Balestrate was founded in 1307 by King Federico d’Aragona, who set the distance of its boundaries by shooting a crossbow (“balestra” in Italian). Therefore the town was named Balestrate. In the past this picturesque town was also referred to as “Sicciara”, from the noun Siccia, meaning squid in the sicilian dialect, for the abundance of cuttelfish in the sea sourrounding the city.

The town is situated by the wondeful gulf of Castellammare, between the two provinces of Palermo and Trapani, and not too far from another significant province, Agrigento.

Considering that the furthest city, Agrigento, is 130 km away, Balestrate’s splendid geographical position makes the most important touristic attractions easily accessible.

Due to this central location, Balestrate is the perfect jumping-off point (place to stay). It allows its visitors numerous opportunities for day-trips in the three above-mentioned provinces without covering long distances and for this reason it has become a popular tourist vacation area.

Other sites of cultural and archaeogical interests are:

Segesta 25 km - Selinunte 75 km - Mozia 45 km - Marsala 50 km - Erice 65 km - Trapani 60 km - Palermo 48 km - Monreale 50 km - Cefalù 100 km

But Balestrate won’t disappoint nature lovers. There are many locations characterized by white beaches with coral fragments, christalline water and natural marine landscapes ideal for diving activities as well as nature reserves such as:

Lo Zingaro 25 km

Scopello 20 km

San Vito lo Capo 45 km

The island of Ustica 28 miles from Palermo

The Aegadian islands 14 miles from Trapani

Balestrate itself is very welcoming. It has two golden beaches with fine sand, partly equipped with bathing facilities. The village enjoys of a marina of considerable importance (second in Sicily for boat dock after Portorosa). In some areas of the beach bordering on the port you can go snorkeling, while on some paths you can go for relaxed walks without losing the sight of the sea, and enjoy beautiful sunsets of rare beauty.

Downtown, walking along the streets, it’s very easy to find the main square of the village (the so called piazza), which is the beating heart of the community. That’s where people from all generations hang out, making the square a sort of open air lounge of the town.

What will surprise you the most about Balestrate is its tranquillity, except for the months of July and August that are more chaotic, due to the excessive heat and the flow of local tourists. What is certain is that choosing Balestrate will allow you to spend a non-stressful holiday with sea excursions, relaxation and culture… Then if we are there it’s even better!!