The Best Things to Do in Trapani, Sicily

Whether you’re looking for a small laidback coastal city or a base from which to explore Western Sicily, Trapani has you covered! This is my short guide to the best things to do in Trapani and the wider region.

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After spending four nights in Palermo, Trapani was a much welcomed and needed reprieve from the unrelenting nature of Sicily’s beloved capital. Immediately upon arrival, Trapani had an obviously calming and perhaps unpretentious atmosphere as though it knows that time spent in Trapani is exactly what every visitor to Sicily requires.

The coastal city is only small, with less than 70,000 people living there, yet comes with a global reputation of providing some of the best sea salt around. It’s the perfect city to lose yourself in its historic streets, eat some of the best regional cuisine Sicily has to offer and to stay if you plan on exploring more of what’s on offer in western Sicily.

Now let’s dive right in and let me guide you through my highlights of the best things to do in Trapani.

I visited Sicily as part of a press trip with Visit Sicily however all views and opinions below are my own.

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THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN TRAPANI

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CENTRO STORICO

Welcome to the historic centre of Trapani. Based on a small peninsula, the maze of charming streets can be easily explored in an afternoon. This compactness lends itself to taking a slow wander just letting life pass you by. With the sun’s soft golden hues filtering through Trapani’s streets and alleyways, I observed Sicilian families having conversations across balconies and groups of friends making their way to their evening drinks. I could have wandered indefinitely.

The main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, is full of hip bars, restaurants and little shops (including a beautiful looking book shop) all towered over by Baroque buildings and the city’s cathedral (Cattedrale di San Lorenzo). The arrow straight street leads almost too perfectly to the majestic Palazzo Senatorio making for great photo opportunities. Yes, this is the city’s town hall!

Whilst Trapani is full of stunning architecture, one particular building that stood out to me was the Art Nouveau building that houses the city’s post office. It is more than worth a detour to step inside and witness the interior; it’s not every day that you’ll see a functioning post office as stunning as this. I pictured myself almost immediately within a Wes Anderson movie.

CHIESA DELLE ANIME SANTE DEL PURGATORIO

It turns out that this stunning church is quite famous you know. Every Easter, one of the most ancient religious festivals in the country, the Processione Dei Misteri, takes place non-stop over a period of 24 hours. The Passion of Christ story is told through twenty different ‘Misteri’; groups of expertly crafted statues. Each group of statues are carefully carried by different groups of workforces across the city such as the fisherman or teachers for example. I think a trip back to Trapani at Easter is firmly on the cards to watch this spectacle unfold!

MURA DE TRAMONTANA

For your passeggiata (a traditional Italian evening stroll), head to the Mura de Tramontana – a 1km stretch of the old Spanish city walls – where you can walk all the way to the end of Trapani’s spit with the sea on either side of you.

CITY BEACHES

Let’s face it, you’re not going to find the best beaches in Sicily here in Trapani. However, Spiaggia delle Mura di Tramontana is a thin beach lying under the old city walls and is a great option for a chilled few hours sunbathing or watching the tide come in.

Spiaggia di San Giuliano is one of the best beaches in Trapani so much more suited for a full on beach day if that’s what you fancy.

FEAST ON LOCAL TRAPANESE CUISINE

Ah, we all know that Italian and specifically Sicilian cuisine is out of this world. There are many dishes that I would consider ‘must-eats’ when visiting Sicily some of which can only be found here in Trapani. We’re talking fish couscous and Pesto alla Trapanese – a tasty pasta dish with busiate, a long spiralled pasta that dates back to the 10th century, combined with almonds, tomatoes, garlic, basil and grated pecorino siciliano.

One great place to devour local Trapanese cuisine and other typically Sicilian dishes is at Angelinos. For dessert, it can be no other than gelato (or brioche con gelato if you don’t need another meal) and Trapani’s best offering is at Gelateria Meno Tredici.

VILLA REGINA MARGHERITA

Trapani’s public garden, Villa Regina Margherita, is a lovely area to relax in, read a book and perhaps seek respite from the relenting Sicilian sun. You’ll find centuries-old ficus trees, banana plants and palm trees along with ducks and geese. If you’re travelling with children, the playground here will occupy the little ones for a while.

TRAPANI SALT FLATS

Trapani and the coastal region to its South is famous for centuries old salt production. Some of the world’s finest sea salt will have, and still does, come from salt pans that stretch all the way from Trapani to Marsala.

The Via del Sale (Salt Road) is a unique set of cycle paths and roads that will take you through nature reserves with pink flamingos, a salt museum housed in a 17th century mill and, of course, past hundreds of salt pans which, if you time it right, will either be entirely crusted over as though there’s been a freak snowstorm or surrounded by pyramids of salt after harvesting. We cycled along this very road and the scenery was just beautiful especially if you carry on all the way through to Marsala with its world-famous vineyards.

FURTHER AFIELD

THE EGADI ISLANDS

If you’re spending more than one night in the city then, without doubt, you should visit at least one of the Egadi Islands; Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo. Favignana is the most popular with its mountainous landscape, pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. There are regular ferry services from Trapani and the crossing will only take approximately thirty minutes.

ERICE

Erice is a medieval village (complete with a castle) that towers over Trapani and the entire western reaches of Sicily; it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Sicily for good reason. Head up via the cable car for 9.50 return or, if you love scenic mountain roads, it’s only fifteen minutes by car from Trapani.

ZINGARO NATURE RESERVE

Sicily’s original nature reserve can be found at Zingaro, around a fifty minute drive from Trapani, which makes it perfect for a day trip. You’ll find a stunning 7km (one way) hike with views that are second to none and secluded coves with crystal clear waters to cool off in. If you need further convincing, here’s my guide to visiting Zingaro Nature Reserve with plenty more inspiring photos.

A GOOD PLACE TO STAY IN TRAPANI

HOTEL VITTORIA

Whilst in Trapani, we stayed in the Hotel Vittoria which had a typically Sicilian design with clean, spacious and comfortable rooms plus a modern bathroom with, quite possibly, the biggest walk-in shower I’ve ever been in! The hotel is opposite the Villa Regina Margherita and is only a short walk from the bustling streets of Trapani’s Centro Storico.

MORE PHOTOS OF TRAPANI

If you’re after just a little more inspiration to visit Trapani or are just generally interested in seeing my travel photography, check out the photos below or my dedicated post to street photography in Trapani.

WHERE NEXT?

11 GREAT PLACES TO EAT IN PALERMO
A GUIDE TO ZINGARO NATURE RESERVE
A GUIDE TO MAZARA DEL VALLO
ON THE STREETS: MAZARA DEL VALLO
ON THE STREETS: PALERMO
THE 10 BEST BARS IN PALERMO
PALERMO CITY GUIDE: 17 THINGS TO DO IN PALERMO
A GUIDE TO VISITING SELINUNTE ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
EXPLORE ‘IL GRANDE CRETTO’ IN GIBELLINA
A SICILIAN FOOD GUIDE: WHAT TO EAT IN SICILY

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