Trapani, a wonderful city in Sicily on the extreme west coast, is the perfect city to combine several interests: history, art, beautiful sea, entertainment and great food! With a history dating back thousands of years, it even appears in theAeneid and its origins seem to be mythological: according to legend, the city was born on a tongue of land(Drepanon, from which'Trapani' derives) that originated from a scythe that fell from the hands of Ceres or Saturn, the city's patron god. There are many things to see in the city, but also in its wonderful surroundings!
So let's discover together what to see in Trapani with this guide with practical tips on the city!
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1 - Historical Centre and Tramontana Walls
Trapani's historic centre is a veritable open-air museum! It is full of small squares, characteristic streets and buildings that deserve a visit from the outside, such as the Palazzo Senatorio. It is also rich in churches and we will have the opportunity to get to know the most beautiful ones later on! Take time to stroll through the streets of the centre and discover this city little by little. You will not be disappointed at all.
Special mention should be made of the Mura di Tramontana, the ancient and beautiful walls dating back to the Spanish period, which were built to defend the city from enemy attacks. It is located on the northern side of Trapani and can be walked from the square of the former Fish Market to the mighty Bastione Conca. Along the walls there is also the Spiaggia delle Mura di Tramontana, a small city beach that is taken by storm in summer, but really wonderful and ideal for relaxing.
The historic centre is easily reached on foot from Trapani's train station (1.1 km, 12 min). From the station to the westernmost point of the historic centre, Museo Civico Torre di Ligny, is 2.2 km (28 min) - Get directions
Visit the historical centre on foot: the centre is ZTL, so cars and vehicles are not allowed to enter! It is advisable to park your car near Piazza Scarlatti, Lungomare Dante Alighieri (Piazza Ex mercato del Pesce) or Piazza Vittorio Emanuele; where you will find paid parking spaces on the blue stripes from €0.80 per hour.
2 - Cathedral of San Lorenzo
Photo by Mboesch. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is also known as the Cathedral of Trapani and is one of the city's main churches! It was built around 1300 on the remains of another church at the behest of Alfonso the Magnanimous. During the various centuries it underwent numerous damages, works and modifications, until it became the church we can visit today.
The exterior is in Baroque style, with a beautiful portico consisting of three arches. The interior, on the other hand, is in the shape of a cross, with three different naves and four side chapels. Here you can admire several works, such as the Pala del Martirio di San Lorenzo (Martyrdom of St Lawrence), or Tartaglia's Dead Christ statue.
In Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Easily accessible from all parts of the old town, such as from the Anime Sante del Purgatorio Church (120 m, 2 min) or the Clock Tower (210 m, 3 min) - Get directions
3 - Porta Oscura and Astronomical Clock
In the heart of the old town, a stone's throw from the Palazzo Senatorio, you will find Trapani's Clock Tower. Dating back to the 13th century and located on one of the city's watchtowers, it is Trapani's oldest gate.
If you look closely, you will notice a very special clock on the tower's façade, which is also one of the oldest astronomical clocks in Europe, dating back to 1596. Instead of showing the time, this clock, on which there is a Sun dial and a Lunar, has hands indicating the signs of the zodiac, the solstices, equinoxes, seasons and cardinal points, while the Lunar indicates the phases of the moon.
At 47 Torrearsa Street, easily reached on foot from any point in the historic centre, such as from the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (210 m, 3 min) or the Mura di Tramontana Beach (400 m, 5 min) - Get directions
4 - Church of St. Augustine
Photo by Andrea Albini. The Church of Sant'Agostino is one of the oldest churches in Trapani! A former Templar chapel, in 1101 it was dedicated to St John the Baptist. It was then given to the Augustinian fathers who began major renovations, bringing it to the appearance we can still admire today.
One of the first things that jumps out at you is the wonderful rose window on the exterior façade, very similar to that of the Matrice in Erice. Nowadays, the church is the museum of the Polo Espositivo della Diocesi di Trapani, founded in 2009 by Bishop Francesco Miccichè. Inside, you can admire various temporary exhibitions on various themes, as well as permanent collections.
