The Best Travel Guide to Trapani

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Trapani

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Overview

Trapani The guide was updated: 2023-10-27

Trapani is one of the most romantic places in Sicily, and arguably all of the Mediterranean littoral. Characterised by long stretches of coast and coastal plains, this city is littered with lavish monuments and palaces, historical sites, windmills, near islands and a countryside that begs to be explored. By night, the region should be enjoyed over a glass of Marsala wine and fine food at a beachside restaurant, ideally facing west so one can enjoy some of the most spectacular sunsets in Europe.

Facts

Population:	67,531
Currency:	Euro, €1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police: 112 Medical: 118 Firemen: 115
Newspapers:	II Giornale di Sicilia
Website:	www.comune.trapani.it
Opening hours:	Shops usually open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am until 1pm, reopening again at 4pm through to 8pm latest; on Monday, shops are generally open only in the morning and they are closed all day on Sunday. Also during summer some shops are closed in the afternoon. There is no national rule for bank opening hours, but times tend to be 8.30am to 1.30pm and 3pm to around 5pm Monday to Friday. Some open Saturday morning with times at their discretion.
Tourist information:	Tourist Information Office Via Torrearsa esq. Piazzetta Saturno, Trapani. +39 0923 20338 Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm; Sat. closed; Sun. 9am - 8pm.

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Section in Trapani

This fascinating Sicilian gem fully represents the Italian dolce vita myth. Chic restaurants and shops perfectly blend with the classical architecture of the city, particularly in the ancient town’s main road- Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Sickle-shaped and bordered on both its sides by the sea, Trapani has a real beating heart in its historical centre, around which main places of interest are located together with the central bus station and the ferry terminal to reach the city. Along with the coastal areas of Trapani it is possible to enjoy miles of beautiful beaches where its typical watch towers and windmills dominate the skyline. The shallow waters near the shore make it suitable for relaxing swimming, while further out visitors can sail around the Aegadian archipelago. Furthermore, since tradition plays an important role in Trapani's culture, if you are visiting the city over Easter you cannot miss the Processione dei Misteri (Procession of Mysteries) known throughout Italy for its exceptional extent.

Zingaro Natural Reserve

Zingaro Natural Reserve

On the coast between San Vito Lo Capo and Castellamare del Golfo, the Zingaro Natural Reserve stretches for 7 km of virgin wilderness. Tell in few words how charming this place is, is a challenge. The crystal water of Sicily meets here amazing beaches sprinkled with white pebbles. In addition, the protection offered by the reserve assures the survival of local fauna and flora, preserving the untouched environment of this area together with all its colours and perfumes.

Segesta

Segesta

Sicily is the cradle of the European culture and Segesta is one of the historical treasure of this region. It used to be the centre of one of the three indigenous people of Sicily: the Elymians. With a scenic location high up on Mount Barbaro, (about 400 meters high) only 30 minutes by car from Trapani, Segesta is the ideal destination for a daytrip. It attracts both lovers of history and nature, since the path to the monuments is surrounded by the local Mediterranean scrubland. It is also here you will find the magnificent Doric temple and the Greek theater called The Segesta Theater.

Basilica-Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Annunziata

Basilica-Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Annunziata

This Basilica houses an impressive collection from both medieval and modern periods. Here visitors can admire paintings by world-famous artists, marble sculptures, a splendid assortment of gold and silver fine art objects, as well as memorabilia connected with Trapani’s history. The entire cathedral expresses the typical Sicilian Renascent-Baroque style through its marble naves magnificently frescoed.

Trapani and Paceco's Salines

Trapani and Paceco's Salines

This sui generis reserve is situated almost 3 km away from Trapani's centre, it covers the ancient salt ponds of Trapani and Paceco. Visitors can freely walk around in the reserve and see and hear all sorts of wildlife that have repopulated the area now that they are protected. This sight shows its best at the end of the day thanks to the silhouette of windmills and the flat landscape against the beautiful colours of the sundown.

