the bay (shining) sheltered from the winds

Sicily is the second region in Italy (immediately after Sardinia) in terms of coastal extension (approximately 1637 km). Between known beaches and others unexplored, tourists are surprised by the evident beauty of some places.

In the province of Trapani there are recesses with particular characteristics. Once you arrive in Castellammare, a series of signs capture the attentive eye of visitors. The same ones – as always – do not betray expectations. We continue on state road 187 and, after a couple of km, we meet two exits for Scopello.

Here we are in front of one of the most exciting crossroads in the province. Continue towards the stacks or reach Guidaloca beach? To posterity the arduous sentence would appear! Despite its insignificant dimensions (about 400 meters in length), the bay tells of a social experience mixed with the historical one.

It is an inlet located in a “dominant” position and bordered to the east by Punta Gran Marinaro and to the west by Capo Puntazza. The eastern part is rocky, while in the west the presence of gravel prevails. A “tourbillon of environmental conditions” where the Mediterranean scrub prevails, concentrated in a very small space.

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Guidaloca is the “classic destination” to be experienced in two periods. In the summer months – during the high season, the beach is targeted by families because it “pleases everyone”. The days are enriched by the services offered on the beaches. There are few moments of relaxation, at least those where it is possible to reconcile with life. Thanks to the undisputed protagonists.

Which? The sea and the stones. A strange combination to tell the truth, not for those who want to witness a silent, peaceful scene (low season). The Tyrrhenian Sea, colored and warmed by solar reflections, concludes its race against the pebbles.

The image of the thick and full-bodied grain size is striking. A dive is enough to reflect yourself in the pebbly and sandy seabed. The cove is sheltered from the winds, an intrepid guardian of a mystery. In fact, at the end of the west side, stands a tower dating back to the 16th century.

It was an ancient lookout point. This is the Guidaloca Tower. It is located in the Ciavoli district and dominates the eastern part of the gulf of Castellammare. It was one of the first projects (desired by Spannocchi) for the construction of coastal towers (fani) to defend the coasts from barbarian incursions.

From up there the historical study takes shape. We hear the echo of Camilliani who in 1584 described the place like this: “Continuing ahead you see a beach called Guidaloca, from where below ground you can see a large tower built for the safety of vessels, which frequent it to load wood; in the middle of which emerges a small river called Guidaloca…”.

And then, in 1660, Bonaventura Provenzani (chronicler from Erice) reported seven towers (including the Bennistra Tower) that communicated with each other. At night with “certain signs” of fire and during the day, of smoke. In each of them lived a corporal, an artilleryman and a private soldier. Suddenly we’re back to normal.

The sirocco that had offered so much clarity gives way to intense “gusts” of wind. The bay changes appearance and the sea tries to merge with the sky. The beach is a desert, few “intimates” present.

Among underwater fishermen and surf casting lovers, Guidaloca seems like a distant memory. The need to visit new places looms… like Cala Bianca and Cala Rossa.

But that’s another story to tell.