Things to do in Trapani – Between sea, history and salt pans

In this article you will find out what to see in Trapani. The city is located at the northwestern tip of Sicily and overlooks the beautiful Egadi Islands. Sicans were the first to inhabit this place, creating the village of Drapano, from which the town’s present name is derived.

Tip from Topsecretsicily: If you want, you can discover all the secrets of Trapani together with a local guide, savoring typical products and drinking good wine. Also don’t forget that from Trapani you can take the ship and visit the fabulous islands of Favignana and Levanzo.

1. Sanctuary of the Annunziata and Pepoli Museum

They are located next to each other, on the outskirts of Trapani, about 20 minutes walk from the historic center . The Sanctuary was built in 1315 but was largely rebuilt in 1760. On the right side is the chapel of the fishermen of 1486 full of paintings of the 500. On the other side, however, you enter the Renaissance chapel of the Sailors of the sixteenth century.

The Pepoli museum is located next to the Sanctuary and is inside a former convent of the Carmelite fathers of the fourteenth century. To access you must enter the cloister and there is the ticket office. It is truly a place to visit in Trapani, here you will find artifacts in coral, gold, silver, 17th century majolica, 15th century Sicilian sculptures, 19th century paintings, prehistoric and medieval archaeological remains and even an ancient period guillotine Bourbon.

Another interesting find is the Lombard flag which was placed on one of the 2 ships that brought Garibaldi and his soldiers to Sicily , precisely in the nearby Marsala . Hours: Tue-Sat 09:00 – 17:00, Sun 09-12: 00, Ticket 6 Euro. Times and fares may change.

2. The historic center

The most beautiful place in Trapani is certainly its baroque historic center to go around on foot, to discover its beauties. Among these stand Vittorio Emanuele square, Villa Margherita, Vittorio Veneto square and Corso Vittorio Emanuele with its beautiful churches and palaces.

3. Panoramic promenade and the ancient towers

Among the things to see in Trapani, the promenade along the seafront is certainly included . A beautiful and romantic place between the sea and ancient white and beige houses, very original and picturesque. It starts from the ancient Piazza Mercato Pesce, where the fish market was once held (Today, however, every July, culinary events are organized with lots of delicious street food) and goes along the seafront in via Mura di Tramontana Ovest, up to reach the ancient “Conca” defense bastion (16th century AD). From here you will have a fantastic view of the coast, as in the photo .

A second stretch of the seafront, also very scenic, is located not far between the imperial bastion and the Ligny tower (1671). Inside the latter there is a small museum with archaeological finds and an internal staircase will take you up to the roof from where you can admire the city and the Egadi Islands. This is also the best place to admire the sunset in Trapani.

4. The salt pans of Trapani

If you go to Trapani you cannot miss the salt pans and its typical mills, a wonderful place protected by the WWF . They are especially fascinating at sunset, due to the play of colors that are created with the water. In reality, the salt pans are not located in Trapani, but in the nearby village of Nubia, which can still be reached in 15 minutes by car. For a small fee you can admire the salt flats and the attached museum with a guide.

Tip from Topsecretsicily: Popular with tourists is this 3-hour guided tour, exploring the salt pans, ancient mill and flamingos.

Other salt pans are located in Marsala (about 20 minutes away) and from there the boats leave for the beautiful island of Mozia.

Near the museum there is also an excellent trattoria, the Trattoria del Sale, where you can eat typical dishes inside or outside the old mill. Here too, as in the Mammacaura restaurant in the Stagnone reserve, you can enjoy a beautiful view, especially at sunset.

Photo from Trattoria del Sale.

4.1 Top Secret Advice

Nubia is defined as the land of garlic, garlic that is grown here with traditional methods, with manual harvesting and braiding. The flavor is particularly intense, thanks to the soil and the cultivation method. If you go to the village you can buy some braids (Shop shown on the map)

Interactive map of Trapani – Points of interest in purple

To locate you once you arrive in the area, click on the enlarge symbol at the top right.

What to see around Trapani

Here you will find listed the places to visit in Trapani and surroundings.

Typical dishes of the area

Here you can find some tips on what to eat in Trapani and surroundings , here instead you find the typical Sicilian dishes.