What to see in Trapani: the best attractions and practical tips about the city

Trapani, a wonderful city in Sicily on the far west coast, is the perfect city to combine multiple interests : history, art, beautiful sea, fun and great food! From the millenary history, it even appears in the Aeneid and its origins seem to be mythological : according to legend the city was born on a tongue of land (Drepanon, from which “Trapani” derives) originating from a sickle fallen from the hands of Ceres or Saturn , the patron god of the city.There are several things to see in the city, but also in its beautiful surroundings !
So let’s find out what to see in Trapani with this guide with practical tips on the city!
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1 – Historic Center and Tramontana Walls
The historic center of Trapani is a real open-air museum ! Full of squares, characteristic streets and buildings that deserve a visit from the outside, such as the Palazzo Senatorio. It is also full of churches and later on we will have the opportunity to know the most beautiful! Take some time to stroll through the streets of the center and discover this city little by little. You will not be disappointed at all.
Particular mention is made of the Tramontana Walls, that is the ancient and beautiful city walls dating back to the Spanish period, which was built to defend the city from enemy attacks. It is located on the north side of Trapani and you can walk it starting from the square of the former Fish Market up to the mighty Bastione Conca. Along the walls there is also the Spiaggia delle Mura di Tramontana, a small city beach stormed in summer, but truly wonderful and ideal for relaxing.
The historic center is easily reachable on foot from the railway station of Trapani (1.1 km, 12 min). From the station to the westernmost point of the historic center, Museo Civico Torre di Ligny, it is 2.2 km (28 min) – Get directions

Visit the historic center on foot: the center is ZTL, therefore entry to cars and vehicles is not allowed! It is advisable to park your car near Piazza Scarlatti, Lungomare Dante Alighieri (Piazza Ex fish market) or Piazza Vittorio Emanuele; where you will find paid parking on the blue lines from € 0.80 per hour.

2 – Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
Photo by Mboesch. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is also known as the Cathedral of Trapani and is one of the main churches in the city ! It was built around 1300 on the remains of another church at the behest of Alfonso the Magnanimous. During the various centuries it suffered numerous damages, works and modifications, up to the church that we can visit today.
The exterior is in Baroque style,. The interior instead develops on a cross plan, with three different naves and four side chapels. Here you can admire various works, such as the Altarpiece of the Martyrdom of San Lorenzo, or the statue of the Dead Christ of Tartaglia.
In Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Easily reachable from all parts of the historic center, such as from the Anime Sante del Purgatorio Church (120 m, 2 min) or from the Clock Tower (210 m, 3 min) – Get directions

3 – Porta Oscura and Astronomical Clock
In the historic center , a stone’s throw from the Palazzo Senatorio, you will find the Clock Tower of Trapani. Dating back to the thirteenth century and located on one of the watchtowers of the city, it is the oldest gate of Trapani .
If you look closely, you will notice on the facade of the Tower a very particular clock, which is also one of the oldest astronomical clocks in Europe , dating back to 1596. Instead of indicating the time, this clock, on which there is a dial of the Sun and a Lunario, has the hands that indicate the signs of the zodiac, the solstices, the equinoxes, the seasons and the cardinal points, while in the Lunario the phases of the moon are indicated.
In via Torrearsa 47, Easily reachable on foot from any point in the historic center, such as from the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (210 m, 3 min) or from the Spiaggia delle Mura di Tramontana (400 m, 5 min) – Get directions

4 – Church of Sant’Agostino
Photo by Andrea Albini. The Church of Sant’Agostino and insteadone of the oldest churches in all of Trapani ! Former chapel of the Templars, in 1101 it was dedicated to San Givoanni Battista. It was then granted to the Augustinian fathers who gave way to major renovations, bringing it to the aspect that we can still admire today.
One of the first things that catch the eye is the wonderful rose window on the external façade , very similar to that of the Erice Matrix. Nowadays, the church and museum of the Polo Espsitivo of the Diocese of Trapani , founded in 2009 by Bishop Francesco Micciche. Inside you can admire several temporary exhibitions on various themes, as well as permanent collections.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in piazzetta Saturno. Easily accessible from all parts of the historic center, such as from the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (280 m, 4 min) or from the Clock Tower (90 m, 1 min) – Get directions
• Opening hours: Diocesan Museum in winter Mon Fri 9: 00-13: 00, Sat 9: 30-12: 30 and 16: 00-20: 00, Sun and holidays 11: 00-13: 00, summer Mon-Fri 16:30 -19: 30, 9: 30-12: 30 and 16: 00-20: 00, Sun and holidays 11: 00-13: 00 and 16: 00-19: 00
• Ticket cost: free

