One of the most renowned destinations in Sicily is Trapani, which should not be considered merely a stopover for those heading to the Egadi Islands. Indeed, Trapani is a gem worth exploring in its entirety: its historic center is wonderful with its orderly layout and cliffside position, complemented by ancient palaces and intriguing buildings. Trapani is an urban reality filled with natural, architectural, and artistic elements, so it’s advisable to plan every detail carefully if you intend to travel here. If you have any doubts or difficulties, you can refer to this guide: here is everything you need to know for traveling to Trapani, including its monuments, itinerary, flights, hotels, B&Bs, and typical dishes.
Monuments in Trapani: The Most Beautiful to Visit
Trapani’s strategic position makes it one of the most important tourist destinations in Sicily. Historically, it has always played a crucial role due to its centrality and elevation. In the past, Trapani was guarded by several watchtowers and fortresses dating back to the Punic Wars. Among the most beautiful monuments to visit in the city is the Castello della Colombaia, a symbol of Trapani built on a rock 600 meters from the harbor entrance. Over the centuries, various residents have lived there, including Queen Constance of Castile, but it was originally constructed by the Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca. In the 15th century, it also served as a prison, and today, the Castello della Colombaia can be admired as a fairy-tale structure surrounded by water and colorful natural elements.
Another incredible monument in Trapani is the Torre di Ligny, dating back to 1671 and now the home of the Museum of Prehistory, one of the most fascinating exhibitions in the city. For trekking enthusiasts, the tower is a must-visit, especially since you can walk along a narrow path surrounded by the sea on both sides. Nearby is the fishing port, home to the Lega Navale, situated on an islet that has become fully integrated with the mainland over time. Historically, it served as a quarantine station for sailors affected (even hypothetically) by epidemics. Today, after its reconstruction in 1830, it appears as a majestic exedra.
The fish market is a deeply experiential destination that everyone should visit. Located in Piazza Mercato, its centerpiece is the prestigious fountain of Venus Anadyomene, which has evident Greek influences. Another marvelous museum in Trapani is the Pepoli Museum, where visitors can closely admire objects made by local artisans of the era using coral, once abundant in the Trapani sea. Other noteworthy monuments in Trapani include Porta Oscura with the Clock Tower, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the Church of Sant’Agostino, the Church of the Holy Souls of Purgatory, and the Tramontana Walls.
One-Day Itinerary in Trapani
If you only have 24 hours to visit Trapani, you can still follow a practical one-day itinerary. Start from the historic center of Trapani, specifically from Porta Oscura with the Clock Tower, and then walk to the various churches mentioned earlier. Next, stroll along the Tramontana Walls and conclude the morning by heading to the cable car station to reach one of Sicily’s most beautiful villages, Erice. After lunch in the area, spend the early afternoon in Erice, then take the cable car down to the Trapani and Paceco Salt Pans. The one-day itinerary in Trapani concludes with watching the sunset from Torre di Ligny.
Three-Day Itinerary in Trapani
If you have more time, specifically 72 hours, you can follow a three-day itinerary in Trapani. Start the first morning by exploring the historic center, observing monuments such as Porta Oscura and the Clock Tower, the churches, and the Tramontana Walls. Walking along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, stop for lunch at ‘A Nassa,’ then head to Torre di Ligny to visit its Museum of Prehistory, finishing the day with a visit to the Castello della Colombaia. For dinner, the restaurant Antichi Sapori is recommended.
On the second day, take the cable car to reach the beautiful village of Erice, where you can visit both the Castle of Erice and the Cathedral of Erice. After descending via the cable car, take a guided tour of the Trapani and Paceco Salt Pans, then return to Trapani’s historic center. For lunch, consider booking a table at the restaurant La Pentolaccia, and for dinner, the Pizzeria Calvino is a good choice.
On the third day, conclude this three-day itinerary in Trapani by exploring the surroundings. You can join a picturesque cruise to Favignana and Levanzo, or go on an excursion in the province. Lunch would be served on board the cruise (or bring a packed lunch for the excursion), while for dinner, the dishes at La Bettolaccia are highly recommended.
Flights to Trapani: Where is the Airport?
To reach Trapani by plane, you can refer to the city’s airport, Trapani-Birgi, a civil and military airport located about 15 kilometers from the center of the Sicilian town. Once you land, you can choose to rent a car to reach the city in 15 minutes, take a taxi, or opt for a bus. The latter is recommended as it is economical and the service is well managed by the AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporto) company.
Best Hotels in Trapani: The Top Picks
To immerse yourself in the urban beauty of Trapani and its tranquility, it is essential to book suitable accommodation in advance. Since prices for staying in this Sicilian location are not too high, you might consider booking a room in one of the best hotels in Trapani, ranked as follows:
- Giardini Mon Plaisir
- Residence La Gancia
- Palazzo Gatto Art Hotel & Spa
- Hotel San Michele
- BADIA NUOVA apart hotel
Best B&Bs in Trapani: The Top Picks
A valid qualitative alternative to hotels, B&Bs are cheaper and likely more convenient, given that most of the time will be spent outside the accommodation visiting the city and its surroundings. Before booking, evaluate the centrality of a structure and the quality of its services, including breakfast. If in doubt, here is the ranking of the best B&Bs in Trapani:
- Central Gallery Rooms
- Secret B&B
- CasaTrapani B&B and Apartments
- B&B Crystal Trapani
- B&B IL CAVALIERE
Typical Dishes in Trapani: What to Eat
In Trapani, you have the opportunity to try the typical dishes of the Sicilian tradition, so if you are wondering what to eat, know that tourists almost naturally start with arancine. For something hearty, the eggplant caponata is super tasty and can be enjoyed in one of the restaurants in Trapani. Don’t forget the busiate al pesto trapanese, which are truly exquisite, as well as panelle (chickpea flour fritters), a highlight of the city’s street food. Before leaving Trapani, you must also try the vastedda, a sheep’s milk cheese produced in the Belice Valley, perhaps accompanied by the typical black bread of Castelvetrano. The Trapani version of couscous features fish, somewhat reminiscent of Spanish paella, while among the desserts, cassatelle with ricotta and the cannolo from Dattilo are highly recommended.
