10 Places to visit around Trapani
1. Trapani
Elegant and refined, Trapani is the most representative city in the province: in the historic city center coexist artistic influences from different eras, numerous religious buildings and monuments, such as the church of St. Augustine and the Ligny tower, passing by the characteristic fish market and the large city port. You can saunter through the center on foot or by bike, stopping at one of the many bars and small restaurants to enjoy traditional Sicilian dishes or shopping in the elegant Via Fardella.
2. Erice
The medieval village of Erice, just above the city of Trapani, is a place of unique charm. Perched on the mountain of the same name, 750 meters above sea level, it offers anyone who visits it a mix of history, art and gastronomy. Try strolling through its streets, climbing the ancient castle (where you can enjoy an exceptional view of the coast) and tasting the typical Genoese with cream.
3. Selinunte
Nestled in the paradisiacal Sicilian countryside and bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, the ruins of ancient Selinunte, in the Castelvetrano area, are nothing like those of the ancient cities of Greece. Founded in the mid-7th century B.C. by settlers from Megara Iblea, Selinunte is in fact the largest archaeological area in Europe and holds imposing temples and finds of extraordinary beauty.
4. Segesta
Located in the present-day territory of Calatafimi, on the slopes of Mount Barbaro, Segesta is another must-see for all history buffs. Founded, according to myth, by Trojan exiles, it established itself as one of the most important Elymian cities and today holds two of the best-preserved classical monuments in the world: a Doric temple from the 5th century B.C. and an extraordinary theater from the 3rd-2nd century B.C., which offers the public breathtaking views.
5. Riserva naturale dello Zingaro
Trekking lovers cannot miss a visit to the Zingaro Nature Reserve, Sicily’s first protected area (established in 1981) in the territory of the municipalities of San Vito lo Capo and Castellammare del Golfo. Among hidden coves, caves (sea and land) and paths winding through typical Mediterranean scrub, the Zingaro offers routes suitable for everyone: from novices to the most demanding hikers.
6. Isole Egadi
Easily reached from the port of Marsala or Trapani, the islands of the Egadi archipelago (Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo) offer an unspoiled corner of paradise within easy reach of the province’s two most important cities. You can visit them on a day trip or decide to book a tour, enjoying the nightlife and pristine coves of Favignana, the peace of tiny Levanzo, and the wilderness of rocky Marettimo.
7. La Casbah di Mazara del Vallo
If you want to enjoy the magical atmosphere of an Arab city, venture into the narrow alleys of Mazara del Vallo’s ancient Casbah, the city’s Arab quarter. There, amid the evocative call of the muezzin and colorful typical ceramics, you can admire the famous “blue gate.” Besides the Casbah, Mazara also offers must-see monuments, including the Baroque Cathedral and the Satiro danzante (Dancing Satyr), a world masterpiece of Hellenistic Greek art.
8. Le Saline
Famous throughout Italy for the production of sea salt, the Trapani area is dotted with salt pans, all located in the area between Marsala and Trapani. Characterized by the presence of typical windmills, these places offer unique colored sunsets where to enjoy cocktails and aperitifs. From the salt pans you can also reach Mozia and the islands of the so-called “stagnone” of Marsala, just a 10-minute boat ride away.
9. San Vito lo Capo
Overlooked by Mount Monaco on Sicily’s northwest coast, San Vito Lo Capo is one of the most famous seaside resorts in southern Italy. Looking at its Caribbean beaches, one can immediately see how it has earned such primacy. In addition to the sea, however, San Vito is famous for being the home of cous cous, which you can enjoy in its many restaurants or at the cous cous fest, the international food festival held here every year.
10. Scopello e Castellammare
An ancient tuna fishery, a tiny village, an enchanting bay with the imposing Faraglioni stacks in the background: this is Scopello, a little gem just a short distance from Castellammare del Golfo. If you’re in those parts, after a day at the beach, drop by Castellammare as well: there you can enjoy the town’s beauty and stroll through its colorful streets, dining one of the typical little restaurants in the center.
