San Vito Lo Capo

At the tip of a cape, located in the north-west of Sicily, is San Vito Lo Capo. We have heard so many good things about San Vito Lo Capo, so it was high on our bucket list. It is said that the most beautiful beach in Sicily can be found here. The turquoise waters and fine white sand would remind you of the Caribbean. Aren't Sicilians known for their reserved and modest nature? Either way, we are pleasantly surprised. The beach is really beautiful and also pleasantly empty at this time of year. 

Directions and parking

From Palermo we reach San Vito Lo Capo within 90 minutes on the toll-free coastal road, always with a view of the sea.

Just before San Vito Lo Capo is the bay of Macari. Here are some campers. On the access road to San Vito Lo Capo we pass the chapel of Santa Crescenzia. Beautiful from the outside, but inside a bit run down. For us, it's the outside that counts.

We continue to San Vito Lo Capo and already see the turquoise sea flashing through the houses. What a beach. At the eastern end of this beautiful white fine sand beach there is a small parking lot where our van finds a place in the 1st row with a view of the turquoise sea and the lighthouse. Here it is so fantastically beautiful, we can hardly get enough of it. From here we explore the small town after a walk on the beach and a bath in the sun.

Places of interest in San Vito Lo Capo

In the center of San Vito Lo Capo is the fortress Santuario Di San Vito, which today functions as a church. It is the landmark of the town. The entrance is free. As simple as it is, we still have a beautiful view from the roof.

At the northernmost point the lighthouse Faro di Capo San Vito was built in 1859. It is still active today. Since it is located on military land, it is unfortunately not allowed to visit. As a photo motif with a camper in front of it, the white round tower looks pretty good.

Between the beach and the lighthouse there is a small harbor. There are also some diving schools there.

Above everything rises the Monte Monaco. I love this combination of mountains and sea. There are great opportunities here for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, water sports and excursions - also with quad or on horseback.

San Vito Lo Capo is also known for its festivals: the Couscous Festival in September and the Climbing Festival in October.

Baker, Supermarket & Refuel 

Time for a little lunch. Walking distance from the beach, at 13 Via N. Maniaci, is the best bakery in town, Panificio Plaia. This small traditional bakery with a view into the bakery is filled with all kinds of Italian delicacies such as bread, rolls, sweet pastries, the best croissants and even homemade pasta. We're especially excited about the different kinds of focaccia and sfincione, the typical Sicilian pizza. Here you have a really feudal lunch for little money. Behind the counter is a warm old mom who speaks only Italian.

For shopping we recommend the Deco supermarket on Via Savoia, this small store is amazingly well stocked. Wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables are available at several traveling street stalls in town.

Even if it doesn't always look like it at 1st glance, you can find everything you need. We actually had little hope when we asked for AdBlue at the IP gas station on Via Savoia 194. But lo and behold, they had some and the price was also ok. That's why you should always ask when you need something. The Sicilians are very helpful. There is at least one tip where you can get what you need.

Hiking, climbing and swimming in San Vito Lo Capo 

West of San Vito Lo Capo, just 20min walk away, is the prehistoric cave Grotta dei Cavalli. On the way there we meet some campers, because here is one of the most beautiful areas for climbing and bouldering in Sicily. The actual cave may not be all that big at about 500 square meters, but the view of the Gulf of Macari is worth the climb. And below the grotto we can stand wonderfully quiet with the van and spend the night. 

San Vito Lo Capo is the northern entrance to the Zingaro Nature Reserve. This is the first and oldest nature reserve in Sicily. It covers 1600 hectares and a coastal strip of about 7 km with small sandy bays. A visit is worthwhile in any case, here you can combine wonderful hiking and swimming. Therefore, in any case, take a bathing suit. More information about the nature reserve here.

You can also swim wonderfully at Lago di Venere. This is a natural pool, formed by fallen boulders from the nearby coast.

Before bathing, a visit to the Uzzo Grotto is recommended. This is a vertically opened magma bubble of about 20 meters clear height, which has been used since time immemorial as a shelter and stable for goatherds. It is located a few hundred meters inland from Tonnara del Uzzo.

Just north of there is the Tonnara del Secco This old abandoned tuna factory is an impressive remnant of the centuries-old tuna industry.

Pitches and water in the bay of Macari

Park4night indicates 2 places in San Vito Lo Capo, neither of which we like. The one access ends at a fence. And the other place is littered next to a sewage treatment plant that does not smell very good.

For this we find in the bay of Macari an all the more beautiful place. Next to a small asphalted parking lot, where some white goods are already standing, we drive along a bumpy road further along the coast. And here we are wonderfully alone. Except now and then a friendly angler in the morning no one disturbs our peace here. 

On the way there is a public fountain at 99 Via dell'Acqua Macari, 91010 Macari. Do not be irritated by the notice "no drinking water". Here the inhabitants of the village draw their own water. The water is drinkable and tasty. We bunker water with a view of the sea 38°07'47.0″N 12°44'30.1″E