Travel & Transport

By air

✈️ By Air

  • Palermo Falcone-Borsellino International Airport (PMO): A convenient 30-minute drive, mostly via the highway.

  • Trapani–Birgi Airport (TPS): A scenic 45-minute drive, primarily on the highway.

From either airport, you can easily pick up a rental car or utilize local transport options.

🚢 By Sea

If you are arriving by ferry or boat, the main port of Palermo is your closest and most convenient maritime gateway.

🚗 Car Rental Advice

To experience the true freedom of Sicily and explore at your own pace, we highly recommend renting a car. Major international agencies (like Hertz, Europcar, and Avis) operate right out of the airports and main cities.

💡 Tip: We strongly advise booking your vehicle well in advance to secure the best rates and availability.

The Neighborhood Guide

🍽️ Restaurants

  • John Pizza: Our personal favorite for local takeaway. Perfect for traditional pizzas, pastas, and seafood dishes.

  • La Tonnara (Castellammare del Golfo): Highly recommended for premium, fresh catch-of-the-day fish dishes.

  • Il Pirata (Castellammare del Golfo): A fantastic waterfront spot featuring sophisticated dining and excellent signature cocktails.

🛒 Supermarkets

  • Superstore Decò: Our top recommendation for your main grocery shopping. It offers a massive selection and ample parking, located just a 6-minute drive from Casa Marien.

  • Conad Superstore: A large supermarket a 10-minute drive from the house, featuring a delicious selection of freshly prepared deli meals.

💊 Pharmacies

  • Farmacia Sclafani: Located just a short drive away at Corso Garibaldi 81, Castellammare del Golfo.

Local Day Trips & Hidden Gems

We want your time at Sweet Sicily to be absolutely unforgettable. To help you experience the best of our region, here are four concrete tips for exploring the incredible areas right on our doorstep:

1. 🍷 Alcamo vineyards (~5-10 min)

The rolling hills just behind the house are famous for Alcamo DOC white wines (made from the local Catarratto grape).

  • The Tip: Skip the grocery store wine aisle for one evening and book an authentic sunset wine tasting and tour at a historic estate like Tenute Baglio Passofondo or Quattrocieli. It is the perfect way to taste organic Sicilian wines and olive oils right where they are produced.

2. 🏰 Castellammare del Golfo (~10 min)

Just a 10-minute drive away, this historic seaside town features a stunning Arab-Norman castle and a bustling marina.

  • The Tip: Head over in the late afternoon and park near the Belvedere Castellammare for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire gulf. Afterward, walk down to the harbor for dinner, or grab a refreshing, traditional granita while enjoying the lively evening passeggiata (local stroll) along the marina.

3. 🌊 Scopello & Lo Zingaro (~30 min)

Scopello is famous for its dramatic coastal rock formations (faraglioni), its ancient tuna winery (Tonnara di Scopello), and the pristine Zingaro Nature Reserve.

  • The Tip: If you head into the Zingaro Reserve for a hike and a swim in its crystal-clear pebble coves (like Cala Capreria), make sure to pack sturdy water shoes—the beaches here are rocky! On your way back, stop in the tiny village of Scopello and try a pane cunzatu—a traditional, warm Sicilian bread layered with tomatoes, local cheese, anchovies, and oregano.

4. 🏖️ San Vito lo Capo (~60 min)

Known for having one of the most beautiful, sprawling, Caribbean-like sandy beaches in all of Italy, framed by the towering Monte Monaco.

  • The Tip: San Vito is a perfect day trip for families because the water is shallow and calm. Because of its historic Arab influences, the town's absolute specialty is fish couscous. For an unforgettable lunch, skip the standard pasta and head to Profumi di Couscous to try the authentic local recipe.

📞 Need specific directions or help booking a winery?

We love sharing our island's secrets. Please do not hesitate to reach out via info@casamariensicily.com or via Whatsapp on +31 655836857.

We are always happy to help!