5 – Anime Sante del Purgatorio
church The Anime Sante del Purgatorio church is located near the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and one of the major churches in Trapani . Built in 1688 on the spot where an Arab watchtower already stood, which later became the bell tower of the church, and a very particular set of styles .
Worthy of note is its façade-tower, built in 1714 by Giovan Biagio Amico, who enlivens it with statues representing the apostles and Jesus. Affected by bombing during the Second World War, it has never returned to its former glory since much of its facade has been damaged.
Inside you can admire the 22 sculptural groupsof the so-called “Mysteries” which, made in the workshops of Trapani with 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 2pm on Good Friday and end 24 hours after Holy Saturday.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in via S. Francesco D’Assisi 33. Easily reachable from all parts of the historic center, such as from the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (120 m, 1 min) or from the Clock Tower (250 m, 3 min) – Get indications
• Hours: Mon-Sat 7: 45-12: 00 and 16: 00-19: 00, Sun 10: 00-12: 00 and 16: 00-19: 00
• Ticket cost: free

6 – La Salerniana Museum of Contemporary Art
If you are an art lover, finally you cannot miss La Salerniana Museum of Contemporary Art, located in the historic center and therefore easily accessible, to visit between a walk and the other through the streets of the city ! The art gallery is also a non-profit Cultural Artistic 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 several works of the contemporary Italian art scene ! The collection includes about 80 works including paintings and statues, which came to the association thanks to donations or created precisely to be exhibited here.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in via S. Francesco D’Assisi 54. Easily reachable from all parts of the historic center, such as from the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (210 m, 3 min) or from the Clock Tower (350 m, 4 min) – Get indications
• Hours: Tue-Sun 10: 30-12: 30 and 16: 30-19: 30
• Ticket price: full € 4.00, reduced € 2.00

7 – Saline di Trapani and Paceco
The Saline di Trapani and Paceco are a fundamental stage in the visit of the city . It was precisely the salt trade that made this city flourish over the centuries, making it a true commercial power throughout Europe.
There is no certain evidence, but it seems that the salt trade, also known as the white gold of Sicily, dates back to the Phoenician era . Unfortunately, during the twentieth century the salt pans fell out of favor, up to a last flood in 1965 that irreparably damaged the machinery.
By visiting this place you will be able to see how salt is obtained from sea water, discover the history of the establishment and of this important trade. The museum of the Saline di Trapani includes, in addition to the tanks in which the salt was extracted, also a series of mills and period equipment that were used to complete the procedure for obtaining the salt.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Via Libica, 5 km from the center of Trapani. Reachable by car along via I Dorsale ZIR and via Libica in the direction of SP21 (10 min). There is no public transport – Get directions
• Hours: every day 9: 30-19: 00 / Wed and Sat guided tours by appointment, average duration 2 h. All the info on the official website
• Ticket price: Saline free / Museum of Saline full € 2.50, reduced € 1.50 / free guided tours. All the info on the official website

8 – Torre della Colombaia
Photo of Civa61. The Torre della Colombaia, also called Castello del Mare, is located on a small island near the coast. According to legend, the Dovecote was even built by the Trojans , who arrived in Trapani after the conquest of Troy. What is certain is that during the Carthaginian domination the building was already as beautiful as it was built, since Amilcare Barca, on the occasion of the First Punic War, also built a military barracks nearby. In 249 BC the Dovecote was the site of a very important battle against the Carthaginians, during which it was conquered by the Romans and then passed again under the hands of the Carthaginians.
In the nineteenth century it became a prison for 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 work , to restore the fortress to its former glory! At the moment it cannot be visited inside, but it still deserves a photo from the outside, especially at sunset.
Clearly visible from Via Catulo Lutazio, easily reachable from any point in the historic center, such as from Torre Ligny (900 m, 11 min) or from the Cathedral of San Lorenzo (1.4 km, 15 min) – Get directions

9 – Torre Ligny
Photo by jbdodane. The Ligny Tower is undoubtedly one of the best known symbols of the city. Located on the most extreme western tip of the city coast, to reach it you will have to walk a strip of land completely surrounded by the sea , with wonderful views over the whole city!
Its construction took place in the seventeenth century thanks to the 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, inside it houses the museum of prehistory , with a large collection of Roman amphorae found in the archaeological site of Trapani and also of a helmet, found right on the seabed of the city.