Trapani's Ancient City

Trapani's Ancient City

A walk in Trapani’s old city cannot be missed. The legacy left by the numerous dominations suffered by the region can be easily recognised in each building. Across the various districts, you can admire different architectural styles, from the Arabian to the medieval, and Baroque. Everything is easily reachable within walking distance, so you will be able to experience Trapani's old city in one go.

Church of Saint Augustine

Church of Saint Augustine

The Church of Saint Augustine is the oldest building in Trapani, dated back to the Templars’ period. Milestone of Gothic style, the church is recognisable thanks to the big rose window on its facade. In the little square adjacent to the church is situated the famous Saturn Fountain, from the 14th century, as a representation of the mythological founder of Trapani: the god Saturn.

Favignana

Favignana

Favignana Island is part of the Aegadian Archipelago, famous for its glorious beaches. It is located just 17 km southwest of Trapani, and it is easily reachable by frequent ferries. Visitors can take boat trips to the entire group of islands so to discover the natural magnificence of the deep southern Italy. In the numerous small ports, you cannot miss the daily fish markets, where you will have the possibility to taste raw sea urchins, typical dish of the Mediterranean coast.

San Vito lo Capo

San Vito lo Capo

Sicily has some of the most amazing beaches in the world. At a short distance from Trapani, San Vito Lo Capo hosts some of them. These bays are particularly famous for their wilderness, crystal waters and soft sand. This bewildered atmosphere even caught the attention of Hollywood directors, who set several movies here. All this gorgeousness obviously attracts many visitors in summer, but for gourmands the perfect moment to visit San Vito is in September during the regional couscous festival.

Erice

Erice

The historic town of Erice is located on the top of Mount Erice, just outside Trapani. The view is stunning from here, and the location is reachable in various ways: by car, bus; by the cable car connecting Trapani to Erice; or for hike enthusiasts it is possible to get there through a path of almost 2 hours. Erice's relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect place to spend the day exploring.

Processione dei Misteri

Processione dei Misteri

Trapani is a treasure chest of tradition. One of the most ancient and still followed ritual is the annual Procession of Mysteries (Provessione dei Misteri). Each Good Friday almost twenty sculptures are carried across the roads of the city centre. This is one of the longest religious festival in Sicily and in Italy. Italian religion folklore is one of the most coloured and observed in Europe, and this procession fully represents it.

Marsala

Marsala

Marsala is the biggest town in Trapani's district, and it is generally known because from its harbour Garibaldi started his travel to unify Italy. But above all, Marsala is an important gastronomic destination. In this part of the region the Italian tradition meets the Arabic, creating incredibly tasty dishes. It was also here the Marsala wine was born, a sweet wine famous all over the world.

Grotta Mangiapane

Grotta Mangiapane

Grotta Mangiapane is the biggest cave of the group Scurati's Caverns. Scurati is a little village with very ancient origins, as the numerous finds happened here can demonstrate. The cave takes its name from the family Mangiapane, who lived here for more than a century, indeed it hosts a very peculiar rural agglomeration composed of little squared houses. Totally different epochs merge together in this unique place. During Christmas period, Grotta Mangiapane hosts a big event called “Living Nativity”, an event where the agro-pastoral life comes alive with some 160 performers, including artists and craftsmen from all over Sicily.

Vecchia Gibellina and Nuova Gibellina

Vecchia Gibellina and Nuova Gibellina

Nuova Gibellina is a one-of-a-kind sight. The small village of Gibellina was destroyed by a strong earthquake in 1968 and reconstructed later, 11 km away from its original location. The new city was designed by the most prominent artists in Italy and it has a peculiar and variegated landscape. Whereas, the ruin of the old village - now called Vecchia Gibellina - has been covered entirety in concrete, whereas preserving the streetscape.

Chiesa Santa Maria di Gesu'

Chiesa Santa Maria di Gesu'

Located in the historic centre, this beautiful Gothic style church is well worth seeking out. Inside it is possible to admire a very interesting group of artworks created by the most valuable local artists, as the marble baldachin and all the stunning sacred frescoes and paintings exposed on the walls of the side aisles.

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