What to see in Trapani Sicily

WHAT TO SEE IN TRAPANI – ideal base for visiting Western Sicily

Sicily offers its visitors a wide range of places to visit, where they can get lost in their natural beauty. It offers a rare, if not unique, spectacle of admiring architectural beauties and historical places of considerable value. Sicily is certainly the largest island in the Mediterranean and not even the local population is aware of all the sites and all the Sicilian wonders. In short, you never stop discovering new places and details that, once seen, will remain indelible in your heart.

The Sicilian colors are clear and shining, from the unique blue of the sky to the blue of the crystalline sea. The yellow of the sun reflecting on the green hills and brown mountains. The stone used in historic centers that is refined with different styles, from the Arabs to the Normans, to the Bourbons. The Greek, Roman remains and much more.

Let’s stop and talk about Western Sicily, let’s stop and talk about Trapani, a city at the tip of Sicily. The city of Trapani is called the city bathed between the two seas because it extends across a strip of land. This allows to have a thriving port and to be able to count on an entire seaside coast composed mostly of splendid beaches, both private and free.

The historic center of Trapani was recently rebuilt due to the America’s Cup and in addition to being full of ancient buildings and palaces, the historic center is very welcoming. Very rich architecturally, it is a mix of nightlife and relaxing walks in the fresh sea air.

Numerous churches are worth a visit such as the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the Jesuit college, the Basilica of the Madonna and the church of Purgatory famous for hosting the Mysteries, precious sculptural groups that represent the death and passion of Jesus Christ. The procession takes place on Good Friday and is the longest procession in Italy.

We have chosen to talk about Trapani because it is the ideal base to reach all the neighboring places such as Erice, the Egadi islands, San Vito Lo Capo and the Zingaro Reserve, Marsala, Mazara del Vallo, Segesta and Selinunte.

The city of Trapani is well connected by public transport and road sections. Trains and buses connect the capital with the rest of the province.

For all tastes and all needs. Days at the seaside, quiet walks or trekking. By sea or by land. Trapani offers all this. The northern part dedicated to the sea, from Trapani to Castellammare del Golfo is entirely seaside and full of natural reserves. The most famous reserve is that of Zingaro. Uncontaminated reserve and crystal clear water where you can swim among the fish not at all scared by your presence. The Monte Cofano Reserve must have a note of merit where, in addition to a splendid sea, the reserve offers the possibility of walking immersed in nature and climbing the Cofano mountain. In the same place sea, nature with Mediterranean scrub and mountains.

A “must” is Erice, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Located on Mount Erice it offers unforgettable views from its “Balio” garden which surrounds the Castello di Venere. Worthy of note is the Erice Cathedral and the Ettore Majorana international study center (seismological centre).

The Saline extend from Trapani to Marsala, enormous tanks for collecting salt. Admiring the pink flamingos, a visit to the salt museum and enjoying the sunset will make the visit indelible in your mind.

Marsala is worth a visit, a city just 30 minutes by car from Trapani, in Italy it is the queen of wine. Marsala, a fortified wine, is famous. It is possible to take a guided tour of the cellars with tastings of local products. The historic center of Marsala is also cute where narrow streets and squares will make you enjoy the best of a nice ice cream.

Following the road south, Mazara del Vallo and Selinunte should not be missing from your notebook. Mazara del Vallo will amaze you with its Arab-style historic centre, and Selinunte will enchant you with its archaeological park.

Following the motorway from Trapani to Palermo, less than 50 km from Trapani we find Segesta with its Temple and amphitheatre. Segesta has the most intact temple in the entire Mediterranean.

Near Segesta there is Castellammare del Golfo with its belvedere and its castle, a place that has its charm especially in the evening.

Trapani will be the sweet surprise of your trip to Sicily.

Angelo Carollo