Watch the sunset: we advise you to visit 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, times and prices

• How to get there: in via Torre di Ligny 37. Easily reachable on foot from any point in the historic center (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 cost: one time € 1.00

10 – Agostino Pepoli Regional Museum
Photo by Dedda71. Outside the historic center is the Agostino Pepoli Regional Museum, housed in the ancient convent of the Carmelite Fathers , near the Sanctuary of Maria SS. Annunziata. The museum was founded at the beginning of the 20th century thanks to the private collections of Count Pepoli, in the following years it was enriched thanks to numerous other donations.
The Museum focuses on the development of the visual arts in the territory of Trapani and its surroundings. Inside you can admire various paintings, sculptures, cribs of Trapani craftsmanship, goldsmith objects, with also jewels belonging to the treasure of the Madonna of Trapani, majolica, sacred relics and more. This is a mandatory visit to get to know the city better!
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in via Conte Agostino Pepoli 180. Outside the historic center, 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 9: 00-17: 00, Sun and holidays 9: 00-12: 00, in July and August Tue-Sat 9: 00-17: 30, Sun and holidays 9: 00-12: 30, Mon closed
• Ticket price: full € 6.00, reduced € 3.00

11 – Erice
A few km from Trapani (15.8 km) is 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 climb takes 10 minutes (each way € 5.50, round trip € 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, who have left a visible sign of their passage. Here, a visit to the Castle of Erice, one of its most evocative buildings, and the city’s Cathedral, whose origin probably dates back to the empire of Constantine, is not to be missed.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: 15.8 km from Trapani. Accessible by the Trapani-Erice cable car (10 min) or by car (26 min), free parking available on site outside the center – Get directions
• Hours: Erice always accessible / Cable car Mon 13: 00-20: 00, Tue-Fri 8: 30-20: 00, Sat-Sun 9: 30-20: 30 / Castle and Cathedral of Erice from April to October 10:00 -18: 00, from July to September 10: 00-19: 00, August 10: 00-20: 00
• Ticket price: Erice free / Cable car one way € 5.50, round trip € 9.00 / Full castle € 4.00, reduced € 2.00 / Duomo full € 2.50, reduced € 1.50

12 – Pizzolungo
Photo by Mietek L. Finally, just outside Trapani, less than 10 km away, is the locality of Pizzolungo, in the municipality of Erice. It owes its name to the homonymous hill that overlooks the city and is known for its beautiful stretch of coast . Furthermore, according to legend, it was here that Aeneas landed after the doors of his father Anchises . In fact, here you can admire the Stele of Anchises, a monument built in 1930.
It deserves a visit on July 26, the day in which Sant’Anna, the patron saint of the town, is celebrated . A long procession is organized for the event and the picture of the saint is carried through all the streets of the city. It all ends with a fireworks display.
7 km from Trapani. Reachable by car via SP10 (11 min), several car parks are available in the city – Get directions

13 – Cornino Bay
Photo by Andrea Albini. At the foot of the mountain is the 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 in fact the best place to relax after a trekking in the reserve !
The Cornino Bay beach includes an equipped section , with umbrellas, deck chairs and sun loungers, and the promenade is full of clubs and all kinds of services! Also ideal for families with children. In the summer months it can get a little crowded, so it’s best to go in the morning.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: 18.4 km from Trapani. Reachable by car via SP20 (25 min), several on-site car parks (average cost € 1.00 for a day) – Get directions
• Hours: always accessible beach / Bathing establishments varying hours, generally from 8:00 until after sunset
• Ticket price: free beach / Bathing establishments variable prices based on the rental

14 – Grotta Mangiapane di 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 geosite , which can also be visited inside!
The Mangiapane Grotto is the largest of the 9 Custonaci caves , it is also called the Uffizi Grotto and extends for 70 m in height, 13 m in width and 50 m in depth. The cave was inhabited from the Neolithic and remained inhabited until the 1950s by the Mangiapane family. Inside , several cave paintings and even some objects have been found !

