Nestled peacefully at the end of the bay named after it, Castellamare del Golfo stands protected by the tall tower of its medieval castle, its ochre-walled houses looking down on the port. But this sleepiness is an illusion: in season the small town morphs into a lively seaside resort that is popular with families. It is also an excellent starting point for taking a boat trip to Scopello and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.