The 9 best things to do in San Vito Lo Capo
San Vito is quite a small town, but there are still lots of things to do in San Vito Lo Capo. The town was actually established in the 1800s and sits in a valley encircled by mountains. I spent 3 days here, so I can give you a good insight.
I also asked my family and the locals for their recommendations. We can speak Italian, so when we were visiting the restaurants in San Vito Lo Capo we had some great conversations with the people there. Here are my recommendations for things to do in San Vito Lo Capo.
Here are the top things to do in San Vito Lo Capo
1. Santuario di San Vito Martire
The first thing I recommend is going to check out the Santuario di San Vito Martire. This was actually the first chapel built in the 4th century. A bit of history: later in the years, it became a fortress-like church to protect it from pirates. It has some really interesting artefacts and a tomb to look at. It is quite small, so you do not have to spend too much time there. But it is a very interesting place to be.
In terms of opening hours, it is open every single day, Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 11 PM. You can go visit this anytime. It is right in the centre of San Vito Lo Capo, about a 15 minute walk from the beach.
Address: Piazza Santuario, 91010 San Vito Lo Capo TP, Italy
2. The lighthouse at Capo San Vito
On the north west hand side of San Vito Lo Capo is the Faro di Capo San Vito. This is a lighthouse that is still working and was built in 1859. It is a really nice place to go for a walk with a calm atmosphere. You get a panoramic view of San Vito's coastline from around there. One of the more relaxed itineraries to visit San Vito Lo Capo would definitely include a walk out here. It's a 15-20 minute walk
Address: Via Faro, n° 44, 91010 San Vito Lo Capo TP, Italy
3. Torre dell'Usciere
Going to the complete opposite side is the Torre dell'Usciere. This was a watchtower built in 1883. I would probably recommend driving to this place as it has a car park. However, if you are up for a long walk, it will take just under an hour. It is a great thing to do in San Vito Lo Capo if you are looking for some breathtaking views. It is well worth going to enjoy the views and the surroundings.
Address: 96018 San Vito Lo Capo, Free municipal consortium of Trapani, Italy
4. The Tonnara del Secco tuna factory
Close by is the Tonnara del Secco tuna factory. The factory is actually abandoned and has been since, with the most recent purchase in 1929. Due to labour costs, it officially closed in 1965. I actually recommend coming here in the morning because it is a fantastic sunrise spot.
What it is really known for though, is scuba diving. So it is a great place to go scuba diving with the family. You will see a few locals with their towels and gear, as it is very quiet.
Address: Via del Secco, 91010 Zarbo di Mare TP, Italy
5. The annual Cous Cous festival in September
Next up is one of the things to do in San Vito Lo Capo that only happens in September, and that is the Cous Cous Festival. This has been going since 1988. You will see chefs from all over the world face off in a worldwide championship. There will be DJs, a host, and also concerts on the beach.
I actually arranged my trip around this so I could go and check it out. You will see that it is very busy. The only thing I would say is that it is all in Italian. So I would recommend sitting inside if you do speak Italian or watching everyone else if you don't.
6. San Vito Lo Capo beach
This was actually the main reason I went to the town and one of my favourite things to do in San Vito Lo capo. The beach is one of the best beaches in the whole of Sicily, and the main attraction for why people come here. It has really nice turquoise waters, and there is plenty of space on the beach. You will need to pick a lounger. The more expensive loungers are at the east end, and they have nicer sands. Towards the west, it is a little bit darker in the ocean with seaweed, which you can see in my pictures. I stayed around that area, but I swam in the nicer area to avoid the seaweed.
Also, check with restaurants to see if they have any deals with the loungers or if they offer something complimentary. Check with your hotel before you book as well. You will also be very close to all the restaurants, so you can nip out and have lunch and come back to the beach later. If you need somewhere to stay, check out where to stay in San Vito Lo Capo for my recommendations.
7. Try the local food in San Vito Lo Capo
San Vito Lo Capo has some of the best restaurants in Sicily. The town is coastal so it specialises in fish and seafood, but it is also very well known for its couscous. One of the dishes I had was a famous squid dish that had couscous inside.
You can read more in my guide to the best restaurants in San Vito Lo Capo, where I go through the different types of places to eat. Every meal I had was delicious.
8. Go Rock climbing or Hiking
If you are into sports, there is rock climbing and hiking in San Vito Lo Capo. There are over 1,200 routes to go rock climbing, ranging from beginner to pro. As of 2020, a lot of the routes are very well bolted. The closest place to go is Monte Monaco. You can either go rock climbing or go hiking. Both of these options are really challenging but fun things to do in San Vito Lo Capo. I went hiking with my family and it was a really good day out.
Here is the start location from Monte Monaco: 91010 San Vito Lo Capo, Free municipal consortium of Trapani, Italy
9. Visit by Castellammare del Golfo by Boat
On a summer's day, booking a boat tour around San Vito Lo Capo is just incredible. There are a lot of intimate coves in the Zingaro Reserve, Scopello, and a lot of secret beaches that the tour guides will take you to.
You can spend the whole day or half a day, stop off for a swim, and just enjoy the ocean. The waters are really nice and snorkelling is very popular out there. I would recommend this a lot. It is one of the highlights of any itineraries to visit San Vito Lo Capo, especially in summer.
I hope you enjoyed my San Vito Lo Capo things to do guide. If you have been to San Vito Lo Capo and done anything else, please let us know so we can add it to our things to do in San Vito Lo Capo guide and give our readers more value.
Itineraries to visit San Vito Lo Capo FAQ's
Is it worth going to San Vito Lo Capo?
Yes, absolutely. San Vito Lo Capo is known for its beach, rock climbing, and also the delicious food. I would spend at least 2 days there.
How many days do you need in San Vito Lo Capo?
I stayed for 3 days. I would say at a bare minimum, you need 2 days. That would cover the Santuario di San Vito Martire, a walk to the lighthouse, the Torre dell'Usciere, the tuna factory, time at the beach, and checking out the food.
If you have more time, like I did, I would go hiking and do the boat tour. 3 days and I managed to do everything on this, things to do in San Vito Lo Capo guide.
Free things to do in San Vito Lo Capo
There is a lot. Last time I checked, entering the Santuario di San Vito Martire was free. Walking to the tuna factory and the lighthouse is also free, as those areas are abandoned. The beach is free as long as you do not pay for umbrellas. If you are staying in a B&B, sometimes they have their own loungers you can take with you, so make sure to check before you book. Lots of free things to do in San Vito.
Things to do in San Vito Lo Capo with kids
Depending on how old your kids are, hiking is a great option. I love doing that with my family. Taking a boat tour around the north coast is awesome, especially if your kids can swim. The beach is very large so there is plenty of space for the kids. Heading over to the lighthouse is also a very short walk. I would probably avoid the Torre dell'Usciere and the Tonnara del Secco with kids unless you are driving there.