Trapani is nicknamed the “city of salt and sail” and in addition to a beautiful historic center which has been revalued in recent years, it has magnificent surroundings .
Islands not far from the coast, nature reserves, villages full of history and archaeological areas among the best preserved in the world.
Here are some of the most beautiful excursions to do starting from Trapani .
1 – Segesta and Selinunte
Two cities once in struggle where today there are still well-preserved archaeological areas.
In Segesta it is possible to admire a beautiful Doric-style temple and the Greek theater carved into the rock and overlooking the Gulf of Castellammare.
Moving 62 km you reach Selinunte, another very important archaeological area in the Trapani area where the acropolis is located with the remains of Doric temples and fortifications overlooking the sea; do not miss the necropolis and the temple of Hera.
- Distance : 29.6 km
- How to get there: Segesta is 30 km away, can be reached by car along the Sp29 and the A29dir / E9333 Segesta exit (duration 28 minutes) – Get directions
Selinunte is 92 km away (63 from Segesta), can be reached by car along the Sp29 and A29dir / E933 Mazara del Vallo exit and then follow the signs (from Trapani about 1 hour and 10, from Segesta 40 minutes) – Get directions - Timetable: temple of Segesta: 27 October – 28 February 09: 00-17: 00, March and from 1 to 26 October 09: 00-18: 30; March 31 to September 30 09: 00-19: 30; Selinunte Temple: every day 9: 00-18: 00.
- Ticket price: Segesta € 6.00; Selinunte € 6.00. Organized tours from € 250.00
2 – Egadi Islands (Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo)
It is an archipelago not far from the coast of Trapani, reachable by hydrofoil in just 30 minutes.
Favignana is the largest of the archipelago , has beautiful coasts, not to be missed Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra, Lido Burrone, Cala Monaci and Marasolo.
A stop at the Tonnara Florio and a tour in the center to sit in a bar and enjoy a Sicilian granita with coffee is a must. If you only have one day available, it is better to visit it by scooter to optimize time.
Levanzo is the smallest of the Egadi islands , ideal to visit in a day both for its spectacular sea and for its internal territory characterized by splendid vegetation.
To visit by boat the “Faraglione”, one of the most characteristic points with a pebble beach, the sea cave of the Buco and Cala Genovese, another very particular cave since inside it are preserved graffiti and paintings of the Paleolithic .
If you prefer to walk, you can make an itinerary on foot, with easy trekking, which touches the following points: cala del Genovese, Capo Grosso, Capo Tramontana and Florio houses (an ancient disused farmhouse surrounded by vegetation).
Finally Marettimo, the furthest and wildest, is characterized by an extraordinary flora, an indented coast with numerous caves and a sea with incredible depths. It can only be visited on foot, it is forbidden to travel by car, but the island is just over 1 km away! In summer you can also participate in excursions with the donkey.
- Distance : Favignana 27.3 km
- How to get there: from the port of Trapani to Favignana by ferry (duration 45 minutes € 10.00) or hydrofoil (duration 20 minutes, € 20.00) – Get directions. Alternatively, one-day mini cruises are organized that depart from the port of Trapani
- Timetables: ferries and hydrofoils every day from 6:30 to 19:45 (consult timetables according to the season). The tonnara is open July-September 10: 00-13: 30 (17: 00-23: 00). Organized tours depart in the morning and return at sunset
- Ticket cost: the entrance to the Tonnara is € 6.00, the bike rental is € 7.00 for the whole day. Tours start from € 60.00
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Favignana and Levanzo: 1 day cruise from Trapani
3 – Riserva dello Zingaro
It is one of the almost untouched places that is worth visiting.
Here it is possible to take beautiful walks in the Mediterranean scrub and then make stops and dive into the splendid crystal clear waters . You can visit some small museums such as that of Manna and that of Intreccio.
The reserve has two entrances, one near San Vito Lo Capo and one near Scopello / Castellammare del Golfo. Inside the reserve there are various paths and itineraries, from 6 to 8 km. Among the most beautiful beaches and coves we suggest Tonnarella dell’Uzzo, Cala Torre dell’Uzzo, Cala Marinella, Cala Capreria.
