Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Driving Tour:
Best of the West
STARTSEGESTA
ENDMARSALA
LENGTH109KM; ONE TO THREE DAYS
This tour weaves together two ancient archaeological sites, a coastal nature reserve, a medieval hilltop town, and
one of Sicily's prime wine-growing regions. While the route can be driven as a one-day rental-car loop (the start
point is only 30 minutes from either Palermo or Trapani airport), it's more rewarding to spread the journey over
two or three days.
Start at
Segesta
(
Click here
), just off the A29D autostrada. One of Sicily's most evocative ancient sites,
Segesta consists of a perfectly preserved, hauntingly beautiful Doric temple at the edge of a precipitous gorge,
and a hilltop amphitheatre with views clear out to the Mediterranean.
From here, meander north to the dazzling blue-green waters of
Spiaggia di Guidaloca
. Stop for a dip
here, or continue north to
Scopello
, where you can swim in the shadow of some supremely photogenic
faraglioni
(rock spires). Alternatively, take a day hike into the
Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
(
Click here
)
,
Sicily's oldest nature reserve, just 2km further north.
Double back to the SS187, which winds lazily through vineyards before climbing a dizzying set of switchbacks
to
Erice
. Perched high above a fairy-tale coastal landscape, this hilltop has been prized by every civilisation
that's passed through, from the Elymians to the Normans to the day-trippers who come now to sample its fab-
ulous views and addictive sweets.
Descend next to the
Saline di Trapani
, a mirror-like landscape of salt pools and windmills that has been a
centre for salt production since ancient times. From here take a short boat ride to the island of
Mozia
(
Click
here
), home to one of Europe's finest Phoenician archaeological sites.
Back on the 'mainland', it's a short jaunt down to
Marsala
, capital of one of Sicily's great wine-produ-
cing regions. Tour the marsala cellars at Florio, then settle in for aperitifs and dinner among the glimmering
marble-paved streets of the historic centre.
TOP OF CHAPTER
San Vito Lo Capo
POP 4407
Occupying the tip of Capo San Vito is the seaside town of San Vito Lo Capo, full of
beachcombers and sun worshippers in summer but akin to a graveyard in winter.
Sights & Activities
