Custonaci Voyage Tips and guide

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Custonaci is a village in northwestern Sicily, Italy, located between the slopes of Monte Erice and the coastline of the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve. The municipality covers about 4 km, stretching from its historic centre to the seaside hamlet of Cornino on Cornino Bay.

Custonaci is known for its cream-coloured marble cliffs, ancient quarries, and sacred sites like the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Custonaci — all set against a backdrop of olive groves, vineyards, and wind-carved rock formations.

Custonaci and its surrounding territory have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Evidence of early settlement can be found not only in caves surrounding the town, but also in more remote areas of the hinterland. On the slopes of Mount Sparagio, megalithic formations suggest that the area’s earliest inhabitants may have built primitive astronomical markers to track seasonal changes and organise daily life.

Over the centuries, Custonaci developed a strong agricultural identity. The countryside is dotted with traditional rural buildings known as bagli — fortified farmsteads that once served as both residences and workspaces. Many of these structures have been restored and now serve as guesthouses or agriturismo accommodations.

Custonaci is also an important centre of marble production. The local stone, known as Perlato di Sicilia, is a high-quality cream-coloured marble that has been quarried here for generations. It has been used in notable architectural projects across Italy, including the Central Station in Milan. The marble industry continues to shape both the landscape and the economy of the area.

Custonaci maintains strong religious and cultural traditions, many of which are tied to its rural heritage and deep local identity. One of the most important annual events is the Feast of the Madonna di Custonaci, held in late August in honour of the town’s patron saint. Celebrations last several days and include religious processions, fireworks, folk performances, and tastings of local food. A highlight of the festival is the symbolic arrival of the Madonna by boat at sunset, followed by a flower-adorned cart procession through the streets of the town.

In December, the Grotta Mangiapane becomes the setting for a living Nativity scene, transforming the prehistoric cave into a stage for rural life as it was in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Local volunteers portray historical characters, including artisans and farmers, recreating traditional crafts and domestic scenes. The event draws visitors from across the region and offers an immersive way to experience Sicily’s agricultural and cultural past in an atmospheric setting.

Custonaci is located about 18 km northeast of Trapani and can be reached by car or local bus. The nearest major airport is Trapani–Birgi Airport, which offers connections to several Italian and European cities. Palermo Airport is also an option, approximately 80 km away.

By car, Custonaci is accessible via the SS187 coastal road, which connects Trapani and San Vito lo Capo. The drive offers scenic views and is the most convenient way to reach the town and its outlying areas. Free parking is generally available in and around the town centre and at Cornino Bay.

Buses operated by AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti) connect Custonaci with Trapani, Valderice, and San Vito lo Capo, though services may be limited, especially on weekends and holidays. Check timetables in advance.

The town centre is compact and walkable, with most shops, cafés, and services clustered around the main piazza and church. To visit outlying areas such as Cornino Bay, Grotta Mangiapane, or Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, it is easiest to travel by car or bicycle.

There are no local public transport services within Custonaci itself. Taxis are limited, so if you plan to explore the area in depth — especially the coastal and rural sights — having your own vehicle or renting a bike is recommended. Some local accommodations may also offer shuttle services or bike rentals.

