Location
This small town on the southwest coast lies picturesquely situated on a hilly terrace above the sea. It is a fishing port that has been valued as a spa town since Roman towns. The spa and holiday center of Sciaccamare, 5km/3mi to the east, is very well equipped indeed.
History
Founded by Selinunte, after being destroyed in 409 B.C. the town came under Carthaginian rule and then in the third century under that of the Romans, who named it Thermae Selinuntinae. Since being conquered by the Saracens in 840 it has been known as Sciacca. In 1087 the Saracens were driven out by the Normans. The 15th and 16th centuries were marked by a feud between the rival Luna and Peralta merchant families, the "Casi di Sciacca". The town walls, parts of which still remain, are also 15th-16th centuries.