Protected by the gulf, which stretches from Cape San Vito to Cape Rama, the town of Castellammare was the port and emporium of the ancient cities Segesta and Erice. It was formed around the great Castle, an impregnable stronghold, on a promontory jutting out into the sea, surrounded by the sea on three sides and joined to the mainland by a drawbridge, which was later stabilized in masonry. Throughout the summer, the long beach, hotels and restaurants make it a destination for large numbers of visitors. A few steps from the picturesque setting of Cala Marina, a small Museum of the Sea was born, an interesting destination for lovers of deep-sea and recreational nautical tourism. About 3 km from the town is the railway station, which is connected by special shuttle services to the town center and neighboring towns.