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Trapani - Aerial view
The province of Trapani extends out in the western part of the region, between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Canal of Sicily.
This enchanting land is composed of marvellous coasts alternated by steep cliffs and endless beaches. The archeological remains and the small villages where the most authentic traditions are still part of daily life, make the province of Trapani a very attractive tourist destination.
The Trapani coast, one of the most impressive in Italy, comprises very valuable naturalistic spots such as the Gulf of Castellamare with its seafront full of cliffs and stacks alternating with beautiful beaches. Scopello is particularly renowned for its stacks and for its transparent sea. Part of this enchanting scenary is San Vito Lo Capo, with its white beaches and waters of the most brilliant hues.
The province encloses an extraordinary natural heritage, starting with the renowned Egadi Islands and the splendid volcanic isle of Pantelleria, true and proper oases to be discovered.
There are innumerable protected areas such as the Zingaro Natural Reserve, which stretches out along the coast and reefs, inlets and marine cliffs a sheer drop to the blue sea, covered by thick Mediterranean shrubs.
In proximity with Trapani, the particularly breathtaking landscapes are composed of saline banks from which wind mills arise. This is certainly one of the most important humid coastal zones, protected by the Trapani and Paceco Saline Natural Reserve.
The province is particularly renowned for the extraordinary cultural heritage spread all over its territory, from the archeological area of Segesta, located in the coastal hinterland to Selinunte, Erice and the island of Mothia.
The city of Trapani presents an historical centre and several splendid monuments dating to different epochs, a unique and fascinating collection.
This corner of Sicily is special for its traditions, passed down through the centuries, always reserving new surprises for its visitors.
Spread out around the port, the historical centre of Trapani abounds in countless testimonials of history and art: ancient buildings, monuments and churches such as the cathedral of San Lorenzo with its elegant Baroque façade. Not to miss: the Pepoli Regional Museum which gives a picture of the evolution of Trapani’s artistic heritage from ancient times up to today.
Erice, a medieval town perched on a mountain, offers an incredible panorama which enfolds a millenary history as testified by the section of Punic walls which still surrounds it.
The Cathedral, adorned by an amazing Gothic portal, is something you must not miss, along with the A. Cordici Civic Museum containing archeological finds and paintings of the 18th century. The province is especially renowned for the important signs of old civilizations, among which is the Segesta archeological area dominated from above by a majestic Doric temple. Besides traces of fortified doors and perimeter walls, you can admire the magnificent Greek theatre and the remains of a sanctuary.
Selinunte is one of the most representative sites of Classic Civilization, located in a very charming spot within the reserve of the Belice River. Here you will see the ruins of the colossal Greek temples looming over the territory, the acropolis and the remains of houses and of a perimeter wall.
The small isle of Mothia instead is one of the most important Phoenician settlements where a great number of ruins are still visible, like the necropolis with the Tophet and the Whitaker Archeological Museum.
A popular marine attraction in the Trapani province are the Egadi Islands, three pearls wedged into the Mediterranean’s blue waters, where nature is still wild, with extraordinarily clean beaches and sea.
Favignana, Levanzo and Maréttimo offer unique landscapes . Important archeological finds on the seabed date back to the Punic and Roman periods. The volcanic island of Pantelleria is the biggest of the islands surrounding Sicily and famous for its landscapes which catch your eye for the blackness of its lavic stones and the greenness of its vegetation.
Another important city is Marsala, famous for its liquorish wine and being the site where Garibaldi landed, but also for the archeological finds of Carthaginian and Roman epochs, exhibited in the Baglio Anselmi Archeological Museum. The Arazzi Museum preserves a spectacular collection of Flemish tapestry of the 16th century.
Other typical towns worth visiting are Mazara del Vallo and Castelvetrano conserving interesting evidences of their past.
The coast offers great opportunities to spend a relaxing holiday by the sea with the possibility of practicing all sorts of water sports, from sailing to scuba diving.
The protected areas allow to go on naturalistic excursions and trek on the countryside trails.
Sea enthusiasts can take on a boat tour, to discover the breathtaking caves of Maréttimo island, among which, is the famous Grotta del Cammello.
At the Thermal baths of Segeste wellbeing is ensured. The baths exploit the properties of special waters for treatments and therapies.
The calendar of local events is full, and highlights the famous Holy Friday Procession in Trapani, the feast of the Holy Crucifix in Calatafimi (May), and the feast of Sant’Alberto in Trapani on 7th August.
Among the celebrations dedicated to gastronomic specialties and typical products, not to forget the food and wine week in San Vito Lo Capo (August) and the Mediterranean Wine Fair in Marsala (May and September). You can moreover participate in traditional activities linked to marine traditions such as the “mattanza” (killing of tuna fishes) in Favignana in the period of May-June.
Local gastronomy is influenced by the culture and customs of the many peoples who passed through these lands throughout the centuries.
A symbol of this fusion is the cous cous, a typical food of the Arab world with which the local inhabitants conducted great maritime trades. Fish is the main ingredient of local cuisine, and it is cooked in many ways: from lobster-spaghetti or grilled fish. The typical product par excellence is tuna fish. Trapanese cuisine in fact is famous for its traditional mattanza (tuna fishing).
As to cakes, as in all of Sicily we have the renowned cannoli with ricotta cottage cheese and the mustazzoli from Erice and fruit from Martorana.
Among the wines: Marsala and Alcamo white.
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Elegant beaches with bathing establishments alternate with cliffs, luxuriant maquis and ancient watchtowers. The coast of Scopello surprises us with the amazing shapes of its cliffs and the rugged nature that announces the nearby Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro.
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