Practical info: directions, opening hours and prices
How to get there: Piazzetta Saturno. Easily accessible from all parts of the historic centre, such as the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (280 m, 4 min) or the Clock Tower (90 m, 1 min) - Get directions
Hours: Diocesan Museum winter Mon-Fri 9:00-13:00, Sat 9:30-12:30 and 16:00-20:00, Sun and public holidays 11:00-13:00, summer Mon-Fri 16:30-19:30, 9:30-12:30 and 16:00-20:00, Sun and public holidays 11:00-13:00 and 16:00-19:00
Ticket price: free
5 - Anime Sante del Purgatorio Church
The Anime Sante del Purgatorio Church is located near the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and is one of Trapani's major churches. Built in 1688 on the site of an Arab watchtower, later to become the church's bell tower, it is a very distinctive combination of styles.
Noteworthy is its tower-façade, built in 1714 by Giovan Biagio Amico, who animated it with statues representing the apostles and Jesus. Hit by bombing during World War II, it never returned to its former glory as much of its façade was damaged.
Inside, you can admire the 22 sculptural groups of the so-called'Mysteries' that, made in Trapani workshops from wood and canvas, retrace the Passion of Christ.
The procession of the Mysteries: If you are in Trapani for the Easter weekend, you absolutely cannot miss the procession of the Mysteries, a 400-year-old tradition that attracts thousands of faithful from all over Sicily every year. The celebrations begin at 14:00 on Good Friday and end 24 hours later on Holy Saturday.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: Via S. Francesco D'Assisi 33. Easily accessible from all parts of the old town, such as the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (120 m, 1 min) or the Clock Tower (250 m, 3 min) - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Sat 7:45-12:00 and 16:00-19:00, Sun 10:00-12:00 and 16:00-19:00
Ticket price: free
6 - La Salerniana Museum of Contemporary Art
If you are an art lover, finally, you cannot miss La Salerniana Museo di Arte Contemporanea, located right in the city centre and therefore easily accessible, to visit between strolls through the city streets! The art gallery is also anon-profit Artistic Cultural Association and has been based in the Palazzo della Vicaria since 2015.
Founded in 1972 in Erice by Giacomo Tranchida, inside the museum you can admire various works of contemporary Italian art! The collection includes around 80 works, including paintings and statues, which have come to the association thanks to donations or have been created specifically to be exhibited here.
Practical info: directions, opening hours and prices
How to get there: Via S. Francesco D'Assisi 54. Easily accessible from all parts of the historic centre, such as the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (210 m, 3 min) or the Clock Tower (350 m, 4 min) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sun 10:30-12:30 and 16:30-19:30
Ticket price: full price €4.00, reduced €2.00
7 - Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco
The Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco are an essential stop on a visit to the city. Indeed, it was the salt trade that made this city flourish over the centuries, making it a trading power throughout Europe.
There is no certain evidence, but it seems that the salt trade, also known as thewhite gold of Sicily, dates back to Phoenician times. Unfortunately, during the 20th century the salt pans fell into disgrace, until a final flood in 1965 that irreparably damaged the machinery.
By visiting this place you can see how salt is extracted from seawater, discover the history of the plant and of this important trade. In addition to the tanks in which salt was extracted, the museum of the Trapani salt pans also includes a series of mills and period equipment that were used to complete the process of obtaining salt.
Enjoy a sunset tour: when the sun goes down, the spectacle of the lights of the salt pans is breathtaking! Book a sunset tour of the Trapani and Paceco salt pans, take sunset photos of flamingos and enjoy the golden hour over the Mediterranean.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: Via Libica, 5 km from the centre of Trapani. Reachable by car via I Dorsale ZIR and via Libica in the direction of SP21 (10 min). There is no public transport - Get directions
Hours: daily 9:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. / Wed and Sat guided tours by appointment, average duration 2 hrs. All info on official website
Ticket price: Saline free of charge / Saline Museum full price €2.50, reduced €1.50 / guided tours free of charge. All info on the official website
8 - Colombaia Tower
Photo by Civa61. The Colombaia Tower, also called Castello del Mare, is located on a small island near the coast. According to legend, the Colombaia was even built by the Trojans, who arrived in Trapani after the conquest of Troy. What is certain is that during Carthaginian rule the building was already well and truly constructed, since Hamilcar Barca also built a military barracks near it during the First Punic War. In 249 B.C., the Colombaia was the site of a very important battle against the Carthaginians, during which it was conquered by the Romans before passing back into the hands of the Carthaginians.
