Manu’s Menu

Authentic Italian Home Cooking & More

  • Home
  • About
    • About me
    • About this site
    • About my photography
    • Privacy and Disclosure Policy
  • Recipes
    • Visual Archive
    • Regional Italian Recipes
  • Books
    • The Cool Side of Summer
    • Manu’s Christmas Menus
    • MsM’s Mobile App
  • Work With Me
    • Affiliate Sign-Up
    • Featured On
  • Out & About
    • Africa
      • South Africa 2019
    • Americas
      • Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize
      • CHILE AND ARGENTINA 2018
    • Asia
      • India
      • Japan 2015
      • Japan 2017
      • Japan 2018
      • Singapore
    • Europe
      • Slovenia and Croatia 2019
      • Italy 2019
    • Oceania
      • French Polynesia (Tahiti) 2017
      • French Polynesia (Tahiti)
      • New Caledonia
      • New Zealand
      • South Island – New Zealand Guide
  • Blogging Tips
    • Blogging Platform
    • Web Hosting
    • Technology Tips
    • Food Photography
    • Increasing Traffic to your Blog
    • Links
      • MsM in Your Kitchen
      • Events
        • 150 years of the Unification of Italy
        • Olio, Erbe e Fantasia – LILT
  • Tips
    • Techniques
      • Pasta and Gnocchi
      • Pizza and Other Doughs
      • Sauces and Other Basics
      • Decorations
    • Cake and Cookie decoration
      • Cake & Marshmallow Pops
        • Flowery Cake Pops
        • Hello Kitty Cake Pops
        • Dorothy the Dinosaur Cake Pops
        • Christmas Tree Cake Pops
        • Sea Marshmallow Pops
      • Fondant Cakes
        • Moo Cake
        • South Pole Cake
        • Lola Cake
        • Hello Kitty Yogurt Cake
        • Dorothy the Dinosaur Cake
        • The Little Mermaid Yogurt Cake
        • The Little Mermaid Fondant Cake
        • Sweet Sushi Mini Fondant Cakes
        • Peppa Pig Cake
        • Tinkerbell Cake
        • Miffy Cake
        • Olaf Yogurt Cake
        • Frozen Cake
      • Sugar Cookies
        • Heart Sugar Cookies
        • Dorothy the Dinosaur Sugar Cookies
        • Christmas Tree Ornament Sugar Cookies
      • Eggless Sugar Cookies
        • Chinese New Year Cookies
        • St. Patrick’s Day Cookies
      • Shortbread Cookies
        • Shortbread and Chocolate Hearts
        • Baby Shower Shortbread Cookies
        • Flounder Shortbread Cookie Pops
      • Easy Chocolate Cookies
    • Conversion Tables
    • Gift Ideas
      • Christmas 2010
      • Christmas 2011
      • Christmas 2012
      • Christmas 2013
      • Christmas 2014
      • Christmas 2015
    • Ingredients
    • Where I Shop for Italian Food in Sydney
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Recipes / Italian / San Vito Lo Capo Guide – Italy

San Vito Lo Capo Guide – Italy

January 22, 2016 By Manu 4 Comments

San Vito Lo Capo

After a few weeks’ break, I am back with my guides about Italy. Today I will take you all back to Sicily, to explore another area with my San Vito Lo Capo Guide.  San Vito Lo Capo – San Vito for short – is a beautiful little seaside village near Trapani.  It is a place I know very well, as I used to live there for 2 months every summer.  My grandparents had a summer house there, so we would visit them and spend the summer all together.

My family has strong ties with this place. My father, in fact, started his 40 year long career as a teacher in this village in the 60’s. This means that he knows almost everyone and that almost everyone has been his pupil!  It’s hard to go around with him without being stopped by people who want to say hi.

IMG_0448

San Vito has changed a lot since the 1960’s. It used to be a small fishermen’s village where everyone knew everyone else. It is still like that during low season… quiet and peaceful. But during the summer it is a different matter. San Vito is very famous for its beautiful beach and turquoise sea and it has now become popular with people from all over Italy. If you want to enjoy it at its best, June and September are the best months to visit, as July and August are peak season and almost all Italians are on holiday!

IMG_9630

During our latest trip, we stayed in San Vito for 8 days and visited nearby Trapani, Erice and Segesta and even Palermo from there. San Vito is in fact between Trapani and Palermo, which makes it a great base for day trips.

Being a small village, there are no monuments worth mentioning, besides the Church, which used to be a fortress.

IMG_0434

But the beauty of the place lies in the nature all around. It all starts even before you enter the village itself. The bay right before San Vito, where the villages of Castelluzzo and Macari are situated, is a sight not to be missed and the place from where you can see the best sunsets ever.

