Trapani

On the coast between San Vito Lo Capo and Castellamare del Golfo, the Zingaro Natural Reserve stretches for 7 km of virgin wilderness. Tell in few words how charming this place is, is a challenge. The crystal water of Sicily meets here amazing beaches sprinkled with white pebbles. In addition, the protection offered by the reserve assures the survival of local fauna and flora, preserving the untouched environment of this area together with all its colours and perfumes.

Sicily is the cradle of the European culture and Segesta is one of the historical treasure of this region. It used to be the centre of one of the three indigenous people of Sicily: the Elymians. With a scenic location high up on Mount Barbaro, (about 400 meters high) only 30 minutes by car from Trapani, Segesta is the ideal destination for a daytrip. It attracts both lovers of history and nature, since the path to the monuments is surrounded by the local Mediterranean scrubland. It is also here you will find the magnificent Doric temple and the Greek theater called The Segesta Theater.

This Basilica houses an impressive collection from both medieval and modern periods. Here visitors can admire paintings by world-famous artists, marble sculptures, a splendid assortment of gold and silver fine art objects, as well as memorabilia connected with Trapani’s history. The entire cathedral expresses the typical Sicilian Renascent-Baroque style through its marble naves magnificently frescoed.

This sui generis reserve is situated almost 3 km away from Trapani's centre, it covers the ancient salt ponds of Trapani and Paceco. Visitors can freely walk around in the reserve and see and hear all sorts of wildlife that have repopulated the area now that they are protected. This sight shows its best at the end of the day thanks to the silhouette of windmills and the flat landscape against the beautiful colours of the sundown.

A walk in Trapani’s old city cannot be missed. The legacy left by the numerous dominations suffered by the region can be easily recognised in each building. Across the various districts, you can admire different architectural styles, from the Arabian to the medieval, and Baroque. Everything is easily reachable within walking distance, so you will be able to experience Trapani's old city in one go.

The Church of Saint Augustine is the oldest building in Trapani, dated back to the Templars’ period. Milestone of Gothic style, the church is recognisable thanks to the big rose window on its facade. In the little square adjacent to the church is situated the famous Saturn Fountain, from the 14th century, as a representation of the mythological founder of Trapani: the god Saturn.

Favignana Island is part of the Aegadian Archipelago, famous for its glorious beaches. It is located just 17 km southwest of Trapani, and it is easily reachable by frequent ferries. Visitors can take boat trips to the entire group of islands so to discover the natural magnificence of the deep southern Italy. In the numerous small ports, you cannot miss the daily fish markets, where you will have the possibility to taste raw sea urchins, typical dish of the Mediterranean coast.

Sicily has some of the most amazing beaches in the world. At a short distance from Trapani, San Vito Lo Capo hosts some of them. These bays are particularly famous for their wilderness, crystal waters and soft sand. This bewildered atmosphere even caught the attention of Hollywood directors, who set several movies here. All this gorgeousness obviously attracts many visitors in summer, but for gourmands the perfect moment to visit San Vito is in September during the regional couscous festival.

Stefania Mode is a luxury fashion brand entirely made in Trapani. It was born in 1971 in the headquarters of the city, and later it was capable to expand all over Sicily. Really appreciated by locals and foreigners, if you want to take with you a piece of Italian style, then this brand will perfectly fit you.

Even if you are not much of a seafood lover Trapani's fish market - Mercato del Pesce- is still worth a visit. Early in the mornings, local fishermen take their daily catch to sell it on the market. Each one of them shout creative jingle to convince customers to buy their merchandise. This is one of the best places to get a glimpse of everyday life in Trapani and should not be missed.

"Class is an innate quality, elegance accentuates it" The key words for Luisa Spagnoli's collections are "Elegant, unique, unforgettable". It is possible to find an entire outfit in her boutiques, as well as the accessories and the perfume to go with it. Designed by a career woman for career women.

The food and wine shop Taberna Gustus offers typical gastronomic products: local wines, sparkling wines, confectionery, homemade jam, sauces, oil, and much more. A great shop to buy some traditional food products to bring back home, perfect if you are a foodie.

Corso Vittorio Emanuele is one of the main pedestrian road in Trapani, here you can find plenty of small shops specialised in local crafts. If you are looking for a ceramic or leather souvenir to remember your holiday in Trapani, here you will certainly find it.

Erice is famous for its traditional craftsmanship, moreover ceramics, and this tiny shop perfectly represents the skill and experience of Sicilian artists. Sicilian ceramics reflect the people of this amazing region: coloured, joyous and humorous. This shop presents such a range of crafts that you will surely find the perfect souvenir to remember your Sicilian holiday.

The weekly market in Trapani takes place on Thursday in Via Colombo. Here you will find whatever you need, from food to clothes, from souvenirs to useful tools for generally low prices. As in any other city of Italy, markets are the best places to find seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Pantelleria is part of the Aegadi archipelago. It is particularly well-known in Italy and in the rest of the world for its Passito di Pantelleria, a sweet-flavoured wine perfect to accompany desserts. To taste - or buy - all the best varieties of this and other specialties of the island, you cannot miss PassItaly: a fair entirely dedicated to the island’s local products. The fair is held once a year, normally during the first week of September, and lasts five days.