Balestrate is a small bathing locality with about 6.000 inhabitants, located in the Gulf of Castellammare along the northern coast of Sicily, exactly 40 Km on the western side of Palermo. In its surroundings there are some very interesting localities like Castellammare, Scopello, La Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro (Natural Reserve), San Vito lo Capo, Erice, Trapani, Segesta. The existing seaside village has developed around the ancient tunny-fishing grounds and along the sea-front promenade with its small shops, bars and typical restaurants where it is possible to taste Sicilian gastronomic specialities and excellent fish dishes. The shore is characterized by beautiful and huge sandy beaches with shoals lapped by crystalline waters while the hinterland by some vine-growing and grape-producing farms with their typical bagli (internal courts). Worth visiting are: the Chiesa Madre (Mother Church) and the Castle of Calatubo, interesting Byzantine stronghold placed on the top of a rock overlooking the village.