Living nativity scene of Custonaci: in the period of Christmas, inside the cave, the “Living Nativity of Custonaci – The Nativity and the Traditional Crafts” takes place; an incredible historical reconstruction of the ancient peasant traditions of the area involving over 160 people. This tradition started in 1983 and still today attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: 18.2 km from Trapani. Accessible by car via SP20 and SP18 (25 min), free parking at the entrance to the Monte Cofano Reserve (400 m, 4 min) – Get directions
• Hours: from April to November 10: 00-18: 00 / Living nativity scene in late December and early January 16: 00-21: 00, consult the official website
• Ticket price: single entrance € 3.00 / full living crib € 10.00, reduced € 5.00

15 – Monte Cofano Reserve
Photo by BlueShepard01. Near the Grotta di Custonaci there is the Natural Reserve of Monte Cofano, which develops on the imposing promontory of Monte Cofano . 659 m high, this mountain is a Dolomite massif dating back to the Jurassic period, rich in typical Mediterranean flora and fauna.
It is a beautiful excursion to do to disconnect a little from the sea: in fact the reserve is full of numerous trails of varying difficulty , suitable for everyone and in which it is very easy to find your way. One of the most popular treks is the one that makes the entire tour of the mountain, for a duration of about 2 hours starting from Piano Alastre. You can find the info for all the trails, with relative difficulties, on the official website.
The reserve is located 23 km from Trapani. Accessible by car via SP 20 (30 min), free on-site parking “Parking Area for Hikers”, starting point of the Monte Cofano Trail – Get directions

Other attractions to visit
In addition to Trapani, the wonderful surroundings are also worth a visit !
Sea lovers will find a paradise here: it is impossible not to visit San Vito Lo Capo (38 km), without a doubt one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in Italy! Also not to be missed is the Riserva dello Zingaro, a wonderful unspoiled oasis (33.5 km). And again the localities of Scopello (35 km) and Castellammare del Golfo (37 km).
Also, if you are a history lover, you can’t miss thetwo archaeological parks of Segesta and Selinunte (about 35 km), where you can admire spectacular temples and theaters, evidence of the Hellenic past of this land (admission from € 6.00).
Finally, if you have more time available, after visiting Trapani we advise you to dedicate two or three days to the Egadi Islands , off the Sicilian coast, right in front of Trapani, from which numerous ferries depart (30 min, on average € 30 , 00). For a perfect day trip we recommend the island of Favignana, one of the most beautiful in Sicily , with crystal clear waters, numerous caves along the coast and an ideal backdrop for snorkelers (ferries from Trapani, 40 min, from € 12 , 00).

8 Things to do in Trapani
Sunset in Mamma Caura, Marsala

Visit the Riservo dello Zingaro by land

Visit the Faraglioni of Scopello

by sea Kite festival San Vito lo Capo

Cannolo and Genovesi at the Maria Grammatico pastry shop

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1. Admiring the Sunset from Mamacaura : 22 km from Trapani, this restaurant is located in front of the Saline di Marsala, in the Stagnone Reserve, where you can have an aperitif with a view of a shivering sunset
2. Salina di Marsala and Spiaggia Rosa : still in the territory of the Stagnone Reserve, you can visit the Saline Museum and even bathe in the pink-toned waters
3. Trekking allo Zingaro : the Riserva dello Zingaro is a real unspoiled oasis, with spectacular views of the crystal clear sea. We advise you to take a day to devote completely to the reserve to enjoy one of the many treks
4. Excursion by sea between Zingaro and Scopello : if you prefer to admire the Zingaro reserve in total relaxation, book an excursion by way of enjoying the most beautiful coves along the stretch of coast that connects San Vito Lo Capo and Scopello
5. Excursion to the Egadi Islands : Trapani is the perfect point to enjoy a wonderful day excursion to the Egadi islands and Favignana, located about half an hour by ferry from the city, an unmissable experience
6. Participate in the events of San Vito lo Capo : San Vito is a very lively and active location that hosts important events. The most famous are the International Kite Festival at the end of May and the Cous Cous Fest at the end of September
7. Taste the Cannolo di Dattilo : the “Cannolo di Dattilo” is according to many the best in the world. We advise you to take a detour from your itinerary to reach the town, which is just 13 minutes away by car
8. Taste the Genoese of Erice : while visiting the pretty village, remember to stop at the Maria Grammatico pastry shop to taste the famous “Genoese”, tasty sweets filled with custard

Plan your stay in Trapani: flights and hotels
Trapani is served by Vincenzo Florio Airport (starting from € 80.00), but if you want you can also choose to arrive at Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (starting from € 20 , 00), well connected by bus of the Autoservizi Salemi and Segesta companies (average cost € 9.00).

The best neighborhood to stay in is the historic center (accommodation from € 40.00 per night), this will allow you to move easily on foot , the best way to visit the city! Here the 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 taste traditional dishes at more than affordable prices, or taste the tasty local street food, with even more competitive prices! Finally, there are many things to enjoy for free or at a low price , such as a wonderful sunset over the sea from the western part of the historic center, a walk through the streets of the center and various attractions with free admission!