North-west of Sicily

North western Sicily, including the provinces of Palermo and Trapani, offers evocative landscapes and renowned beaches. The famous international tourist destination of Cefalù is a fascinating sea town framed between the sea, a dominating rock and the magnificent Norman cathedral overlooking the roads and alley ways of the medieval town centre. As well as the splendid mosaics in the cathedral, the very symbol of the town, the Mandralisca Museum and the Temple of Diana are well worth a visit. Arab-Norman architecture can also be seen in the stunning cathedral in Monreale and in the Palatina Chapel in Palermo. Towards the west, beyond Palermo, are the splendid beaches of Balestrate and Castellammare del Golfo among others. Here ancient tuna fisheries and courtyards characterize an area mostly renowned for its wonderful sea. From the tuna fishery of Scopello, through the Zingaro nature reserve to the multi award winning beach of S. Vito lo Capo, the area boasts a variety of breathtaking scenery. One of the most famous seaside villages is lively San Vito with its cafés, bars and restaurants best known for their fish specialities and couscous, to which a festival is dedicated in September.