Trapani is a mellow seaside city on the west coast of Sicily. While it serves as a transit hub for visitors en route to the Aegadian (Egadi in Italian) Islands, it remains very authentic and local, without many tourists. That’s what I liked most about it because it’s not really a city for sightseeing like Palermo. It’s more about relaxing with sea views and soaking up the local culture while passing a few lovely historic sites along the way. Here’s a travel guide to Trapani, Sicily, including what to see and do there and where to eat, drink, and stay! For more info, here’s how long to spend there, how to get to Trapani from Palermo, and how to get from Trapani to Erice or to the Aegadian Islands.
What to See
Historic Center & Waterfront
My favorite things to do in Trapani were walking the Mura di Tramontana or ancient city walls above the sea and visiting the atmospheric fish market (Mercato del Pesce). In the historic center are some lovely examples of Trapani’s Baroque architecture. There’s the 17th-century Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and Palazzo Senatorio, both on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the main pedestrian avenue. Near the palazzo is the 14th-century Fontana di Saturno. It’s the oldest fountain in the city, featuring a statue of Saturn, the mythical founder of Trapani. Also check out Piazza Ex Mercato del Pesce, the old fish market by the sea.
East Side of the City
For visitors with more time in Trapani, the Museo Regionale Agostino Pepoli is a 45-minute walk east of the historic center. Regional art, sculpture, and religious artifacts are on display in this museum housed in a former Carmelite convent. The highlight is the art made with red coral from Trapani, a local artisan tradition dating back to the 12th century! If you walk to this museum from the historic center, stroll through Villa Regina Margherita, a 19th-century public garden filled with trees and fountains, on the way.
What to Do
Salt Flats (Saline di Trapani)
The salt flats near Trapani have been in use for almost 3,000 years. Salt is still produced here according to traditional methods and is considered the finest in Italy. The area is also a nature reserve, home to flamingos and other migratory birds. It’s especially picturesque at sunset.
Medieval Erice
Erice is a 12th-century medieval town located above Trapani, with panoramic views of the coast and the Aegadian Islands. Its origins date back to the Elymians, one of Sicily’s ancient peoples. The town, enclosed by defensive walls, has a castle built by the Normans and a historic center with dozens of churches, quaint courtyards, and cobblestone streets. Erice is also famous for its pastry shop!
Boat Tour
The sea around Trapani is spectacular. There’s no better way to experience it than by boat. On a boat tour to the Aegadian (Egadi in Italian) Islands—Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo—you visit the islands’ secluded coves, sea caves, and crystal-clear turquoise waters in a protected marine area.
Olive Oil & Wine Tasting @ Azienda Agricola Baglio Ingardia
Sicily is one of the most fertile regions in Italy. The land is part of its heart and soul, so any time you can get out of the city and into the countryside, you should! On this tour of the renowned Azienda Agricola Baglio Ingardia (a 15-minute drive from the port of Trapani), you visit the Ingardia family’s beautiful 18th-century estate and organic farm and sample its extra virgin olive oils and wine.
San Giuliano Beach
The best beach near downtown Trapani is San Giuliano. It’s a 10-minute drive or 45-minute walk. If you’re only in the area for a few days, though, and have a whole day to spare, I recommend taking the hydrofoil from the Port of Trapani to Levanzo or Favignana Islands. You can be on the islands in 25-30 minutes (quicker than walking to San Giuliano!) and have spectacular places to swim.
Where to Eat & Drink
Food
Traditional food in Trapani reflects a blend of Sicilian and North African influences. A signature dish is couscous di pesce, a couscous topped with seafood and served with fish broth. Another staple is pesto alla trapanese, made with almonds, tomatoes, basil, and garlic, often served with busiate pasta. The top restaurants in downtown Trapani are La Bettolaccia, Antichi Sapori, Gli Archi di San Carlo, Osteria ‘A NASSA, and Trattoria da Salvatore. Also try Trapani-style pizza at Pizzeria Calvino.
For Sicilian sweets and baked goods, go to Pasticceria La Rinascente or Bakery Oddo Michiele. Gelateria Meno Tredici by the port is my top pick for gelato! Gelateria Liparoti is another good one.
Pesto alla trapanese
Cassatina, an individual-sized Sicilian cassata cake
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