In the 19th century it became a prison of the Bourbons, only to be abandoned after the construction of the San Giuliano penitentiary. In 2010, it was taken over by the Region of Sicily, which announced a major renovation project to restore the fortress to its former glory! At the moment, therefore, it cannot be visited inside, but it is still worth taking a photo from the outside, especially at sunset.
Clearly visible from Via Catulo Lutazio, a street easily accessible from anywhere in the old town, such as the Ligny Tower (900 m, 11 min) or the Cathedral of St. Lawrence (1.4 km, 15 min) - Get directions
9 - Ligny Tower
Photo by jbdodane. The Ligny Tower is undoubtedly one of the city's best-known landmarks. Located on the westernmost tip of the city's coastline, to reach it you have to walk along a strip of land completely surrounded by sea, with wonderful views over the whole city!
It was built in the 17th century by Viceroy Claudio la Moraldo. Conceived as a defensive fortress, over the years it became a lighthouse with the task of controlling the traffic of boats approaching the port. Today, it houses the Museum of Prehistory, with a large collection of Roman amphorae found in the archaeological site of Trapani and also a helmet, found at the bottom of the city's sea.
Admire the sunset: we recommend visiting the museum in the afternoon around closing time, so you will already be in the area to admire the beautiful sunset that this side of the city offers its visitors.
Practical info: directions, opening hours and prices
How to get there: 37 Torre di Ligny Street. Easily accessible on foot from any point in the historic centre (1.2 km, 15 min). Close to the Piazzetta del Tramonto (280 m, 3 min) and the remains of the Imperial Bastion (550 m, 6 min) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sat 10:00-12:30 3 16:00-19:00, Sun and holidays 10:00-12:30
Ticket price: single €1.00
10 - Agostino Pepoli Regional Museum
Photo by Dedda71. Outside the historical centre is the Museo Regionale Agostino Pepoli, housed inside the old convent of the Carmelite Fathers, near the Sanctuary of Maria SS. Annunziata. The museum was founded in the early 1900s thanks to Count Pepoli's private collections, and was enriched in subsequent years thanks to numerous other donations.
The museum focuses on the development of figurative arts in and around Trapani. Inside, you can admire various paintings, sculptures, cribs of Trapani handicrafts, gold objects, including jewellery belonging to the treasure of the Madonna of Trapani, majolica, sacred relics and more. This is an obligatory visit to get to know the city at its best!
Practical info: directions, opening hours and prices
How to get there: Via Conte Agostino Pepoli 180. Outside the historic centre, reachable from the central railway station by car (2.5 km, 9 min) or on foot (2.4 km, 30 min) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun and holidays 9am-12pm, in July and August Tue-Sat 9am-5:30pm, Sun and holidays 9am-12:30pm, Mon closed
Ticket price: full price €6.00, reduced €3.00
11 - Erice
A few kilometres from Trapani (15.8 km) lies Erice, perhaps one of the most famous places in Sicily and, since 2014, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy! From Trapani you can easily reach it by cable car, enjoying a wonderful view of all the surroundings, the ascent takes 10 min (one way €5.50, return €9.00).
Erice is a place to rediscover the past and from which you can also admire the sea from above. Over the centuries it has been inhabited by Phoenicians, Normans, Arabs and Romans, all of whom have left a visible sign of their passage. Here, a visit to the Castle of Erice, one of its most impressive buildings, and the city's cathedral, whose origin probably dates back to the empire of Constantine, is not to be missed.