• 38.0782312.675741 Sanctuary of Maria Santissima di Custonaci (Santuario della Madonna di Custonaci), Piazza Santuario, Custonaci. Typically open daily; hours may vary. One of the most important places of worship in western Sicily, this sanctuary stands at the heart of Custonaci and is central to its spiritual and cultural identity. According to tradition, the icon of the Madonna arrived by sea in the 15th century, leading locals to build a church in her honour. The present building, dating to the 15th–16th centuries, features late Gothic and Renaissance elements, with a rose window, polychrome marble altar, and frescoes by Domenico La Bruna. Outside, a mosaic-paved forecourt offers a scenic entrance. The Madonna is venerated as the patron saint of Custonaci and the surrounding countryside, and her feast is celebrated with a major procession each August. Free. 
• 38.0790112.669242 Islamic Granary of Pizzo Monaco (Aghadir di Pizzo Monaco), Pizzo Monaco, near the border with Castellammare del Golfo. Accessible during daylight hours. Discovered in 1982 and excavated since 2012, this is the oldest known Islamic granary in Italy. Dating from the 10th–11th centuries during Arab rule in Sicily, the structure was carved into limestone and designed as a fortified communal storehouse. Known as an Aghadir, it features multiple storage chambers and defensive walls. Located on a scenic promontory, it offers a rare look into medieval Islamic rural infrastructure in the western Mediterranean. Free. 
• 38.0930412.671613 Grotta Mangiapane (Prehistoric Cave and Rural Hamlet), Contrada Scurati, Custonaci. Daily, hours may vary by season or event. One of the largest prehistoric caves in western Sicily, Grotta Mangiapane was inhabited from the Upper Paleolithic through the 20th century. It later became a rural hamlet, with houses, animal shelters, and workshops built inside and around the cave. Today, it serves as an open-air museum and hosts cultural events, including a renowned living Nativity scene in December. Entry fees may apply during special events. 

• 38.0817312.671624 Portella del Cerriolo Suburban Park (Parco suburbano di Portella del Cerriolo), Between Custonaci and Scurati. Open year-round. A scenic natural park on a rocky outcrop with sweeping views of the Gulf of Bonagia, Mount Cofano, and Mount Erice. The park links Custonaci’s historic centre with the village of Scurati and the Grotta Mangiapane. It features Mediterranean vegetation including dwarf palms, agaves, and carob trees, as well as a rich variety of native flora restored through local reforestation efforts. Historically, the path through the park served as a pilgrimage route to the Chapel of the Crucifix near Monte Cofano. Free. 
• 38.0785412.675755 Museum of Art and Faith (Museo Arte e Fede), Via Madonna, Custonaci (inside the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Custonaci). Check locally; varies with church opening times. Located within the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Custonaci, this small but rich museum offers insight into centuries of Marian devotion. Opened in 2005, it houses a collection of paintings, ex-votos, liturgical items, and devotional objects. Highlights include a 16th-century bas-relief of the Madonna and Child, a faithful copy of the original Madonna of Custonaci painting, the ornate 1831 processional platform (Vara), and the unique Macchinetta crafted by Sicilian migrants in America. Temporary exhibits complement the permanent collection. Free; donations appreciated. 

• 38.0635112.710891 Hike to the Gate of the Sun and Horse of the Sun (Porta del Sole e Cavallo del Sole), Mount Sparagio, Piana delle Ferule. Daylight hours. Explore two mysterious megaliths on Mount Sparagio: the Gate of the Sun, a trilithon aligned with the winter solstice sunset, and the Horse of the Sun, a zoomorphic stone formation resembling a horse. Likely used as ancient solar markers, these remote monuments offer panoramic views and a unique glimpse into prehistoric Sicily. Free. 
• 38.102112.68482 Hiking in Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (Monte Cofano trekking), Riserva Naturale Orientata Monte Cofano. Daily, sunrise to sunset. Monte Cofano is a limestone promontory surrounded by coastal trails offering panoramic sea views, ancient watchtowers, and access to secluded coves. Popular routes include the coastal path connecting the Tonnara di Cofano and Torre San Giovanni, and inland trails that loop around the mountain. Trails range from easy walks to more challenging ascents, suitable for most fitness levels. Free. 
• 38.09920512.653983 Diving and snorkelling in Monte Cofano Reserve (Underwater exploration near Mount Cofano), Coastal waters around Monte Cofano, Custonaci. Best in daylight, spring–autumn. Explore the rich marine environment along the coast of Monte Cofano, where underwater cliffs, inlets, and clear waters make for excellent diving and snorkelling. One of the main attractions is the Stella Maris, a submerged statue of the Madonna of Custonaci, placed beneath the waves as a symbolic protector of the sea. Diving tours are available locally, and the area is also suitable for confident snorkellers. Varies by tour operator; shore snorkelling is free. 

