Downtown Luxury Slum

Considering a trip to Trapani? Read on for a Trapani travel guide with everything you need to know to plan your trip to a city full of possibilities and wonder.

We spent about 1 full day in Trapani which was a good amount of time to explore Trapani and the medieval town of Erice, but Trapani makes a good base for a number of day trips so you may want to stay longer.

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What to Expect

If this is your first stop in Sicily, read my 10 tips for planning a trip to Sicily.

The city of Trapani, Sicily, is a place of beauty and history, of salt and sea. It is a place where the past and present collide, and where the future is full of possibilities. So if you are ever in Trapani, be sure to keep your wits about you. And be careful not to get caught up in the city’s many mysteries.

What to See and Do in Trapani

• Explore the historic center. Trapani’s historic center is a maze of narrow streets lined with Baroque churches and palazzos. Here is my self-guided Trapani walking tour.

• Visit the Saline di Trapani, a 15 minute drive from central Trapani. Go to the website to book a guided tour of the salt pans of Trapani and salt museum to learn all about salt production. Tours cost €16 per person and last approximately 75 minutes.
• Relax on the beach. Trapani has some of Sicily’s best beaches. San Vito Lo Capo, a 50 minute drive from central Trapani, is a popular choice, with its long stretch of white sand and clear blue water.
• Take a day trip to the Aegadian Islands. The Aegadian Islands are a group of three islands off the coast of Trapani. Favignana is the largest island and is known for its beaches, caves, and tuna traps. Levanzo is the smallest island and is a great place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Here are a couple well-rated tours to try:
  • Egadi Islands Tour: Favignana and Levanzo from Trapani
  • Favignana and Levanzo: Island tour by rib boat from Trapani
• Hike in the Zingaro Nature Reserve. The Zingaro Nature Reserve is a beautiful stretch of coastline that’s home to beaches, coves, and hiking trails. The reserve is a great place to go for a day hike or swim in the clear blue water.

• Explore the town of Erice. Nestled precariously on a mountaintop above Trapani, Erice isn’t for the faint of heart. Cobbled streets wind more like a tipsy donkey path than a sidewalk but the destination is delightful. Weave between fragrant pastry shops, castles, churches, ancient stone walls, and stunning views using my self-guided walking tour.

• Visit the impressive ruins of Segesta Archeological Park. The main attraction is the magnificently well preserved Doric temple, its golden columns reaching towards a perpetually blue sky. An ancient theater also perches on top of a steep hill. Segesta is located in the middle of nowhere so, along with its ruins, Segesta offers a serene escape away from the crowds. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to Segesta.

• Taste the Marsala wine. The village of Marsala is known for its namesake fortified wine and is a 40 minute drive from Trapani. Head to Cantine Florio for a Marsala wine tour and tasting. Make a reservation here. Tours start at €25 and last a little over an hour.
• Watch the sunset from Mura di Tramontana, a narrow, elevated stretch of walkway right by the sea.

• See temple ruins at Selinunte Archaeological Park, an 80 minute drive south of Trapani. It is the largest archeological area in Europe at about 670 acres, and was once home to one of the largest Greek colonies on the island, dating to 600 B.C. Tour the ruins of seven Doric temples, as well as the necropolis. There are different hiking routes to see the various structures that range from about a quarter-mile to about 3 ½ miles, and there are also shuttles to take you around to some areas.

Getting to Trapani

Fly: Trapani’s Birgi Airport (TPS) has a few connections around Italy and seasonal connections across Europe, most of which are operated by Ryanair.

• From Birgi Airport :
  • AST buses run hourly and cost less than €4 for a one way ticket.
  • Taxis have a €30 fixed rate to take you downtown Trapani.
  • There are a number of car rental agencies in the terminal. Be sure to book in advance. We used Sicily By Car and had a great experience with them.

Fly: Palermo’s Falcone-Borsellino, a.k.a. Punta Raisi Airport (PMO) has connections around Italy and other parts of Europe and is located about an hour and half from Trapani by car.

• From Falcone-Borsellino, a.k.a. Punta Raisi airport:
  • Segesta Autolinee buses run to Trapani every 2 hours, taking about 2 hours.
  • There are a number of car rental agencies in the terminal. Be sure to book in advance. We used Sicily By Car and had a great experience with them.

Bus: The main bus operators that serve Trapani are Lumia, Interbus/Segesta, Salemi, and AST. I haven’t found a good centralized place with Sicilian bus schedules so you may need to check with each operator individually if you’re not using a travel agent. Keep in mind that few buses run on Saturdays, and even fewer on Sundays.

Getting Around Trapani

Once you’re in the city center, walking is generally the best way to get around.

Where to Stay

We stayed at the Hotel Trapani which was cute and conveniently located with extremely helpful staff. I have no hesitation in recommending it but if you have specific needs, Where to Eat

Trapani is known for its fresh seafood, couscous, and pasta dishes. Be sure to try the busiate al pesto Trapanese, a pasta dish made with pesto, Trapani tomatoes, and breadcrumbs. Another local favorite is couscous alla Trapanese, fish couscous served in a steaming broth.

• Go to La Bettolaccia for the Trapani specialty, couscous alla Trapanese (aromatic seafood, garlic, chili, tomatoes, saffron, parsley, and wine broth, ladled over a heap of couscous). Expect amazing service. 
• Locanda dei Poeti is a Sicilian haven brimming with delicious vegetarian and vegan options. Savor classic arancine and busiate, all meat-free. Outdoor seating lets you soak in the vibrant Sicilian night.
• At La Taverna dei Corsari, one may dine alfresco, the gentle sigh of the breeze your only companion (unless, of course, you’ve brought along a particularly chatty friend). This old-style trattoria, specializes in fresh seafood and pasta portions so generous, even a famished traveler will emerge with a satisfied sigh. 
• Check out the always busy La Vele Ristorante Pizzeria. Look for local delights, from pasta to seafood (and even pizza!), at prices that won’t break the bank.
• Pasticceria Bellezza caters to the sweet tooth with cannoli filled with ricotta. Or find new joy in the graffa, a local horseshoe-shaped doughnut.
• Cannolo e Passito offers colossal cannoli, larger than any you’ve likely met! Choose your delightful filling: ricotta, custard, pistachio, or chocolate.
• Enoteca Versi di Rosso has a good selection of Marsala and other Sicilian wines. Pair it with a cheese platter or other snacks.
• Quella della Vineria is a cheery escape offering delightful local wines, drinks, and food at prices that won’t break the bank.

Here’s my complete list of foods and drinks to look forward to, seek out, and try when you visit Sicily.