- Distance : 36.2 km
- How to get there: the entrance to Scopello is 36.2 km from Trapani, 50 minutes by car following the SS187 and then the SP63 – Get directions
The entrance to San Vito Lo Capo is 49 km, about 1 hour but the last stretch and dirt road; follow the SS187 and then the SP16 and then follow the signs – Get directions
Alternatively the AST buses depart from piazza Ciaccio Montalto in Trapani and arrive in Castellammare del Golfo (1 hour around € 6.80 return) from here another bus of the Russo company reaches the Riserva dello Zingaro (€ 1.20, 10 minutes) - Hours: open in summer 7: 00-19: 30; winter 8: 00-16: 00
- Ticket cost: € 5.00
4 – San Vito Lo Capo
Photo by Filippo Piazza. Beautiful resort with crystal clear sea which in September also hosts the famous Cous Cous Festival.
During a trip we suggest you do not miss the visit of the beautiful square where the Sanctuary-Fortress is located which today houses the museum of Sacred Furniture, the abandoned tonnara with its ancient charm, the lighthouse with the adjacent Torrazzo, the Bay of Santa Margherita and the town beach.
For an unforgettable sunset, go to the Bue Marino beach in the hamlet of Macari!
SEE ALSO : San Vito lo Capo: the most beautiful beaches, where to eat and what to do in the evening
- Distance : 33.5 km
- How to get there: it is 33.5 km from Trapani and can be reached by car along the SS187 and then the SP16 (about 1 hour) – Get directions
Alternatively, the AST line buses connect the two locations in 1 hour and 30 minutes (approximately € 3.00) - Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
5 – Castellammare del Golfo and Scopello
A lovely corner of Sicily to discover during the same excursion and the one where there are two wonderful places: Castellammare del Golfo and the small hamlet of Scopello.
The suggestion is to start visiting the historic center of Castellammare with the Palazzo dei Crociferi, the beautiful Piazza Madice where the Mother Church stands and the small museum of the sea.
Do not miss the Arab-Norman castle, symbol of this locality from which you can enjoy a wonderful view.
Then reach Scopello by car or bus where you can visit the fascinating tonnara overlooking the stacks .
If you don’t have a lot of time, you can also combine these villages with a visit to the Riserva dello Zingaro which is right next to Scopello.
- Distance : 35.9 km
- How to get there: Castellamare del Golfo is 35.9 km away and can be reached by car along the SS187 and then the SP63 – Get directions, continuing another 12 km you will find Scopello – Get directions
The AST buses depart from piazza Ciaccio Montalto in Trapani and arrive to Castellammare del Golfo (1 hour around € 6.80 return); from here another bus of the Russo company reaches Scopello (€ 1.20, 10 minutes).
There are also private tours that depart from Trapani and allow you to visit these locations - Hours: the castle is open Mon-Sat 9: 00-13: 00/15: 30-19: 30. Private tours depart early in the morning from Trapani and last 8 hours
- Ticket price: entrance to the castle is free; organized excursions cost € 300.00
6 – Erice This wonderful village
is located above the city of Trapani, perched at 750 meters above sea level .
We suggest you get lost in its narrow alleys and admire the fantastic panorama that sweeps from the Gulf of Trapani, to the salt pans, to the Egadi islands.
Among the attractions not to be missed are the cathedral with the high bell tower, the castle of Venus, the Pepoli towers and the municipal villa Balio.
Do not leave Erice without having tasted the sweets of Maria Grammatico’s historic pastry shop! SEE ALSO : Erice: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening
- Distance : 6.9 km
- How to get there: it is 6.9 km from Trapani and can be reached by car in 28 minutes following the Sp31 towards Erice – Get directions
Alternatively there is a comfortable cable car which takes 10 minutes (summer hours: Mon 1:00 pm-1:00am: 00; Tue-Fri 8: 05-1: 00; Sat-Sun 9: 05-2: 00; winter opening hours Mon 13: 00-20: 00; Tue-Fri 8: 30-20: 00; Sat-Sun 9 : 30-20: 30; single ticket € 5.50).