Combined tour with Scopello and Castellammare: Enjoy a combined tour from Trapani of Erice, Scopello and Castellammare Del Golfo, with pick-up and return directly to your hotel. You can optimise your time and visit the most important attractions in just 1 day.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: 15.8 km from Trapani. Accessible by Trapani-Erice cable car (10 min) or by car (26 min), free parking available on site outside the centre - Get directions
Opening times: Erice always accessible / Cable car Mon 1pm-8pm, Tue-Fri 8:30am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am-8:30pm / Erice Castle and Cathedral April to October 10am-6pm, July to September 10am-7pm, August 10am-8pm
Ticket price: Erice free / Cable car one way €5.50, return €9.00 / Castle full price €4.00, reduced €2.00 / Cathedral full price €2.50, reduced €1.50
12 - Pizzolungo
Photo by Mietek Ł. Finally, just outside Trapani, less than 10 km away, is Pizzolungo, in the municipality of Erice. It owes its name to the hill of the same name overlooking the city and is known for its beautiful stretch of coastline. Moreover, according to legend, it was here that Aeneas landed after the gates of his father Anchises. In fact, here you can admire the Stele of Anchises, a monument built in 1930.
It is worth visiting on 26 July, the day on which St Anne, the patron saint of the town, is celebrated. A long procession is organised for the event and the picture of the saint is carried through the streets of the town. It all ends with a fireworks display.
7 km from Trapani. Accessible by car via the SP10 (11 min), several car parks in town available - Get directions
13 - Bay of Cornino
Photo by Andrea Albini. At the foot of the mountain is Cornino Bay, also known as Monte Cofano beach! Here you can relax on the beach with a wonderful view of the mountain and the crystal clear sea in front of you. It is indeed the best place to relax after a trek in the reserve!
The beach at Baia di Cornino has a section equipped with beach umbrellas, deckchairs and sunbeds, and the promenade is full of bars and all kinds of services! It is also ideal for families with children. In the summer months it can be a little crowded, so best to go in the morning.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: 18.4 km from Trapani. Accessible by car via SP20 (25 min), several car parks on site (average cost €1.00 for a day) - Get directions
Opening hours: beach always accessible / bathing establishments variable hours, generally from 8am until after sunset
Ticket price: beach free of charge / bathing establishments variable prices depending on hire
14 - Mangiapane Cave of Custonaci
Photo by Marco Crupi. The Mangiapane Cave is a wonderful natural attraction in the Custonaci area. You can easily reach it from Trapani by car. It is an ancient prehistoric settlement that has now become a speleological geological site, which can also be visited inside!
The Cave of Mangiapane is the largest of the 9 caves in Custonaci, it is also called the Cave of the Uffizi and is 70 m high, 13 m wide and 50 m deep. The cave was inhabited from the Neolithic period and was inhabited until the 1950s by the Mangiapane family. Several cave paintings and even some objects have been found inside!
Living Crib of Custonaci: during the Christmas period, the 'Living Crib of Custonaci - The Nativity and Traditional Crafts' takes place inside the cave; an incredible historical reconstruction of the area's ancient peasant traditions involving more than 160 people. This tradition began in 1983 and still attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: 18.2 km from Trapani. Reachable by car via SP20 and SP18 (25 min), free parking at the entrance to the Monte Cofano Reserve (400 m, 4 min) - Get directions
Opening hours: April to November 10:00-18:00 / Living Crib in late December and early January 16:00-21:00, see official FB page
Ticket price: single entrance €3.00 / Living Crib full price €10.00, reduced €5.00
15 - Mount Cofano Reserve
Photo by BlueShepard01. Close to the Grotta di Custonaci (Custonaci Cave) is the Riserva Naturale Orientata Monte Cofano ( Mount Cofano Oriented Nature Reserve), which lies on the imposing promontory of Monte Cofano. At 659 m high, this mount is a dolomitic massif dating back to the Jurassic period, rich in typical Mediterranean fauna and flora.
This is a beautiful excursion to take to get away from the sea for a while: in fact, the reserve is full of numerous paths of varying difficulty, suitable for everyone and where it is very easy to find your way around. One of the most popular treks is the one that goes all the way around the mountain, lasting about 2 hours, starting from Piano Alastre. You can find information on all the trails, with relative difficulties, on the official website.
