Sciacca is a nice stop during a transfer from Palermo to Agrigento or viceversa, and you could decide to overnight there.
We asked our local expert guide Vitalba to give us some tips about an unforgettable experience in Sciacca and how to enjoy the atmosphere of this enchanting fishing town.
What can't you miss in Sciacca?
Il Castello Incantato (the Enchanted Castle), an open-air museum born out of the wild imagination of an outsider. A myriad of obsessively carved stone faces that seem identic but are all different from each other. They are everywhere, among peach and olive trees, pomegranates and agaves.
The Enchanted Castle
The Enchanted Castle
Your favorite place?
Piazza Angelo Scandaliato, the belvedere square is magical at sunset and it is the stage where the most important events of Sciacca have taken. From there you can admire the city hall and the fishing boats sailing from the docks towards the horizon.
The best things to do in the morning and in the afternoon?
In the morning you can visit the wide Basilica and taste the granita of Bar Santangelo, which was the movie set of Sedotta e Abbandonata (Seduced and Abandoned) directed by the Roman film director Pietro Germi and interpreted by the beautiful actress Stefania Sandrelli. You can also step into the Diocesan Museum and discover its treasures.
Basilica
Diocesan Museum
In the afternoon, you can go for a walk through the alleys of the Fishermen's neighbourhood or the ancient Rabato (an old Medieval area). Don’t miss even a visit to S. Nicolò la Latina, one of the oldest Norman churches in Sicily!
At sunset, get lost among the stone faces of the Enchanted Castle or visit the Luna Castle.
All day long, you can live unforgettable experiences in coral and ceramic workshops or in the carnival backstage, discovering papier-mâché, music, costumes and colors.
Coral workshop
Ceramic workshop
There are various experiential itineraries proposed by the Sciacca 5 Senses’ Museum.
What to visit if it rains?
Sciacca offers churches and museums to spend time admiring art pieces in case rain surprises you. Let's go into the Scaglione dwelling Museum or The Museum of Carnival, located in the modern quarter of the town.
Diocesan Museum
Where to enjoy a quick lunch and...
In the historic center there are snack bars open for lunch: Bar Rossi and Bar del Corso are my favourite ones.
...a relaxing dinner?
Osteria del Cappellino for homemade Sicilian specialties, Le Stranizze for traditional cuisine with a modern touch and a good choice of local wines, or Osteria del Vicolo, which is reworking the culinary tradition in a gourmet key. If you are also looking for a suggestive seascape: Pizzeria Restaurant Porto San Paolo, La Lampara, Restaurant Italia are perfect for a romantic seafood dinner touching the sea with a finger.
Where to eat the specialties?
Pasticceria La Favola is the only pastry shop to taste a Sciacca’s specialty called Ova Murina. Bar Rossi or Bar Dante for a large and more diverse offer.
What to do to feel like a local?
Walk up and down on the main square in the weekend, make conversation and gossip at the bar in front of a good coffee or a bun with a granita, or sing carnival hymns with friends. This last one sounds hard, I know!
A place to visit with children?
The Carnival Museum, no doubt! It's the best stop for kids. You can also spend some hours in the public garden with a little pond, cute ducks and geese.
A trip out of town?
Selinunte Archaeological Park
Selinunte Archeological Park and Marinella di Selinunte or Menfi with its Museum of Shells and the splendid beach of Porto Palo, that continues to be prized with the Blue Flag, year after year!