Balestrate is one of the towns on the Sicilian coast overlooking the Gulf of Castellammare, and it is famous for its beautiful unspoiled beaches, crystal-clear sea, and land rich in history. This area has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era and has been marked by the presence of significant dominations, such as the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Norman, each of which has left its mark. Specifically, the foundation of the current town site is attributed to the Byzantines, who built a small fishing village among the defense towers of the Gulf of Castellammare. During the Arab rule, the village expanded, and the Arabs also created an irrigation system (called síqayah in Arabic and “Secchiaria” in Sicilian) to irrigate sugarcane plantations and other products like olive trees and citrus fruits. Another significant milestone for the town came with the construction of a tuna fishery in the 16th century, which not only created new jobs but also fostered new development in Balestrate. The town's economy is still based on fishing and agriculture, sectors that in the last century have been joined by tourism. In fact, Balestrate boasts a long coastline with a golden beach and emerald-colored sea, attracting many tourists during the summer months, who are drawn by its hospitality and gastronomic heritage.

Fonte: https://www.sicilia.info/palermo/balestrate/