Photo of West Sicily

Visit West Sicily

The western tip of Sicily includes the part of the island that falls west of a line drawn between Palermo and Agrigento (on the north and south coasts respectively).

Less visited than some parts of Sicily, in part due to its remoteness (although there is now motorways which run to both the north and south of the region), the western part of Sicily has several important highlights and places to visit.

Temples

There are a couple of very important temple sites to discover, each of which has great appeal and should feature as part of your visit.

These include the group of Ancient Greek temples at Selinunte and the lovely setting for the Elymian temple at Segesta.

South of Trapani

There is often an almost Arab-African feel to the towns and villages - this is due to the proximity to Tunisia, just a short journey across the Mediterranean and closer than much of mainland Italy (see Mozia, Marsala and Mazara del Vallo along the southern coast for examples).

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The highlights along the coast here include the interesting town of Trapani which has several architectural highlights. Inland of Trapani is the striking medieval town of Erice which is one of the most beautiful villages of Sicily. Also inland of Trapani is the Natural reserve at Paceco.

Further inland is the town of Corleone famous for its Mafia connections and the home town of Vito Corleone in the film and novel 'The Godfather'.

Further south, on the coast, Marsala is a producer of white wine and home to a museum featuring a rare Punic warship. It also has an attractive centre. South of here is the fishing town of Mazara del Vallo and the historic town of Sciacca.

The Aegadian Islands including Favignana and Levanzo and Pantelleria Island off the western tip of Sicily all make pleasant excursions.

North of Trapani

The very beautiful Natural Reserve dello Zingaro is on the north coast of Sicily near to the pretty cove at Scopello. The nearby resort of Castellammare del Golfo is a pleasant base for visiting the reserve.

On the promontory near here is one of Sicily's largest sandy beaches at the popular resort of San Vito lo Capo.

See also: 

Map of West Sicily and places to visit

 
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West Sicily places to visit

Alcamo

Alcamo

Alcamo has a popular Marina and an old town with a number of Baroque churches and a castle.

Alcamo guide
Caltabellotta

Caltabellotta

Caltabellotta occupies a stunning position on Mount Kratas.

Caltabellotta guide
Carini

Carini

Carini is a well known shopping destination in Sicily and has a castle and attractive old centre.

Carini guide
Castellammare del Golfo

Castellammare del Golfo

Castellammare del Golfo is a small seaside resort set in a small bay with a harbour and a castle

Castellammare del Golfo guide
Corleone

Corleone

Corleone is a town famous for its mafia connections and as the name of, and home town to, Vito Corleone in the Godfather.

Corleone guide
Erice

Erice

Erice is one of the most beautiful villages of Sicily.

Erice guide
Favignana

Favignana

Favignana is one of the Agaedian Islands and has pretty coastal scenery.

Favignana guide
Isola Bella and Mazzaro beaches

Isola Bella and Mazzaro beaches

The beaches of Isola Bella and Mazzaro are very pretty and are on the Ionian coast of Sicily below the fabulous town of Taormina.

Isola Bella and Mazzaro beaches guide
Levanzo

Levanzo

Levanzo is one of the Aegadian islands and is very attractive.

Levanzo guide
Marsala

Marsala

Marsala is famous for its wine and has an interesting centre.

Marsala guide
Mazara del Vallo

Mazara del Vallo

Mazara is a pleasant town with beaches and an Arab casbah.

Mazara del Vallo guide
Paceco

Paceco

Paceco is close to the Salt Works Natural Park.

Paceco guide
Pantelleria

Pantelleria

Pantelleria is an island with many caves and natural saunas.

Pantelleria guide
San Vito lo Capo

San Vito lo Capo

San Vito lo Capo is a popular seaside resort.

San Vito lo Capo guide
Sciacca

Sciacca

Sciacca is one of the oldest spa towns on Sicily.

Sciacca guide
Segesta

Segesta

Segesta is a stunning 5th century Doric temple.

Segesta guide
Selinunte

Selinunte

Selinunte is an atmospheric group of Greek temples.

Selinunte guide
Trapani

Trapani

Trapani is a large coastal town with an attractive centre.

Trapani guide
Zingaro Natural Reserve

Zingaro Natural Reserve

Zingaro Natural Reserve has beautiful coastal walks.

Zingaro Natural Reserve guide
 
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