Palazzo Plaja

The outdoor spaces at Palazzo Plaja are a dream, especially given the palazzo’s central location in Castellamare del Golfo. Directly from the kitchen you can reach the upper terrace, where you can find an outdoor dining table that’s the best place for leisurely al fresco meals under the Sicilian sky. This upper terrace is also accessible from one of the double bedrooms. There’s a small laundry room next to this upper terrace where you can find a washing machine and dryer. You can also see one of the next door Chiesa del Purgatorio’s ancient church windows from this terrace, which is beautifully lit up in the evening.

A small metal staircase takes you down a level to the incredible main terrace. This large space has views over the town’s characteristic roofs, and out to the port. The blue sea sparkles in the distance, only adding to the magic atmosphere. Here you can find outdoor seating areas, and some sunloungers. It’s the best place for an aperitivo in the evening, or to relax under the sun during the day.

Palazzo Plaja is found on the main pedestrianised street in Castellammare del Golfo. Its location means the palazzo is in the heart of the town, surrounded by many bars and restaurants. Enter through the main door from the street – found between a good local restaurant and a gelateria – and you’ll be taken back in time! The living quarters are all found on the first floor. Climb the traditional stone steps up to palazzo, or make use of the handy small lift for bags or shopping.

Once you have arrived at the top of the staircase, the small but traditional kitchen is to your left. Decorated with authentic Sicilian tiles, this pretty room is where you can cook delicious feasts using local products. To the right of the staircase there is a hallway from where you can reach the palazzo’s other rooms. The dining room has frescoed ceilings, a balcony that overlooks the main street below, and a dining table for six; ideal for elegant dinners. The sitting room can be reached through this room. With its refined sofas, bold colours, and aristocratic feel, this room is ideal for quiet moments. The sitting room also has a Smart TV and a balcony over the main street.

Palazzo Plaja has three double bedrooms, all with Smart TVs. The first bedroom is reached via the dining room. This bright room with splendid frescoes on the ceiling, has a balcony, as well as an ensuite bathroom with a shower. The second bedroom is found directly off the hallway near the entrance. This bedroom, decorated with ceiling frescoes, has an ensuite bathroom with shower, as well as a walk-in wardrobe. This room also have access to the upper terrace. The third bedroom is found across a luminous lightwell next to the hallway. This room has a high window, a built-in wardrobe, and its own bathroom next door.

Beaches

There are many beaches within walking distance from Palazzo Plaja. Cala Petrolo is found beneath the town’s sea wall, and is a firm favourite with locals, offering both free areas and lidos with sunloungers to rent for the day. La Playa is Castellammare del Golfo’s main beach. It is a long stretch of sand, and can also be reached by foot. Further afield, head to Guidaloca for a relaxed day on a pebbly beach, or Scopello with its unique beach with the famous sea stacks. Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve – a 7km stretch of hiking trails with several rocky bays to discover on foot – is also not far from Castellammare del Golfo.

Towns & Sights

It’s easy to spend all your time in Castellammare del Golfo when staying at Palazzo Plaja. This seaside town has an authentic atmosphere, with beautiful spots all around. It is very lively in the summer, with many bars and restaurants to choose from, either in the town centre, or down by the local port. There are many other lovely towns to visit in west Sicily, such as Scopello with its traditional baglio, San Vito lo Capo, hilltop Erice, as well as Trapani and Marsala further west. You’ll discover beautiful architecture, friendly locals, and great food wherever you go!

Activities

West Sicily offers so much! You can enjoy a boat trip right from Castellammare del Golfo’s port where you can discover the hidden bays along the coast. If you want ancient culture, visit Segesta’s Doric temple and theatre. Marsala is famous for wine, so a wine tasting is always a great idea when staying in the area. You could also visit the Aegadian islands, that are reachable from Trapani via hydrofoil. Visit and experience the real island life of Favignana or Levanzo!