Description
The crag of Cala Mancina is in the western part of the majestic sea cliff of Salinella, about 5 Km long. The rock wall borders the beautiful beach of Salinella and are just a few meters from the sea. the cliff is, for the most part, West exposed. Thus, except few stretches, the routes of Salinella are not sheltered by the sirocco, and are recommended in winter and in the mid-seasons. During the summer, instead, you can climb in Cala Mancina only during the morning (and in the afternoon you can have a bath, or a sunbath). The cliff is a beautiful vertical (or slightly overhanging) wall of excellent limestone, cut through by corners, cracks, and amazing tufas, there is no shortage of caves, some of which still have traces of the Paleolithic Age, and offer overhanging routes. Among all the caves, you can’t miss the “Grotta dei Cavalli” (named “Grotta del Cavallo” too). in an inside chamber of this cave was recently discovered a red-figure painting of the Copper Age (Eneolythic).
The routes are just under 200, all with a very short and comfortable approach. The difficulties are for any taste: low, middle, high and very high. The climbing style is various and enjoyable: crimps, buckets, pockets, tufas, cracks, corners.
The space under the rock wall is almost always wide and comfortable (it’s the beach!). Thus this crag is good for children.
Approach
BY PLANE
The nearest international airports to San Vito lo Capo are the one of Trapani and the one of Palermo. The airport of Trapani is the nearest one (45 minutes by car), but the airport of Palermo (60 minutes by car) offer much more international flights. Once at Trapani (or Palermo), it’s convenient to book a rental car to San Vito together with the flight, as the public transport from Trapani (or Palermo) is not regular. As an alternative, you can book a private transfer, and once you are in San Vito, you can get around on foot, or by a rental bicycle
BY FERRY
You can take a ferry to Palermo from many harbors: Genova, Livorno, Civitavecchia (near Roma), Napoli, Salerno, or from Cagliari (in Sardegna). From Civitavecchia or Naples the ferry sets sail in the evening and arrive in the early morning. If you have a car, it’s convenient boarding with your car, or, as an alternative, booking a rental car to San Vito (or a private transfer).
BY CAR FROM PALERMO
From Palermo take the highway E90 toward Trapani, and exit to Castellammare del Golfo. Once at Castellammare del Golfo (SS 731) follow the signs to Custonaci, and take the SS187 road. Once at the fork to Custonaci, turn right and take the SP16 road. Continue on the SP16 road, up to San Vito lo Capo, crossing first Custonaci, then Purgatorio, then Castelluzzo, and finally Màcari.
BY CAR FROM TRAPANI
From Trapani take the SS187 road toward San Vito lo Capo. Once at the fork to Custonaci, turn left and take the SP16 road. Continue on the SP16 road, up to San Vito lo Capo, crossing first Custonaci, then Purgatorio, then Castelluzzo, Màcari, and finally San Vito.
