In Sicily, where the cliffs plunge into the sea

There are over 600 bolted routes in and around San Vito Lo Capo, on an endless series of rocky ramparts moved by stalactites and cavities sculpted by sea and wind. Monte Monaco is the mountain that overlooks the town to the east, a rise jutting out towards the Tyrrhenian Sea where the rock is mottled with fragrant Mediterranean scrub.

Choose one of the many vertical itineraries, without skipping the suggestive Via Gioco d'Ombre, then stop to observe the vast panorama while gazing at the Gulf of Castellammare. Cala Mancina is the cliff in the bay from which it takes its name. Here the spectacle is offered by the two colours of the rock, red and white.

Red rock also characterises Crown of Aragon, a magnificent overhanging cliff rich in concretions, overlooking the Gulf of Cofano. The Salinella cliffs offer a stunning view of a stretch of coastline lapped by sand and vegetation. Due to its strategic location, it is the destination for those who prefer climbing in winter.

The village of San Vito Lo Capo can be found right in the middle of two reserves: the Zingaro Nature Reserve and the Monte Cofano Reserve. The Zingaro Nature Reserve is a popular destination for climbers for the spectacular cliffs, but the panorama is accessible to anyone. Just walk along the path that connects San Vito Lo Capo with Scopello, all included in the reserve and for pedestrians only. It's 7 km with a sea view, along an easy, not very steep path. Nature is undisturbed and here and there you can access small bays and secret coves for a dip.

Early mornings with hands on the rock, afternoons in the water, between the Zingaro Nature Reserve and the comfortable coastline of San Vito Lo Capo with its fine white sand. Marvel at the low and now abandoned buildings of the Tonnara del Secco, the old tuna processing warehouses dating back to 1412, 3 km from the town centre.

A peaceful atmosphere prevails around the lighthouse that dominates the bay and you can stroll all the way under the 43-metre-high tower.

Also within the Riserva dello Zingaro, Cala Firriato is a marvellous inlet perfect for some DWS, or Deep Water Soloing, even for the less-experienced.
The cliff is a real gymnasium, not too high: it reaches 8 metres. It is just you, hands and feet clinging to the rock, without ropes or bolts.
Protecting you is the sea below; if you lose your grip, the only risk is a refreshing plunge into deep water.
A solo ascent for a athletic and scenic vertigo.

San Vito Lo Capo is celebrated for the many festivals it hosts, most notably the one dedicated to climbers and lovers of outdoor sports in an exceptional natural setting.

At the San Vito Outdoor Fest, a gathering initially aimed only at climbing enthusiasts and over the years also extended to mountain biking, kite surfing, SUP, Slacke Lin, athletes can compete, socialise and take part in a packed programme of competitions. The event is held in October each year and has now achieved international fame.

The other festival that has given San Vito Lo Capo great notoriety is the Cous Cous Fest, which takes place in September: ten days of culinary challenges, sampling sessions and meetings. The highlight is the Cous Cous Championship, a contest in which Italian and foreign chefs compete against each other in the kitchen, in creative battle. Whether you attend the festival or not, you cannot leave the island without having tasted some cous cous, a dish of clear Arabic influence and a speciality of this strip of western Sicily, in the Trapanese. In San Vito Lo Capo it reaches maximum deliciousness in the seafood version, drizzled with a local fish sauce.