The reserve is located 23 km from Trapani. Accessible by car via the SP 20 (30 min), free parking on site 'Parking Area for Hikers', starting point Sentiero Monte Cofano - Get directions
Other attractions to visit
In addition to Trapani, the beautiful surroundings are also worth a visit.
Sea lovers will find paradise in San Vito Lo Capo (38 km), undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in Italy. Also not to be missed is the Zingaro Nature Reserve, a wonderful unspoilt oasis (33.5 km). Then there are the towns of Scopello (35 km) and Castellammare del Golfo (37 km), both of which can be visited with the combined one-day tour that also includes Erice.
Furthermore, if you are a history lover, you cannot miss the two archaeological parks of Segesta and Selinunte (approx. 35 km), where you can admire spectacular temples and theatres, evidence of this land's Hellenic past (entrance fee €6.00). Again, a tour from Trapani with pick-up and return to the hotel is available.
Finally, if you have more time available, after your visit to Trapani we recommend that you dedicate two or three days to the Egadi Islands, off the Sicilian coast, just opposite Trapani, from where numerous ferries depart (30 min, average €30.00). For a perfect day trip, we recommend the mini-cruise to Favignana and Levanzo, with crystal-clear waters, numerous caves along the coast and a seabed ideal for snorkellers.
8 Things to do in Trapani
Sunset at Mamma Caura, Marsala
Visit the Zingaro Reservoir by Land
Visit the Faraglioni of Scopello by Sea
Kite Festival San Vito lo Capo
Cannolo and Genovesi at Maria Grammatico's Patisserie
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Admire the Sunset at Mamacaura: 22 km from Trapani, you will find this place located in front of the Marsala Salt Pans, in the Stagnone Reserve, where you can have an aperitif overlooking a chilling sunset
Marsala Salt Pans and the Pink Beach: Also in the Stagnone Reserve, you can visit the Salt Pans Museum and even bathe in the pink-hued waters ( day trip to the Stagnone Islands from Trapani available)
Trekking at the Zingaro: The Zingaro Reserve is an unspoilt oasis with spectacular views of the crystal clear sea. We recommend that you take a day to dedicate entirely to the reserve to enjoy one of the many treks
Excursionby sea between Zingaro and Scopello: if you prefer to admire the Zingaro reserve in total relaxation, book an excursion by sea to enjoy the most beautiful coves along the stretch of coastline connecting San Vito Lo Capo and Scopello
Excursion to theEgadi Islands: Trapani is the perfect spot to enjoy a wonderful day trip to the Egadi Islands and Favignana, located about half an hour by ferry from the city, an experience not to be missed(ferry ticket A/R to Favignana from €22.50).
Attend events in San Vito lo Capo: San Vito is a very lively and active town that hosts important events. The most famous are the International Kite Festival in late May and the Cous Cous Fest in late September
Taste the 'Cannolo di Dattilo': the 'Cannolo di Dattilo' is according to many the best in the world. We recommend that you take a diversion from your itinerary to reach the town, just 13 minutes away by car.
Taste the 'genovesi' of Erice: during your visit to the pretty town, remember to stop at Maria Grammatico's Pasticceria to taste the famous 'genovesi', tasty cream-filled pastries
Plan your stay in Trapani: flights and hotels
Trapani is served byVincenzo Florio Airport(from €80.00), but if you wish, you can also choose to arrive atPalermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport(from €20.00), which is well connected by bus from the Autoservizi Salemi and Segesta companies (average cost €9.00) or by private transfer.
Thebest neighbourhood to stay in is the historic centre(accommodation from €40.00 per night), which will allow you to get around easily on foot, the best way to visit the city! This is where the evening nightlife is concentrated.
Trapani is also a perfect city for a low-cost holiday, as the cost of living is not too high! You can enjoy traditional dishes at more than affordable prices, or sample tasty local street food at even more competitive prices! Finally, there are many things to enjoy for free or cheap, such as a wonderful sunset over the sea from the western part of the old town, a walk through the streets of the centre and several attractions with free admission!
