Trapani, the land of sun and salt

Have you ever spent a day in Trapani? This nice town on the west coast of Sicily is perfect for a day trip. Its history dates back to the Bronze Age, when the Elymians founded it. It was initially named Drépanon from the Greek word for sickle, because of the curving shape of its harbor, but the origin of this city is even related to two legends about Demeter and her daughter Persephone, and Kronos. Do you know for example that Saturn (the Roman name of Kronos) was the patron God of Trapani? If you are curious to know more, read Sicilian Secrets’ blog.

The land of sun and salt.

Gesualdo Bufalino

If you’re looking for a nice day trip or you are travelling to the Aegadian Islands, don’t miss a stop in Trapani. When you have a walk around the old town, the signs of various civilizations are evident: art, architecture, monuments…this is history, guys!

Do you want some travel tips to perfectly optimize your time? Here is our advice…take note!

Morning

Good morning, Trapani! The best way to start your day in the city is having a nice breakfast…Sicilian flavors rule. Have a walk in the city center and stop in one of the bars, take a sit and enjoy a classic Sicilian meal. Try something special like the famous ‘cassatelle’ made in Castellammare (a small town close to Trapani).

One of the first place you have to put into your bucket list is the Basilica-Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Annunziata (also called Madonna di Trapani) originally built in the XIV century and rebuilt in 1760. It houses a marble statue of the Madonna of Trapani, which might be the work of Nino Pisano; nowadays the ancient convent is the Regional museum Agostino Pepoli, one of the most important Sicilian museums.

Afternoon

It’s lunch time! One of the specialties you have to taste for lunch is caponata, eggplant is the main ingredient. Otherwise, if you love fish, you cannot miss the red prawn of Mazara. Simply delicious! Once you feel ready for the next stop, go to Palazzo Ciambra.

It’s located in the old Jewish area, right in the heart of the city and is one of the treasures of Trapani. Because of its color and style, it’s also known as ‘the silver palace’. Are you going back to the hotel to get ready for the evening? Wait a minute! Take at least a picture in front of the Triton’s fountain (in Italian, Fontana del Tritone) located in the square that separates the old town and the new one. This is one of the symbols of Trapani!

Night

When light goes down…enjoy the sunset and the dark from a very special point of view. Jump on the cable car from Trapani to Erice and in addition to the cobbled streets and the beautiful medieval castle, you can even see Tunisia from the top. Up in the air. This is the magic of Sicily.