Province of Trapani Travel Guide

Sicily
Castellammare del Golfo showing a coastal town and general coastal views
For anyone wanting to discover every aspect of Sicily, planning a holiday in Trapani is like taking a trip through many different historical periods.

Every corner of the city in fact features monuments, churches and buildings that tell the story of this Sicilian provincial capital over the centuries. The heart of Trapani has always been the port, located at the foot of the old town. The city has a great deal to offer, beginning with its long history and all the must-see places around it, including San Vito Lo Capo, Favignana and, further south, Pantelleria. Our holiday packages to Trapani guarantee a wide choice, thanks to the modern accommodation facilities available throughout the year.

At the far end of the city is the Ligny Tower, home to the Museum of Prehistory. To reach it you have to walk down a narrow street, with the deep blue sea on both sides, frequented by many bathers in summer. Nearby is the fishing port, where the fishermen keep alive a tradition handed down from father to son for many centuries. In the port area, you can admire Villino Nasi, recently restored for the community, and the former leper hospital, now the local office of the Italian Naval League. Not far from here, just off the coast, the island of La Colombaia is one of the symbols of Trapani.

Walking into the city centre, you can admire the ancient buildings, monuments and churches from different eras and cultures that have made Trapani great. Much of the city centre is restricted to traffic. This has gradually transformed the old city into the perfect place to meet and socialise. Between Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the ancient Loggia, Via Torrearsa and Via Garibaldi, there is a whole succession of historic palaces and churches of considerable artistic value, where it's fun to lose yourself and smell the fragrances of this maritime city. You'll come across Palazzo Cavarretta, built on the site of the ancient Loggia dei Pisani, from which the name "Loggia" derives. The Palazzo is a three-storey building and at the top are statues of the Madonna of Trapani, St. John the Baptist and Saint Albert. It's also worth pointing out Palazzo Riccio di Morana, Palazzo San Rocco, Palazzo Riccio di San Gioacchino and Palazzo Lucatelli.

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo, on Via Vittorio Emanuele, is also a must. Built as a parish church in the 15th century, the religious building underwent various alterations over time until it gained its current appearance in the mid-17th century, based on a design by architect G.B. Amico, which included construction of the side chapels, choir, dome, bell tower and façade. The interior consists of three naves and houses, amongst other objects, a Crucifix attributed to the Flemish painter Van Dyck. Also on Via Vittorio Emanuele is the Jesuit Church and Convent with the adjacent convent college, now the site of the Classics Secondary School. The façade was designed by Francesco Bonamici with a first order characterised by cornices, pilasters and broken pediments and a second order enriched with Baroque elements, vaults, statues and a central window. The church was consecrated in the 18th century and consists of three naves, with columns and Serlian arches.

Not far from here is the Church of the Purgatory, which houses the sacred Mysteries of Trapani floats. From Via Garibaldi, proceeding up a staircase on the left, you'll come to the Church of San Domenico and the adjacent convent. Walking along Via Torrearsa you'll arrive at Piazza Sant'Agostino, home to a church of the same name, characterised by a façade enriched by a rose window and the Fountain of Saturn. Further along you'll come to Piazza Scarlatti, near which is the Church of San Giacomo, which now houses the Fardelliana Library. Walking along Corso Italia you'll arrive at the Church of San Pietro, which contains the precious organ created by Francesco La Grassa of Palermo, and you'll enter the so-called Ghetto, between Via della Giudecca and Via degli Ebrei, inhabited by the Jewish community since the 16th century.

At the northern end of the city you'll find the picturesque fish market square on Piazza del Mercato del Pesce. The seafront extends for a few kilometres and is lined with the remains of the city's ancient walls. The border between the old city and the new is marked by Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. Not far from here, on Piazza Vittorio Veneto, is Palazzo d’Alì, which now houses the city council, and opposite this is the liberty style Palazzo delle Poste. Further along you'll arrive at Villa Margherita, the city's green heart, with gigantic ficus trees dating from the 19th century.

Villa Margherita was built just after the unification of Italy, at a time when secondary trenches still existed between the Castello Aragonese, commonly known as the Castello di Terra, and Porta Osorio, known as Porta Pali, to defend the curtain walls that separated the old city from the hinterland. In the mid-18th century, the first trees were planted to create the garden and subsequently the villa was opened to the public at the end of the 19th century and dedicated to Queen Margherita of Savoy, the first queen of Italy. From Piazza Vittorio Emanuele you'll come to Via Giovan Battista Fardella, the city's main street, lined with shops and bars, from which you can easily reach the new part of Trapani.

Book your holiday in Trapani with the greatest peace of mind and discover one of the most fascinating islands in the Mediterranean.

Popular cities in Province of Trapani

San Vito Lo Capo featuring sailing, general coastal views and rocky coastline
San Vito Lo Capo
Known for Small town, Swimming and Sailing
When we speak of the sea around Italy, Sicily certainly springs to mind. And when Sicily comes to mind, San Vito Lo Capo immediately does, too. On a far strip of land pointing northward, a holiday in San Vito Lo Capo begins between two nature reserves, the Zingaro Reserve and the Monte Cofano Reserve . With splendid scenic views, this town has experienced unparalleled growth in the tourism sector over the last 20 years. The increase in holiday offers in San Vito Lo Capo has shown the world this corner of paradise, of unspoiled Mediterranean nature.

Reasons to visit

  • Zingaro Nature Reserve
  • Cala Tonnarella dell'Uzzo
  • Mother Church
Erice
Erice
Known for Historical, Monuments and Culture
Erice awaits: its history, monuments, castle and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Trapani-Erice Cable Car Valley Station
  • Venere Castle
Castellammare del Golfo showing a coastal town and general coastal views
Castellammare del Golfo
Known for Sea, Swimming and Castle
Vacation in a beautiful harbor town in northwest Sicily known for its attractive beaches, seafood cuisine and castle.

Reasons to visit

  • Guidaloca Beach
  • Spiaggia Playa
Marsala showing a windmill and a small town or village
Marsala
Known for Wineries, Countryside and Secluded
Piece together the fascinating history of the ship from the Expedition of the Thousand and enjoy tastings of delectable wine.

Reasons to visit

  • Piazza della Repubblica
Trapani which includes farmland, tranquil scenes and mountains
Trapani
Known for Walking, Ferries and boats and Sightseeing
Get away to Trapani! Enjoy the monuments, architecture and sightseeing.
Pantelleria
Pantelleria
Known for Natural parks, Islands and Volcano
Come to quaint Pantelleria and enjoy its parks, island views and adventures.