Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
San Vito is renowned for its crescent-shaped sandy beach, where limpid turquoise and ul-
tramarine waters are juxtaposed against the dramatic mountain backdrop of Monte
Monaco.
The town's other noteworthy sight is the fortress-like 13th-century
Chiesa di San Vito
,
about halfway down Via Savoia.
Excellent local hiking opportunities include the 3km ascent of Monte Monaco (about
2½ hours round trip; look for the trailhead just southeast of San Vito) and the splendid
coastal trails of Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, whose northern entrance lies about 10km
southeast of San Vito. San Vito has also blossomed as a climbing destination in recent
years, with a variety of challenging crags just outside town and an autumn climbing fest-
ival drawing enthusiasts from throughout the Mediterranean.
Festivals & Events
Cous Cous Fest
(
www.couscousfest.it
)
San Vito is famous for its fish couscous, which is celebrated annually at
this six-day September event. The multicultural festivities involve musicians and chefs
from around the world, with a couscous cook-off (Italy against teams from other coun-
tries), free World Music concerts, and couscous workshops given by chefs from San Vito,
Trapani and North Africa.
FOOD
San Vito Climbing Festival
(
www.sanvitoclimbingfestival.it/eng
)
Launched in 2009, this four-day, mid-October festival bills it-
self as the Mediterranean's biggest and most exciting multisports event. Its traditional fo-
cus on climbing has recently expanded to include kayaking, mountain biking, trail running
in the nearby Riserva dello Zingaro, and an outdoor adventure-film festival.
OUTDOORS
Eating
Syráh
( 0923 97 20 28; Via Savoia 5; meals €25-40; Tue-Sun, closed Nov)
Offering prime people-watch-
ing a few steps from the beach in San Vito's pedestrianised restaurant row, this relative
newcomer shows off chef Vito Cipponeri's creative twists on classic Sicilian ingredients.
Audacious appetisers (mixed raw fish with Modica chocolate and lemon marmalade)
MODERN SICILIAN
€€
