Alcamo Marina

Along the shore of northwest Sicily, the seaside town of Alcamo Marina is a modern beach destination. It boasts about 8 kilometers of fine golden sand, along with some dunes from which sprout the lovely sand lilies. The town is bordered by the Finocchio stream to the east, where it meets Balestrate, and the San Bartolomeo River to the west, where it abutts Castellammare del Golfo. It is about equal distance between Trapani and Palermo. The town, along with its seaside sisters, is in a bay bordered by two promontories, the Punta Raisi and San Vito lo Capo.

It is administratively part of the main town of Alcamo on the hill. Alcamo Marina is a recently developed beach area, but previously had been a fishing village centered on the tonnara, or tuna fishing and canning. The historic Fodera' di Magazinazzi is the old tonnara that still stands on the waterfront, now a reception hall. The Magazinazzi zone has a pebble beach. Those who like uncrowded, uncluttered beaches will want to head the opposite direction to the Zona Aleccia and Calatubo, where there are fewer lido establishments, and fewer people. Resting along the coast below the hills, the rail line runs right through town.

The feast day of the Assumption of Mary is a big deal here, as the church is dedicated to her. A procession is held where the statue of Mary is placed in a small boat and then loaded on a tractor and driven along the beach, then to the church.

The hill town of Alcamo is a must, and there are open air hot springs right outside of it for those who want a soak in mineral-rich waters. Beyond that is Segesta with its Greek temple and the town of Calatafimi-Segesta with its interesting sights. Nearby Borgo Parrini is another sight to see, a brightly painted village with mosaics and artworks all around town, a happy place to see!