• 38.0930712.6626984 Relax at Cala Bukuto (Cala Buguto), Bay of Cornino, Custonaci. Accessible year-round; best in summer months. Custonaci’s main beach, Cala Bukuto is a sandy cove with clear, shallow waters ideal for swimming, families, and visitors with mobility needs. The beach is lined with equipped beach clubs offering sunbeds, umbrellas, and food services. A seaside promenade provides easy parking and access. Cala Bukuto also plays a central role in local tradition — each August, the beach hosts a reenactment of the Madonna of Custonaci’s legendary sea arrival, followed by a torchlit procession to the town’s sanctuary. Free; fees apply for beach club services. 

• 38.0858812.652095 Cofano Bike Park (Parco Ciclistico Cofano), Start point: Baia Cornino. Best during daylight hours, year-round. Created by the local ASD Cofano Bikers group with support from the municipality, this bike park features three marked cycling routes of varying length and difficulty. All trails begin at Baia Cornino and stay just outside the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, where cycling is not permitted. Free. 
  • Green Route (23.4 km – Easy, MTB/Gravel): Follows the coastal cycle path before climbing through the town centre and past Pozzo della Madonna. The route loops through Baglio Cofano, Baglio Messina, Parco Cerriolo, and Grotta Mangiapane.
  • Orange Route (33.4 km – Medium, MTB/Gravel): Extends the green route with a climb toward Monte Sparagio and a loop through the marble quarries before descending back to Cornino.
  • Red Route (41.5 km – Hard, MTB only): A more challenging ride that continues from the orange route into Bosco Giacolamaro, with a technical single-track descent offering panoramic sea views.
• 38.084512.68556 Horseback riding near Monte Cofano (Equestrian excursions in Custonaci), C/da Piano Alastre. By reservation. While most of the Monte Cofano Reserve is accessible only on foot, guided horseback excursions are available in the surrounding Custonaci area. Rides follow trails through olive groves, Mediterranean scrub, and scenic coastal paths just outside the reserve boundaries. Tours are suitable for all ages and skill levels. Organised by local outfitter Cofano Trekking. Varies by route and duration. 

Custonaci is known for its marble craftsmanship, and small workshops in and around the town sometimes sell decorative pieces made from the locally quarried Perlato di Sicilia. You may also find handmade ceramics, olive oil, local wine, and seasonal food products at farm shops. Look for festivals and religious events, where stalls often feature regional specialities and artisanal goods.

Custonaci’s cuisine blends the flavours of sea and countryside. Local seafood — especially sea bass, bream, and tuna — is prepared in roasts, pasta dishes, and fried platters. Fish couscous, a North African–influenced Sicilian staple, is especially popular here. Inland, rustic dishes feature lamb, goat, and ricotta-based recipes. Try the region’s signature pane cunzato (seasoned bread with oil, tomatoes, and anchovies) or cassatelle — sweet pastries filled with ricotta and either served fried or in broth. During festivals, you might find traditional sweets like sfincie and pignolata.

Local wine production is modest but growing, with nearby vineyards offering Nero d'Avola, Grillo, and Catarratto varietals as part of the Western Sicily Wine Region. Custonaci is also part of an olive-growing area, and many restaurants serve dishes using locally pressed olive oil. Bars and cafés in the town centre offer espresso, granita, and aperitifs, often with a sea view or mountain backdrop.

Custonaci has a mix of small hotels, agriturismi (rural guesthouses), and B&Bs, many located either in the historic centre or near the coast at Cornino. For a more immersive experience, consider staying in a restored baglio or countryside villa. During summer, accommodations may fill quickly due to beachgoers and festival crowds, so advance booking is recommended.

• Monte Cofano Nature Reserve – A stunning protected area for hiking and coastal exploration.
• Erice – A hilltop medieval town known for its ancient charm and panoramic views.
• San Vito lo Capo – A lively beach town with a famous white sand beach and annual couscous festival.