Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days

Itineraries through the sea, panoramic views, traditions and iconic places of Western Sicily

Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days
Custonaci and Surroundings: What to See and Eat in 1, 3, 5, and 7 Days

 

Custonaci at a Glance

Custonaci is a village in the province of Trapani overlooking the sea of the Bay of Cornino, featuring spectacular nature, historic caves, religious traditions, and authentic Sicilian cuisine. The area is also famous for its local marble (Perlato di Sicilia) and for the Living Nativity Scene (one of the most evocative Christmas events in Sicily).

Recommended itineraries

1 Day – A Taste of the Historic Village and the Sea

Morning

  • Historic center of Custonaci – Walk through the village streets, discovering local shops and traditions.
  • Sanctuary of Maria Santissima of Custonaci – Visit to the main sanctuary, a religious and cultural symbol of the town.

Afternoon

  • Bay of Cornino (Beach) – Relax by the sea with views of the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve. Crystal-clear waters and a peaceful environment.
  • Grotta Mangiapane (Scurati Caves) – Excursion to a spectacular natural and archaeological site with ancient dwellings inside the cave.

Dinner

Traditional restaurant with seafood dishes (fresh fish, pasta alla Norma, Sicilian arancini).

Local tips: seafood cuisine, fish-based appetizers.

3 Days – Nature, Culture, and Sicilian Tradition

Day 2 – Nature and Adventure

  • Monte Cofano Oriented Nature Reserve – Trekking along panoramic trails with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
  • Hiking along coastal paths – Breathtaking views of the coastline and the bay.
Dinner

Tasting of local Sicilian wines and typical products such as cheeses, busiate pasta, and PDO olive oil.

Day 3 – Beaches and Villages

  • Free beach or equipped beach clubs in Cornino – Complete relaxation or sea-related water activities.
  • Visit to Torre San Giovanni or Torre/Tonnara di Cofano – Historic maritime landmarks recalling the past of fishing and defensive systems.
Dinner

Typical land-based dishes: caponata, parmigiana, and Sicilian desserts such as cannoli or cassata.

5 Days – In-depth Local Experience and Surroundings

Day 4 – Caves and Archaeology

  • Exploration of the Scurati Caves – Entire afternoon discovering the caves and the surrounding nature.
  • Visit to historic bagli – Small restored rural complexes where you can learn about the history of local agricultural activities.
Dinner

Restaurant featuring typical regional products and DOC wines.

Day 5 – Food and Wine Tour

  • Tour of local products – Tasting of Erice DOC wines, cheeses, and olive oil.
  • Local markets or artisan shops – Purchase of typical products (wines, oil, jams, artisanal marble).
Dinner

Gourmet menu with locally sourced ingredients.

7 Days – Complete Holiday with Excursions

Day 6 – Excursions in the Surroundings

  • Boat day exploring the coast – Possibility of boats for tours of nearby coves and snorkeling.
  • Visit to nearby San Vito Lo Capo or Erice – Day trip to discover other iconic Sicilian villages.
Dinner

Seafood menu with sunset sea views.

Day 7 – Relaxation and Shopping

  • Free morning at the beach – Last swim, relaxation, and a walk along the seafront.
  • Souvenir shopping – Handcrafted products, marble items, and local gastronomy.
Farewell dinner

Final dinner with typical dishes and local wines.

10 Things to Eat in Custonaci

Recommended by TDS Transfer

  1. Busiate with Trapani-style pesto – The signature pasta of the area, seasoned with tomato, almonds, basil, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.
  2. Fish couscous – A traditional Trapani dish, prepared with hand-worked semolina and fresh fish broth.
  3. Fresh Tyrrhenian fish – Sea bream, sea bass, tuna, and bluefish grilled or prepared according to local recipes.
  4. Sicilian caponata – Eggplants, tomato, olives, and capers in sweet and sour sauce: one of the most beloved side dishes of Sicilian cuisine.
  5. Local cheeses and ricotta – Genuine local products, often served with honey or artisanal jams.
  6. Pane cunzato – Rustic bread seasoned with oil, tomato, anchovies, cheese, and oregano. Simple and irresistible.
  7. Sicilian arancini – Crispy on the outside and soft inside, with classic or seafood fillings.
  8. Fried cassatelle – Typical local dessert filled with ricotta, often flavored with cinnamon or chocolate chips.
  9. Sicilian cannolo – Fresh ricotta, crunchy shell, and chopped nuts: a great classic not to be missed.
  10. Wines from the Trapani area (Erice DOC and surrounding areas) – Perfect to accompany both seafood and land-based dishes, from fresh whites to structured reds.

The TDS Tip

To truly experience the gastronomy of Custonaci, pair traditional dishes with excursions around the area and rely on TDS Transfer services to move comfortably between restaurants, farm stays, and villages.

Custonaci: views, tradition, and authenticity in the heart of western Sicily

Custonaci is an authentic destination in the province of Trapani, ideal for those who wish to discover the true Sicily, made of breathtaking landscapes, spirituality, unspoiled nature, and centuries-old traditions. Located between sea and mountains, Custonaci offers a complete experience, far from mass tourism and easily accessible thanks to TDS Transfer NCC services.

The spiritual heart of the town is the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima of Custonaci, a pilgrimage destination for visitors from all over Sicily and an identity symbol of the community. From the sanctuary square, you can enjoy one of the most evocative views in the area, stretching as far as the sea and the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve.

Among the most iconic places stands out the Grotta Mangiapane, an impressive natural cavity hosting an ancient rural village. Here, during the Christmas season, the famous Living Nativity Scene of Custonaci comes to life, considered among the most beautiful in Italy and capable of attracting thousands of visitors every year.

The area is also famous for its marble quarries, where the renowned Perlato di Sicilia marble is extracted and exported worldwide. The quarries are a distinctive element of the landscape and tell the productive and cultural history of the town.

For sea lovers, the Bay of Cornino offers clear waters, tranquility, and a direct view of the Monte Cofano Oriented Nature Reserve, perfect for excursions, panoramic trekking, and nature walks.

A visit to Custonaci is completed by discovering the local cuisine: busiate with Trapani pesto, fish couscous, local cheeses and ricotta, traditional desserts, and wines from the Trapani area.

Custonaci is the ideal destination for a holiday made of authentic experiences, unforgettable views, and living traditions. With TDS Transfer, reaching Custonaci and its iconic places is simple, comfortable, and stress-free, allowing you to enjoy the area in total relaxation.