marina

• Ambulatorio veterinario "Città di Alcamo"

  phone: +39 0924 24590, +39 339 355 1154, +39 338 438 0512
  address: Piano Santa Maria, 61
  Medicine, surgery, diagnostics, clinical analysis.

• ACI - Automobil Club d'Italia

• Europ Assistance VAI

• Soccorso ACI Di Cristina

  phone: +39 0924 21321, +39 0924 509200, +39 339 4664626

• Sicilcar

  phone: +39 0924 502533, +39 339 5247557

• Post Office (Poste Italiane)

  phone: +39 0924 503578
  address: Piazza Giovanni XXIII, 1

• Post Office (Poste Italiane)

  phone: +39 0924 24575
  address: Via John Kennedy, 6

• Post Office (Poste Italiane)

  phone: +39 0924 23203
  address: Corso Generale Medici, 1

• La Nuova Posta

  address: Viale Europa, 26
  Bill payments, registered letters, parcels.

Internet

• Breaking Bet

  address: Piazza Bagolino, 18
  Inside there is an automatic dispenser of soft and hot drinks.

• Internet Point Lupin

  phone: +39 0924 21383
  address: Corso San Francesco di Paola,48

There is a free Wi-Fi service in Piazza Ciullo, Piazza Mercato and Piazza della Repubblica.

• Alcamo Marina is a seaside resort very crowded during summer thanks to its wonderful sandy beach. It’s better you go there in the morning or in the afternoon. In the evening you can have dinner in one of its very appreciated pizzerias.
• Balestrate: in the main square there are frequent cultural and musical events. You can’t miss a walk along the near Via Madonna del Ponte, where there are often a lot of stands (“bancarelle”). In the same street you can also find very good bars, ice-cream parlours, pizzerias and restaurants with outdoor tables.
• Castellammare del Golfo: here you have to visit the beach (with several lidos which are also open in the evening), the seaport dominated by the big Castle at sea (Castello a mare) and its outskirts with a lot of pizzerias, restaurants and pubs. At Scopello you can admire its Baglio (inner courtyard inside a farm) and the near Tonnara (the place where tunas were caught).

• The Oriented Nature Reserve at Zingaro (near Scopello): if you love trekking, nature and uncontaminated beaches you must go there. The reserve houses vegetal and animal species that are typical of the Mediterranean macchia such as the palmet. Inside there is a characteristic cave where hundreds of bats nidify.
• Partinico: you can’t miss a walk along the main streets frequented by young people, especially during the holidays.
• San Vito Lo Capo: very famous for its long beaches and sea with crystal clear water. There are lots of restaurants and hotels near the sea-shore and you can also hire bikes to move easily along the coastline.
• Terrasini: you have to visit Piazza Duomo, very crowded with tourists, and its beach surrounded by a very attractive background . In the nearby streets, full of people even in the first night hours, there are a lot of places where you can taste the local specialities, particularly in pizzerias, restaurants, bars and ice cream parlours.

• Ufficio Turistico

  phone: +39 0924 590219
  address: Corso VI Aprile,60
  During the other days of the week ask for information at the MACA (ex Collegio dei Gesuiti in Piazza Ciullo), phone +39 0924 24592

• Ufficio Relazioni con il Pubblico

  phone: +39 0924 510307, +39 0924 27062
  address: Via XI Febbraio,14