IMG_9838

In fact, Macari is also the place where one of my favourite restaurants is. It is called Azzurra and from its terrace you can see the sun go down in the sea. I will write a separate review of Azzurra in the next few days, so stay tuned.

IMG_9832

IMG_0443

At the bottom of the bay, there is a beautiful area for swimming. There are small rocks instead of sand on the beach, but the water is crystal clear and it is one of my favourite spots.

IMG_0447

IMG_0449

After the beautiful bay, you will drive through a boulevard… look to your right. There is a mountain called Pizzo Monaco (Mount Monk). If you look well, you will be able to see 2 rocks that look like a monk and a nun. They get closer and closer while you drive towards town… until they… kiss.  Cheeky eh?

PicMonkey Collage Monaco

The village itself is made up of small roads with one or two storey houses, many of which are white… and lots of flowers. It sounds idyllic and it is.

IMG_0438

IMG_0437

The beach is, as I said, the main attraction. Many hotels and restaurants are situated walking distance from it. The sand is white and the sea is turquoise. The water is clean and warm… oh how I miss the warmth of that sea!

1-c25

1-c24

We went in May, so we almost had the beach to ourselves… but in summer, be prepared to go early. You can usually rent an umbrella with chairs or bring your own (or use the ones provided by your hotel).

IMG_0370

I often say that the sea here is easily comparable to the best places in the world… Fiji, Cuba, Belize, Mexico, New Caledonia? They are not that different. The only 2 places I know that have better waters are the Maldives and French Polynesia/Tahiti.

IMG_0388

Something I’d recommend is to rent a bike and go towards the beautiful lighthouse.

IMG_2538

After the town centre, you will pass from the little harbour filled with colourful boats used by local fishermen. It is not unusual to witness some of them at work while repairing their nets.

1-c26

IMG_9629

Right after the harbour you will see another stretch of beautiful sea. There is no sand here, so bring your reef shoes and dive in. Don’t forget your mask, there is no reef, so do not expect to see corals, but sea urchins, small fish and even octopus live in the area.

IMG_9643

This area is known as “Billeci” from the fishmonger shop across the road. Stop by to see the local produce. I wish I could find the same beautiful fish here… look at those colours, perfect to make soup and fish couscous.

PicMonkey Collage fish billeci

The area after the lighthouse is good for swimming too, if you like the rocks. It’s called Cala Mancina and it’s a much quieter area than the beach.

Another great local “excursion” is to drive to the top of the little plateau that overlooks the village. The view is literally breathtaking!

IMG_2525

You can see the whole village, the beach and the lighthouse too. It is one of my favourite spots!

1-b1

We went in spring… I love it at this time of the year. The vegetation is beautiful… look at these prickly pears and fresh almonds! We even found some loquats!

1-b2

One of the most famous attractions of the area is the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, a natural park with plenty of small coves and amazing crystal clear water.

IMG_2549

Go early, wear very comfortable shoes and bring lots of water so you can explore the area. Also, the coves are covered in small stones, so I suggest you also bring reef shoes. A mask is a must here.
In summer there are also boat excursions between San Vito and Lo Zingaro.

1-b

FOOD

San Vito is not as famous as Palermo for its food, but it does have some good places where to eat.  Keep in mind that the cuisine is the same as the one from Trapani.

The main culinary attraction of the area is Fish Couscous, where coarse-grained couscous steamed with spices and onions is served with an intensely flavoured fish broth. This is a dish with clear North African origins, but it is also a dish that you cannot eat anywhere else in the world.  It is to die for! I have my grandmother’s recipe on the blog, so check it out!

IMG_9595
This dish is so famous that every year in September, the Couscous Fest is held in town. You can find all kinds of couscous and chefs that come from all over the Mediterranean area to share new and traditional recipes. If you are in the area around that time, it is definitely worth experiencing.

Fresh fish is obviously the star here, especially if you buy it directly from the fishermen! Mr. Vito Parrinello even comes to your door with the catch of the day!

1-c23

I love vongole!

IMG_0392

Another delicious speciality of the area are Busiati (or Busiate) – click here for my tutorial. We buy them from an amazing woman who makes them so well… and so fast!!

PicMonkey Collage busiati

Look at this! And she can make all sorts of shapes, even smaller pasta – perfect to have with soup!

Busiati are best eaten with Pesto alla Trapanese: a mix of chopped almonds, garlic, basil and fresh cherry tomatoes, pounded together in a mortar and pestle and eaten with a fistful of grated Pecorino and fried eggplant.

