Visit Trapani Sicily: Travel Guide To The Best Things To Do

Planning to visit Trapani? Good call. Set at the sun-drenched western tip of Sicily, this coastal beauty mixes ancient charm with sea breeze magic. Between baroque buildings, fresh seafood, and salt pans glowing pink at sunset, Trapani is one of those places that sneaks into your heart (and your photo gallery). From spontaneous aperitivos by the port to epic views from Erice just above, this town is the perfect base to soak up everything western Sicily has to offer. Add in easy day trips to the Egadi Islands, legendary street food, and some of the best Sicily wine tours & wineries, and you’ve got a destination that checks all the boxes, relaxed, authentic, and just the right amount of delicious.

Visit Trapani Sicily and the top things to do

Wander through the historic centre

Start your Trapani adventure right where it all begins, the old town centre. This part of the city is a sun-drenched maze of Baroque buildings, little piazzas, and balconies overflowing with plants. Walk down Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the town’s elegant spine, where cafés spill onto the street and the scent of espresso hangs in the air. Pop into the Cathedral of San Lorenzo to admire its golden interiors and classic Sicilian Baroque vibe, then treat yourself to a granita break before the next stop.

Explore the Salt Pans

The Trapani and Paceco salt pans aren’t just pretty to look at, they’re living history. This shimmering landscape of windmills and salt mounds has been in action for centuries, and it’s still going strong. Head to the Salt Museum to see how it all works, then take a slow walk through the pans for a chance to spot pink flamingoes doing their thing. The real showstopper? Stick around for sunset, when the sky turns gold and flamingoes glide over the flats. It’s one of those “wow” moments you’ll never forget.

Walk the walls at Mura di Tramontana

Hugging the coastline like a stone ribbon, the Mura di Tramontana are Trapani’s old defensive walls, and one of the best sunset spots in town. This walkway is where locals come to breathe in sea air, catch the last light of the day, and feel the waves crash just below. The views? Straight out of a postcard. Grab a gelato or an aperitivo and take your time. It’s simple, stunning, and totally Trapani.

Taste the sea at Mercato del Pesce

If you’re hungry for real Sicilian flavor, head straight to Trapani’s bustling fish market, the Mercato del Pesce. It’s loud, lively, and packed with the day’s freshest catch, straight from the boats to the stalls. Grab a plate of grilled octopus or fried calamari from a street stand, chat with local vendors, and soak in the salty, no-frills charm that makes this one of the best places to visit in Trapani for food lovers.

Visit Torre di Ligny Museum

At the far edge of Trapani, where the land gives way to the sea, Torre di Ligny stands guard. This old Spanish watchtower from the 1600s now hosts a small maritime museum, but let’s be honest, you’re really here for the view. Waves crash below, the horizon stretches forever, and the salty wind does the rest. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop, breathe, and fall for Trapani just a little harder.

Stroll the marina and port of Trapani

The marina isn’t just your launchpad to the Egadi Islands, it’s where Trapani pulses with life. Fishing boats sway in the breeze, locals chat over coffee, and the smell of the sea lingers in the air. Grab a spritz, find a sunny spot by the harbor, and watch the sky melt into gold. This is Trapani in slow motion, and it’s magic.

Visit Trapani Sicily and the top things to do around

Ancient terroir meets modern spirit

Set in Erice’s elevated hills, Casa Vinicola Fazio stands where centuries of viticulture intertwine with contemporary flair. Born from deep roots in the Erice DOC, the Fazio family brings wines to life with expressive notes of Nero d’Avola, fresh Müller‑Thurgau, and elegant whites like Brusìo, a playful yet powerful blend of Carricante and Catarratto. Their Torre dei Venti Nero d’Avola is a standout, medium-bodied, aromatic, with hints of spice and ripe fruit, shaped by cool breezes and clay-rich soils.

Wander the charm of Erice

Just a 25-minute drive or a scenic cable car ride from Trapani, the medieval town of Erice is perched high atop Monte San Giuliano, offering jaw-dropping views over the coastline and Egadi Islands. If you’re planning to visit Erice Sicily, expect cobblestone streets, Gothic churches, and the scent of almond pastries drifting from old convent kitchens. It’s one of those places where you feel like time stopped, in the best way possible. Grab a cassatella, wander into a tiny courtyard café, and let the hilltop charm work its magic.

Marsala’s family gem

Set amid the sun-kissed hills of Alcamo (DOC Alcamo), Tenute Maltese is a family estate where six generations have nurtured vines with passion, hospitality, and respect for tradition. Their wines showcase Sicily’s best, think bold Merlot and Nero d’Avola, aromatic Grillo and Zibibbo, all shaped by coastal winds and mineral-rich terrain.

Visit the Aegadian Islands for relaxation

Just 30 minutes by ferry from Trapani, the Aegadian Islands, Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo, feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret Sicilian paradise. Think turquoise water, slow island vibes, and salty sea breeze in your hair. Favignana charms with its old tuna fisheries and laid-back beach life, while Levanzo and Marettimo are all about scenic hikes and wild coastal views. Perfect for a quick escape, these islands are close enough for a day trip but tempting enough to make you want to stay the night.

Discover the ancient elegance of Segesta

Just 40 minutes from Trapani by car, Segesta feels like stepping straight into a history book. The ancient Doric temple stands proud in the middle of quiet hills, while the open-air theater clings to a slope with panoramic countryside scenes that could make anyone pause. It’s one of those places where the silence speaks volumes.

Good to know before visiting Trapani