The best traffic-free bike rides around San Vito Lo Capo

Rugged rocky coastline in front of the cape. Access to the sea is somewhat difficult without water shoes.

Bar and ice cream shop with artisanal production of ice creams, granitas and more. Great for a relaxing coffee break in the splendid setting of San Vito. https://www.facebook.com/BrividoGolosoSanVito/?locale=it_IT

Located in the middle of the city, this impressive church tells of a long history that goes back to the early Christian period. What immediately catches your eye is the fortress-like appearance, which dates back to the conversion into a fortified church in the 15th century. You could almost believe you were standing in front of a castle, which gives the cityscape a very unique character. When you enter the sanctuary, you are immersed in a mixture of history and art. Sculptures by Giacomo Gagini and Orazio Ferraro provide a deep insight into the artistic past of the region, while contemporary works complete the picture. A small museum inside the church tells the story of the pilgrimages and displays religious works of art and devotional objects that represent the veneration of St. Vitus. Especially after a walk through the charming streets of the city or after exploring Monte Monaco, it is a good idea to take a break here to absorb the atmosphere. It is particularly interesting when the masses take place in the garden of the sanctuary in summer. This place brings with it a tranquility that contrasts with the busy coast - an ideal place for city lovers who want to discover a piece of authentic Sicily away from the hustle and bustle.

San Vito Lo Capo is a highlight for every cyclist looking for a relaxing route along the coast. Not only does a fine sandy beach await you here, but also a great route accompanied by a light breeze and the sound of the turquoise water. During your ride, you can take breaks to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere or simply put your feet in the water. The panorama is open and wide - from the mountains in the background to the blue of the Mediterranean. A personal tip: it is most pleasant to ride here early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the sun is not quite so strong. The route is well suited for a longer tour or just to enjoy nature. And if you are looking for a little cooling off after your ride, there are some nice beach cafés in San Vito where you can get some refreshment.

If you're cycling and want to take a short break near Scopello, the viewpoint at the Faraglioni di Scopello is the perfect place. The striking cliffs rise impressively from the sea and are surrounded by lush vegetation. Even from up here, you have a fantastic view of the imposing rock needles that characterize the Mediterranean flair of the coast. If you want to park your bike for a moment, a short descent down to the water awaits you. There, crystal-clear water and a seabed that is perfect for snorkeling await you. Especially with a mask, you can fully enjoy the colorful underwater world – a short detour that is definitely worth it. The path there runs through the garden and costs admission, but offers stunning views of the sea. But be careful, especially in summer, temperatures can be high, so don't forget to bring plenty of water and take breaks in the shade every now and then.

Small but very intimate and welcoming

The lighthouse is one of the symbols of San Vito lo Capo, together with the Sanctuary and the beach. At night its light reaches over twenty nautical miles, and for this reason, it is one of the most important in Sicily. A red light indicates the rocky shoal that extends from the coast for a couple of miles in a northerly direction. Its presence in past centuries would have avoided dozens of shipwrecks on the sharp rocks against which Roman, Phoenician, Arab and Norman ships crashed. A walk under the very high tower - 43 meters above sea level - offers very strong emotions, and at night it is beautiful to follow the beam of white light sabering clockwise, drawing lace on the inland mountains and sending candid messages towards the open sea . The construction of this lighthouse is due to the Bourbon Kingdom which in the years 1800-1850 built numerous fires along the coasts of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, to make offshore and coastal navigation safer. Its construction began in 1854 and the first light was switched on, with a fixed white and flashing red light, on 1 August 1859. The construction costs were: 60,231 lire for the building works, 31,050 lire for the polygonal lantern from the Lapaut company, the optics and the lighting system and 142 lire for the furnishings. There were two lighthouse keepers assigned to it whose annual cost, in 1887, was 1,250 lire for wages plus 100 lire for overtime. The annual cost of vegetable oil to fuel the fire inside the optics was 802.40 lire at a unit price per kg of 1.73 lire while the hourly cost of turning on the light source was 0.35 lire. Source: https://www.sanvitoweb.com/it/faro

The Sanctuary of San Vito overlooks the square of the same name in the historic center, the undisputed symbol of San Vito Lo Capo, and is certainly the most interesting monument in the town. Legend has it that around the first chapel dedicated to the holy martyr, in the following centuries, the church-fortress was built to protect it from attacks by Barbary pirates and to safely host all those faithful who came from far away. The small village of San Vito slowly grew around the fortress and many inhabitants began to host travelers for a fee.