IMG_9744

Bread is another local delicacy. I love it warm with some local extra virgin olive oil, or “Cunzato” – dressed with extra virgin olive oil, oregano, tomatoes, anchovies, salt and local cheese.

1-Post1

For the best bread and cookies in town, head over to Panificio La Sala (bakery). I will write a separate post to review this place, as it is absolutely drool worthy and the owners are fantastic people!

IMG_9513

IMG_9599

Ice cream is amazing. I love coffee or hazelnut the most, but you will be spoilt for choice. Try and have it in a brioche instead of a cone… it is something that can be found only in Sicily!

IMG_0441

Sweets are very good too. For amazing cannoli and other Sicilian specialities, go to Pasticceria Peralta.

IMG_0396

Look at those Pesche and Graffe!!!

IMG_9713

Expect a detailed review of this place too with pictures of their cannoli making procedure!

If, like me, you like sausage, you MUST try Baldassare’s sausage with fennel. The shop is on the main street, towards the beach. Ask around… everyone knows it.

IMG_9653

San Vito is an absolute gem and a place that should be added to your next Sicilian adventure!

1-b3

RESOURCES ON MSM

SOME RECIPES FROM THE REGION OF SICILY:

STREET FOOD

Arancine
Panelle
Cazzilli/Crocche’ di patate
Rascature
Ravazzate
Spiedini
Crostini
Sfincione
Ham and Cheese Sicilian Brioches

PASTA

Spaghetti with home-made Tomato Sauce
Pasta con i Broccoli Arriminati
Baked Anelletti
Sedanini with Swordfish and Eggplant
Busiati with Pesto Trapanese and Fried Eggplant
Pasta con le Sarde alla Palermitana
Busiati with Herbs, Pistachios and Zucchini

OTHER MAINS

Beef Agglassato
Sarde a Beccafico
Gatto’ di Patate
Baked Swordfish Involtini
Eggplant Involtini
Fish Couscous
Pork Involtini alla Palermitana
Home-made Sicilian Pork Sausage with Fennel
Falsomagro

APPETISERS, SIDES & DRINKS

Sicilian Almond Milk
Bruschetta with Matarocco
Olive Schiacciate
Caponata
Cabbuci
Sweet and Sour Pumpkin
Eggplant Patties

DESSERTS

Cannoli
Cassata Siciliana
Buccellato
Martorana
Cassatelle Trapanesi
Biancomangiare with Citrus Salad
Cubbaita
Pesche Dolci alla Siciliana
Almond Cookies
Fig Cookies
Coffee Granita
Almond Parfait
Gelo di Melone
Genovesi
Ricotta filled Graffe

Browse through all my Sicilian recipes here.

TRAVEL IN ITALY:

Venice Guide – Italy
Milan Guide – Italy
Rome Guide – Italy
Palermo Guide – Italy
Trapani, Erice and Segesta Guide – Italy

RESTAURANT REVIEWS – ITALY:

Nonna Betta – Rome
Da Enzo al 29 – Rome
Da Bucatino – Rome

San Vito Lo Capo

HOW TO GET AROUND IN SAN VITO LO CAPO

The best way to get around in San Vito is on foot or by bike!
A car is necessary if you want to visit the surrounding areas like Lo Zingaro, Erice and Trapani.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Plane

The little Airport of Trapani Birgi “Vincenzo Florio” is about halfway between Trapani (18km) and Marsala (16km).

It is served almost exclusively by low-cost Ryanair flights, mostly from other cities in Italy and a few other European cities like London-Luton, Paris-Beauvais, Stockholm, Barcelona-Girona, Malta, Monaco, Frankfurt, Brussels.

Or you can land at Palermo’s Falcone-Borsellino Airport in Punta Raisi.

To get to San Vito it is best to rent a car or get a transfer from your hotel.

MAP

Share

Related Posts:

  • Trapani, Erice and Segesta Guide – Italy
  • Palermo Guide – Italy
  • Pasticceria Peralta – San Vito Lo Capo
  • Panificio La Sala – San Vito Lo Capo
  • Baked Nutella Iris

Filed Under: Italian, Regional Italian Dishes, Travel Tagged With: holiday, Italian, Italy, Regional Italian Dishes, San Vito Lo Capo, seaside, Sicilian, Sicily, Trapani, travel

« Yogurt Plumcake
Honeycomb »

Trackbacks

  1. Pasticceria Peralta – San Vito Lo Capo says:
    March 2, 2016 at 7:16 pm

    […] very excited about today’s post as I will be taking you all back to the beautiful little town of San Vito Lo Capo, in Sicily.  Today I will be reviewing one of my all-time favourite pastry shops: Pasticceria Peralta. […]

    Reply
  2. Fig Vanilla Jam says:
    March 5, 2018 at 5:37 pm

    […] would eat ripe figs straight from the tree during my summer holidays in Sicily when I was a kid. How I miss […]

    Reply
  3. Friuli Eastern Hills – Italy Guide – My Local Pages says:
    October 14, 2020 at 4:51 pm

    […] San Vito lo Capo – Italy Guide […]

    Reply
  4. Ferrara - Italy Guide says:
    November 23, 2020 at 10:45 pm

    […] San Vito lo Capo – Italy Guide […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Welcome to Manu’s Menu!

