Coastal city in Sicily with salt pans and windmills. Gateway to Egadi Islands. Known for tuna fishing, coral crafts, and Baroque architecture.
Trapani, a coastal city in northwestern Sicily, sits on a crescent-shaped harbor between the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Seas. As you walk through its winding medieval streets, you'll come across Baroque churches like the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and remnants of its past as a trading port, such as the Torre di Ligny watchtower. From Trapani, you can visit the hilltop town of Erice by cable car, take boat trips to the Egadi Islands, or explore the region's historic salt pans where flamingos sometimes gather during migration seasons.
Wandering Trapani's Old Town
Trapani's compact historic center is easy to explore on foot. As you walk the narrow streets, you'll see the 14th-century Church of Sant'Agostino with its distinctive rose window and the elaborate Baroque facade of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. The Corso Vittorio Emanuele serves as the main thoroughfare, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. To learn about Trapani's maritime history, visit the Torre di Ligny, a 17th-century watchtower that now houses a small museum. From its top, you can see where the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Seas meet.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
Trapani's location between two seas gives you many beach options. Within the city, Spiaggia delle Mura di Tramontana is an urban beach with views of the old town walls. A short trip away, San Vito Lo Capo has a wide sandy beach and clear waters. The nearby Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, a protected coastal area, has hiking trails leading to secluded coves where you can swim away from crowds.
Culinary Experiences in Trapani
Trapani's cuisine reflects its coastal location and multicultural history. Seafood is central to many local dishes, with specialties like couscous al pesce, a legacy of Arab influence, and pasta with bottarga, made from cured fish roe. You can visit the lively fish market near the old port to see the day's catch and experience local life. For dessert, try the cassatelle trapanesi, crescent-shaped pastries filled with sweetened ricotta, often available in local bakeries and cafes.
Exploring Beyond Trapani
Trapani is a good starting point for exploring western Sicily. You can take the cable car up to Erice, a medieval town on top of Monte San Giuliano, with well-preserved buildings and views over the countryside. The ancient Greek temple at Segesta is almost intact, showing Sicily's classical past. Boat trips to the Egadi Islands let you swim and snorkel in clear waters. Between Trapani and Marsala, you'll find salt pans where you can learn about traditional salt production methods and possibly see flamingos during migration seasons.
Cultural Events Throughout the Year
If you visit Trapani during Easter, you might see the Processione dei Misteri, a centuries-old Good Friday procession where life-sized wooden sculptures are carried through the streets. In summer, the Trapani Estate festival brings music, theater, and cultural events to various venues around the city. Each July, the nearby town of San Vito Lo Capo hosts the Siciliambiente Documentary Film Festival, focusing on environmental and human rights themes.
