Trapani

Trapani, a salt and sailing city

The city of Trapani rises in western Sicily, in the promontory of the ancient Drepanum (sickle) due to the shape of the peninsula on which it rises. It is also known as "city between two seas" because it extends on a narrow stretch of land, surrounded by the sea. It has a small but charming historical centre and the oldest part is of Arab origin. The newer part has different buildings, churches, palazzi of the neoclassical, renaissance and baroque period. The centre features narrow cobble-stone streets which are now teeming with bars, cafes, restaurants and a few old trattoria which serve excellent fresh local fish. A few years ago, Trapani underwent a restyling for the America's Cup which made several previously run-down areas appealing. One of these is the seafront which includes the old port, where there are many local fishing boats and an excellent daily market of fresh fish. From the port, hydrofoils reach the magnificent archipelago of the Egadi islands, composed of the Favignana, Levanso and Marettimo islands, in less than 1 hour. The islands are now one of the favourite destinations of Sicilians for the clarity and colours of the sea. Trapani retains testimonies of the past economy connected with tuna fishing, indeed numerous old tuna fisheries arise along this area of Sicilian coast. Must-see stop-off points in the area are the medieval town of Erice (one of the most attractive villages of Sicily), the Saltmines of Trapani and Paceco, the Phoenician island of Mozia (San Pantaleo) which can be reached from the landing site in the lagoon of Marsala and the numerous historical wineries of the area including Le Cantine Florio and Cantine Rallo Donnafugata.

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