Hi! I am Manu, the author of Manu's Menu. I was born and brought up in Italy and my blog can show you how to create authentic Italian food in your own home! Read More…

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

HOMEMADE PASTA MADE SIMPLE – THE BOOK. CLICK TO BUY IT FROM AMAZON NOW!

Homemade Pasta Made Simple

Archives

Categories

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Video Recipe: Orecchiette with Crudaiola Sauce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqSyzFElbRY
foodgawker bowls-150x150
tastespotting150
Tasteologie badge
Pasta & Gnocchi

The Cool Side of Summer e-Book – Click to buy it now! On SALE for only $9.99!

The Cool Side of Summer e-Book

MsM’S EBOOK – CLICK TO BUY IT NOW!

MsM’S EBOOK – CLICK TO BUY IT NOW!
Genesis Theme Framework for WordPress
Community Table Contributor Badge
Sunday Supper Movement

manusmenu

manusmenu
Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Vanilla and Miso Cara Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Vanilla and Miso Caramel Cheesecake Slice.  Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #lowfodmap #lowfodmapdiet #miso #cheesecake #cake #dessert #japan
Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Ragù Bianco. A tradi Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Ragù Bianco. A traditional pasta sauce from central Italy. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #Italian #italy #italianfoodbloggers #italianfood #pasta #pastasauce #ragu
Now on the blog - Trieste, Italy Guide. A surprisi Now on the blog - Trieste, Italy Guide. A surprising city. Come check it out. Clickable link in my profile.

#manusmenu #manusmenucom #travel #travelblogger #italy #tourism #Europe #trieste #holidays #beautifuldestinations #history #food
Now on the blog - Sausage and Potato Sourdough Cre Now on the blog - Sausage and Potato Sourdough Crespelle. The best comfort food. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #sourdough #sourdoughstarter #crepes #crespelle #food #foodgram #italianfoodbloggers #italianfood
Now on the blog - WWI, Italy Guide. A guide about Now on the blog - WWI, Italy Guide. A guide about some of the most important landmarks of the Great War. Clickable link in my profile.

#manusmenu #manusmenucom #travel #travelblogger #italy #tourism #Europe #cividale #friuliveneziagiulia #beautifuldestinations #war #history
Now on the blog - Sourdough Crêpes. So good. Use Now on the blog - Sourdough Crêpes. So good. Use up some of your #sourdough discard to make these delicious sweet or savoury crêpes. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #sourdough #sourdoughstarter #crepes #crespelle #food
Now on the blog - Cividale del Friuli, Italy Guide Now on the blog - Cividale del Friuli, Italy Guide. Clickable link in my profile.

#manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #travel #travelblogger #italy #tourism #Europe #cividale #friuliveneziagiulia #beautifuldestinations #history #food #italianfood
Now on the blog - Hugo. A refreshing Italian cockt Now on the blog - Hugo. A refreshing Italian cocktail and an alternative to your everyday spritz. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #Italian #hugo #spritz #prosecco #drinks #cocktails #elderflower
Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Pork Meatball Satay S Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Pork Meatball Satay Stir Fry. So good. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #lowfodmap #lowfodmapdiet #satay #stirfry #pork #meatballs
Now on the blog - Quick Pickled Cucumbers. So crun Now on the blog - Quick Pickled Cucumbers. So crunchy and refreshing. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #picklingcucumbers #pickles #pickling #garden #cucumber #vegetarian #vegan #video
Now on the blog - Coffee Panna Cotta. Wobbly and d Now on the blog - Coffee Panna Cotta. Wobbly and delicious. Clickable link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #Italian #pudding #italy #italianfoodbloggers #italianfood #coffee #pannacotta
Now on the blog - Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Recipe Now on the blog - Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Recipe adapted from the wonderful @jennifer_rodda. The best way to use up some of your Sourdough discard. Clickable recipe link on my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #sourdough #sourdoughstarter #pastry #cinnamonrolls #teatime #breakfast
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2011-2020 - Manu's Menu and Manuela Zangara. All rights reserved.