There are also buses that connect Trapani to Erice in 40 minutes (€ 2.70) - Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
7 – Marsala, Mothia and Riserva dello Stagnone
The Riserva dello Stagnone is a magical place out of time and out of the classic tourist circuits, a lagoon with small islands near Marsala.
The main attraction is represented by the salt pans where it is possible to visit the Infersa mill which houses the museum and the salt shop.
Also not to be missed is the Phoenician city of Mozia on the tiny island of San Pantaleo, reachable in 15 minutes by ferry from the port of Marsala.
Here we recommend you take a walk and visit the Whitaker museum where you can learn more about the history of the island and admire some beautiful statues.
Finally, the beautiful city of Marsala, famous for the landing of the Thousand but even more for its typical fortified wine. Its historic center is characterized by medieval gates, pedestrian sections, ancient markets that turn into a nightlife area in the evening. Not to be missed is a visit to the Florio Cellars and the beaches, among all that of San Teodoro.
- Distance : 21.3 km
- How to get to the Stagnone : it is 21.3 km from Trapani and can be reached by car in 30 minutes along the SS115 and A29 exit SP21 – Get directions
For those who do not have a car the alternative is to get to Marsala by bus from Trapani which takes 1 hour and then take another bus that leads to the Riserva dello Stagnone (detailed information at the bus station). - How to get to the island of Mozia : from the salt pans you can take a ferry (€ 9.00 ferry + museum; ferry only € 5.00). Alternatively, during low tide you can reach the islet on foot – Get directions
- Hours: the Stagnone salt museum is open Mon-Sun 9: 30-19: 00. The Whitaker Museum is open Mon-Sun 9: 00-13: 00/14: 30-18: 30
- Ticket cost: entrance with guided tour of the Salt museum and € 15; the ferry to the island of Mozia and € 3.00 a / r and the ferry + the Whitaker museum € 9.00
8 – Palermo and Monreale
Although Palermo deserves to be visited in several days, if you do not have much time available you can organize a day excursion with a half-day tour that will allow you to discover the main historical monuments of the Sicilian capital and in the meantime taste all the iconic specialties of Palermo street food.
We suggest you do not miss the Zisa castle, the Norman palace, the nearby church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti and the cathedral of Palermo. Then discover one of the typical markets of the city such as Ballaro and finally reach the nearby town of Monreale to admire the magnificent and imposing cathedral .
- Distance : 91.6 km
- How to get to Palermo : it is 91.6 km from Trapani and can be reached by car in 1 hour and 30 along the SP29, A29dir / E933 exit Palermo centro. Get directions;
Monreale then is 15 Km away – Get directions
We do not recommend moving by public transport if you have only 1 day available, rather you can participate in an organized excursion that starts from Trapani (different collection points) - Timetables: the organized tour starts early in the morning and lasts about 8 hours
- Ticket cost: private excursions cost approximately € 300.00
9 – Salemi e Gibellina
Photo of Boobax. They are two villages of the Belice Valley, counted among the most beautiful towns and villages in Sicily and Italy.
Salemi is an Arab-medieval city, it is located between the hills of vineyards and olive groves and rises around the Norman Castle, from whose terrace of the circular tower it is possible to see a vast panorama of western Sicily. The historic center is a collection of architectural treasures, from historic buildings made with the local campanella stone, to churches, the Jewish quarter of Giudecca and the Islamic quarter of Rabato. Salemi is also the “city of loaves”, and every year there are events that celebrate the making of devotional loaves.
Gibellina is known for the famous Burri crettoor Grande Cretto, or the land art work created by Alberto Burri between 1984 and 1989, where the old city was destroyed by the earthquake. Burri took part in the initiative to relaunch the area, designing a gigantic monument that retraces the streets and alleys of the old city: it stands in the same place where once there was the rubble, now cemented by the work. From above, what is the largest contemporary work of art in the world, looks like a series of concrete fractures on the ground: each crack is two to three meters wide, while the blocks are about one meter high. sixty. Near the work it is also possible to visit the ruins of Gibellina.
- Distance : from Salemi about 36 km
- How to get to Salemi : by car in about 40 minutes via SP29 or A29dir / E933 – Get directions
- Hours: the villages and the Cretto di Burri can always be visited
- Ticket price: Cretto di Burri free
