TRAPANI
Trapani, Sicily, Italy
Trapani is perched on the western tip of Sicily, and its climate is quintessentially Mediterranean, with average temperatures hovering around 20°C—a perfect respite all year round. Fading mimosas lined the road, sun-bleached houses in soft pink tones, and turquoise waters abound. This is the place for respite, a site of preternatural calm, at least in the beginning of April.
We arrived early in the afternoon, during the lull of afternoon siesta, and the city was warm and quiet. The sun peeked through the clouds, casting a golden glow on the houses. The chimes of church bells echoed through the narrow streets, blending with the soft murmur of the sea. If you are looking for busy markets and a lively atmosphere, you might be disappointed. Trapani is small enchanting city, which exudes an old-world charm.
The coastline of Trapani curves gently into the Tyrrhenian Sea, offering nice city beaches that invite for a swim in crystal waters. Beyond the town, the salt flats stretch out like a shimmering mirage. A vast, open landscape where (if you lucky) flamingos wade gracefully through the shallow waters. It’s not only a serene sight, but these pans produce around 100.000 tons of salt annually.
The elevation of Trapani is only about 3 meters above sea level, but if you want to get some perspective, its proximity to the ancient city of Erice makes it easy. Perched on a hilltop (751 m.a.s.l.), Erice offers panoramic views, cobblestone streets, medieval castles, and one very old pastry shop you should not miss.
For nature seekers and beach hunters, Trapani serves as perfect gateway to the Egadi Islands – Favignana and Levanzo. Located approximately 7 kilometers from the coast, just an hour by ferry from Trapani's port. These islands are known for their crystal waters, marine life and hidden caves waiting to be explored along the rugged shore.
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Wander / The historic centre - don’t miss The Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Corso Vittorio Emanuel, Palazzo Senatorio, Mercato del Pesce.
Relax / Trapani’s city beaches & day trips to Egadi Islands
Eat / The local dish of pesto alla trapanese, busiate pasta (long spiralled pasta has been made and eaten in Trapani since the 10th century), fish couscous (arabian influence)
View / Take in sunset from Via Mura di Tramontana Ovest
TRAPANI FACTS
Population: 67,000 people
Area: The city covers an area of around 271 km2
Port: Trapani’s port handles roughly 3 million passengers annually, primarily due to its ferry connections to the Egadi Islands
Sunshine: Trapani enjoys about 270 days of sunshine per year, making it a sunny destination.
History: Trapani’s history dates back over 3,000 years, with its founding attributed to the Elymians around the 13th century BC.
Distances:
The Egadi Islands are located approximately 7 kilometers from the coast of Trapani, which means about one hour by a ferry from the Trapani port.
Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Trapani.
RESTAURANTS
Cantina Siciliana (4.3 / 5)* // Address: Via Giudecca, 32, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy; Open: MON-SUN 1:00 - 3:00 PM, 7:45 PM - 11 PM (picture on the right)
Osteria La Bettolaccia (4.6 / 5) // Address: Via Gen. Enrico Fardella, 25, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy; Open: MON-SUN 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM, 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Antichi Sapori Ristorante (4.5 / 5) // Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 191, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy; Open: 10 AM - 2:30 PM, 6 - 11:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
A Nassa Seafood (4.6 / 5) // Address: Via Serisso, 39/41, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy; Open: 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM, 6:30 PM - 11:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Ristorantino Macrì (4.5 / 5) // Address: Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy; Open: TUE-SAT: 7:30 - 11:00 PM, SUN 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM, (Closed on Mondays)
*google ratings and opening times from 1.8.2024
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SALUMERIA & DELI SHOPS
Capricci in Tavola (4.7/5) // Address: Corso Italia, 57/59, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy; Open: MON - SAT: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM; SUN: Closed
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STREET FOOD & LATE NIGHT SNACKS
Sapurito Street Food & Goloserie (4.7 / 5) // Address: Via Turretta, 13, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy; Open: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM (daily)
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GELATERIAS
Gelateria Meno Tredici (4,6 / 5) // Address: Via Ammiraglio Staiti, 61, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy; Open: 9:30 AM - 11:00 PM (daily)
Gelateria Liparoti (4,2 / 5) // Address: Viale delle Sirene, 21, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy; Open: 11:00 AM - 12:30 AM (daily)
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PASTICCERIAS
Pasticceria La Rinascente (4,7 / 5) // Address: Via Gatti, 3, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy, Open: Mon - Sat: 9 AM - 1 PM, 3-7 PM; Sun: 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Pasticceria Bellezza Michele Paolo (4.7/5) // Address: Via S. Pietro, 21, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy; Open: MON: closed, TUE-SAT 8:00 AM - 2:00, 4:15-8 PM, SUN 6:30 AM- 2 PM
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ARANCINI & SNACKS
Pollero da Roberto (4.6 / 5) // Address: Via Spalti, 65, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy; Open: MON – SAT 9:30 AM - 2:20 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM, SUN closed
Panificio Oddo (4.7 / 5) // Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 116, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy; Open: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM (daily)
Trapani è la città del sale e del mare.
Trapani is the city of salt and the sea.
Trapani is perched on the western tip of Sicily, and its climate is quintessentially Mediterranean, with average temperatures hovering around 20°C—a perfect respite all year round.