Trapani is a historical city in Sicily. It has a striking appearance at the foot of Monte Erice, on a peninsula. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, the Greeks called it ‘Drepanon’, meaning ‘sickle’, because of the shape of its bay.
A large part of Trapani’s history is reflected in its landscape today. For example, the old town with its historic centre can still be seen today as well as many other historical buildings such as churches and palaces that have been preserved to this day.
It would be best if you didn’t miss out on seeing this gem, which is also a bustling harbor. So, if you plan a trip to Sicily, you should put Trapani on your itinerary. This way, you’ll see the following things, which are great and shouldn’t be missed. And for accommodations options, you can take a look at the website of the local travel agency selectsicily.com.
Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco
You can find saltworks and lagoons with shallow water along the route to Marsala that goes through the Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco. The water depth ranges from 50 centimeters to 2 meters. Four other nearby islands are part of the reserve, including Santa Maria, Mozia (San Pantaleo), Schola, and the Isola Grande. Most of the time, tourists and other visitors can get into these reserves. The Mulino Maria Stella will likely have a reception center with information on the provincial route from Trapani to Marsala.
Isole dello Stagnone and Mothia Island
On the island of San Pantaleo, a settlement known as Mothia has been established. It is an island located in the middle of the large lagoon of the Stagnone. The island was bought by the Englishman Joseph Whitaker in 1902, well-known for the Marsala wines; it is currently maintained by its foundation. The museum hosts the collection of Whitaker, the outcome of its excavations to discover Mothia’s ancient past.
On the other hand, the water in Isole Dello Stagnone is quite shallow, with depths ranging from one to two meters. It gets its name from Stagnone, the name of the biggest pond in the area. Because of where it is, it is a great place for sea trade and draws people who want to have fun while there.
Beaches
San Giuliano, San Vito lo Capo, and San Teodoro near Marsala are the three most popular beaches in the Trapani area of Sicily. These beaches have places where you can do water sports like kitesurfing and kiteboarding. San Giuliano is about 2.6 kilometers away from the main part of Trapani. You don’t have to wear any special shoes because the beach is big, and has golden sand and turquoise water.
Another big beach is San Vito lo Capo, about 40 kilometers from Trapani. It gets a lot of visitors because it is a beautiful place, and many of them decide to spend their vacations there. On the other hand, if you want to sunbathe when there is a lot of wind, you might want to go to San Teodoro in Marsala. A turquoise shoal and a clear view of the kiteboarding area are right in front of you.
Erice Village
Since the Middle Ages, this town has been a cultural and historical center. When you walk around this hamlet’s streets, you’ll be able to see many of the things that make it unique. Most notably, the houses with small lanes and cobblestone streets give it an urban look that makes it stand out.
One of the most popular attractions here is the Castle of Erice which was built by the Arabs during their occupation of Sicily. It has been renovated over time so it has an eclectic mix of architectural styles from Arab to Byzantine to Norman-French influences.
Erice is also known for the local food. If you get the chance to try any of the following things while you are in this small town, you must check these:
- Mustazzoli
- Crunchy biscuits
- Riposto sweets
- Erice’s Genoese
Zingaro Nature Reserve
The Zingaro Reserve is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful natural locations in Trapani, on the island of Sicily. In this reserve, you will get the opportunity to experience the sea in the same way that humans did several hundred years ago. Because there aren’t too many trees, the nature reserve seems deserted when seen from afar. Additionally, the environment is rather humid, which contributes to the fact that over 660 distinct species can call this place home.
Conclusion
Over a long period, fishing for Bluefin tuna, exporting marble, trading salt, and getting salt from the ground have all become important parts of Trapani’s economy. Trapani is a great place for travelers, especially if they want to try kitesurfing and enjoy a relaxing vacation in Sicily. This is a destination not to miss as it has some of the best museums, beaches, nature reserves, small islands, and typical streets.