Marinella  di  Selinunte​

Latest page update: 15 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

Introducing

Introducing Marinella di Selinunte
​The beach resort of Marinella di Selinunte is situated within the Province of Trapani, on the Mediterranean coast. It's officially part of the comune of Castelvetrano, which is 13 kilometres away.

Places of interest nearby include Selinunte, Mazara del Vallo, Sciacca, Marsala and Trapani while Palermo Airport is 95 kilometres away and reachable by car in an hour.
Related links

Discover

Discover Marinella di Selinunte
Marinella di Selinunte is a small seaside village located on the southern coast of Sicily, in the province of Trapani. It lies near the ancient archaeological site of Selinunte, one of Sicily’s most significant Greek ruins. The village is known for its long, sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular destination for beach lovers and those looking for a quiet coastal retreat. The seafront offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the Mediterranean climate.

Marinella di Selinunte is a peaceful spot, with a selection of local restaurants and cafes where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Sicilian dishes. The village is also home to a few small shops and residential buildings, giving it a low-key, laid-back charm. One of the main attractions in the area is the nearby Selinunte Archaeological Park, which is home to impressive ancient ruins, including Greek temples, an acropolis, and other significant historical structures, providing visitors with a fascinating glimpse into the island's past.

Nearby, the town of Castelvetrano offers more services, historical landmarks, and the famous Selinunte Archaeological Museum. To the west, the coastal town of Mazara del Vallo provides a mix of beaches, history, and a vibrant seafront. Further inland, the rolling hills and vineyards of the Belice Valley offer scenic walks and a taste of the region's agricultural heritage. The Zingaro Nature Reserve, with its dramatic coastline and hiking trails, is also within driving distance.
History
The history of Marinella di Selinunte is closely linked to the nearby ancient Greek city of Selinunte. Selinunte was founded in the 7th century BCE by Greek colonists from Megara Hyblaea. It quickly became one of the most prosperous and powerful Greek cities in Sicily, known for its impressive temples and significant cultural influence. Unfortunately, the city's prosperity was short-lived, as it was destroyed by Carthaginian forces in 409 BCE.

In modern times, the village of Marinella di Selinunte grew as a coastal settlement near the ancient ruins. It gradually developed into a tourist destination, attracting visitors eager to explore the nearby archaeological site and enjoy the beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean Sea.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Marinella di Selinunte
  • Parco Archeologico di Selinunte is one of the largest archaeological parks in Europe, located just inland from the modern village. It contains the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Selinus, including several well-preserved temples, city walls and an acropolis. The site covers a vast area with walking trails and sea views. A small shuttle service operates within the park during peak season.
  • Tempio E (Temple of Hera) is the most complete and iconic structure within the archaeological park, partially reconstructed in the 20th century. Its Doric columns stand tall against the landscape and give a clear impression of the city’s former grandeur. Visitors can walk around and between the columns. Informational panels help explain the layout and original purpose of the site.
  • Lungomare di Marinella is the seafront promenade of the village, lined with small shops, seafood restaurants and beach bars. It runs parallel to the coastline and offers uninterrupted views of the sea and nearby ruins. The area is particularly lively in summer, with local events and markets. Sunset walks along the promenade are a popular activity for visitors and locals alike.
  • Spiaggia di Marinella di Selinunte stretches along the coast in front of the archaeological park and is known for its soft sand and shallow waters. The beach is ideal for swimming and families, with both free areas and private lidos. Views of the ancient temples from the shoreline add a unique character to the location. Seasonal services include sunbed hire, refreshments and water sports.
  • Fiume Belice Foce Nature Reserve lies just west of the village, protecting a stretch of wild coastline and dune habitat near the mouth of the Belice River. It is home to various species of birds and plants and offers a more natural beach experience. Accessible via footpaths from the main road, it’s a popular spot for walking and birdwatching. The reserve is managed to preserve its unspoilt environment.
Marinella di Selinunte Tours and Activities
Marinella di Selinunte - frazione di Castelvetrano
Comune: ​Castelvetrano

Province: Trapani​

Region: Sicily

Close by: Selinunte, Mazara del Vallo, Sciacca, Marsala, Trapani

Fly to: ​​Palermo Airport - 1 hour by car (95 km)

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Marinella di Selinunte
  • Hotel Selinunte Beach is a well-regarded 4-star hotel located near the beach in Marinella di Selinunte. The hotel features spacious rooms with modern amenities, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving Sicilian dishes. Its prime location offers easy access to the beach and the famous Selinunte Archaeological Park, making it perfect for guests looking to explore both the coast and historical sites. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range).
  • Hotel Villa Sogno is a charming 3-star hotel located just a short walk from the beach in Marinella di Selinunte. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with traditional Sicilian décor, a large outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel’s peaceful setting is ideal for relaxation, and it provides convenient access to local attractions, including the Selinunte Archaeological Site. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range).
  • B&B L’Albero della Vita is a family-run bed and breakfast located in Marinella di Selinunte, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The B&B features cozy rooms with a traditional Sicilian style, a garden, and a delicious homemade breakfast. It is within walking distance of the beach and provides a personal and affordable stay with easy access to local attractions like the ancient ruins of Selinunte. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable).
  • Residence Le Dune is a self-catering residence located near the beach in Marinella di Selinunte. The property offers spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy the flexibility of self-catering while being close to the beach and local shops, as well as the Selinunte Archaeological Park and surrounding natural beauty. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range).
  • Torre del Sole is a well-regarded 3-star hotel located near the seafront in Marinella di Selinunte. The hotel features comfortable rooms with sea views, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving local and Mediterranean cuisine. It’s conveniently located near the beach and the archaeological park, making it an ideal choice for both history enthusiasts and beach lovers. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range).

Photo Gallery

Sicily Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sicily

1. Taormina
2. Syracuse
3. Aeolian Islands
4. Palermo
5. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
6. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
7. Aegadian Islands
8. Cefalù
9. Noto​​
10. Ragusa

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily

    Private  Transfer  Request

    WE OFFER PRIVATE TRANSFERS ACROSS THE WHOLE OF ITALY!
    To request the price and availability of any transfer route in Italy please use the form below or contact us via the [email protected] mailbox. Make sure you've included details such as the name of the hotel, name of the town/city or which airport/train station where relevant. Our English booking team will get back to you ASAP to assist with your enquiry.
To book one of our private transfers you can contact us via the [email protected] mailbox or use the Whatsapp button above for live chat and general advice about your upcoming trip to Italy. 

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via  my Facebook and Instagram pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone. 
Chat with us on WhatsApp