Firstly, you can start the morning with a self-guided walking tour around the small and compact city. There aren’t many organised walking tour options available and even then, they may operate only during the spring and summer months. They may also be fairly expensive for some reason. Make sure to check out GetYourGuide* in case walking tours are your preferred choice and more options start opening.

So, let’s start getting orientated with the map of Trapani below:

Piazza Ex Mercato del Pesce (Old Fish Market Square)

Begin your walk from the Piazza Ex Mercato del Pesce (Old Fish Market Square) located at the northern shores of Trapani along the Tramontana Walls. As the name suggests, this is an open space that was used previously as the main fish market. During the 19th century, the northern shores supported port and fishing operations and was lined with warehouses and fishermen huts.

However, with the development of modern port facilities on the southern shores, the role of the fish market diminished. The space is presently used for public events.

While you are here, also take a moment to enjoy the views, listen to the splash of waves and feel the sea breeze.

Mura di Tramontana (Tramontana Walls)

The Tramontana Walls is a Spanish defensive wall built along the northern shores of Trapani during the 16th century. It is now restored into a one-kilometre seafront promenade leading you to Bastione Conca, offering elevated views of the beach along the way. This is also a very lovely place to come to watch the sunset.

Along this stretch, you can also get access to the beach and enjoy some moments with the sand, especially in summer.

Bastione Conca (Shell Bastion)

The Tramontana Walls seafront promenade ends at Bastione Conca, which was once a critical defensive point along the walls. Today, it is a nice open space where you can enjoy the views of the sea and scenery around. Take note though, that the gates may sometimes be closed even though it is a 24/7 public space – it was locked when I was there in October 2025.

Museo Civico Torre di Ligny (Ligny Tower)

Then, from Bastione Conca, you have to leave the waterfront to walk down the streets of Trapani to get to Ligny Tower.

The Ligny Tower is a coastal watchtower that was built during the 17th century on a narrow strip of land on the western side of Trapani. It acted as a defence system against the Turkish as well as unwelcomed pirates.

Today, it houses an archaeological museum of the region and also has a rooftop viewing terrace – all for only a couple of Euros. The opening hours are seasonal, so make sure to check the hours prior to your visit. Unfortunately, despite having been to Trapani twice, I have on both occasions not been able to catch their opening hours.

And in case you are as unfortunate as me (hopefully not), you can still do a walk around it to see some of the beautiful coastal rocks behind the tower!

Castello di Mare (Sea Castle)

Then, walk along the west of Trapani down Via Catulo Lutazio to arrive at an open space. From here, you can have views of the Castello di Mare located on a small island. This is an ancient fortification once used to guard the port. It was also used as a prison and for the military in between periods of disuse.

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (Cathedral of Saint Lawrence)

After that, head back to the main street of Corso Vittorio Emanuele. This is one of the main streets of the city centre, lined with both shops and restaurants. It is an incredibly nice and clean area that is very pleasant to walk along. Along this street you will soon arrive at the Cathedral of San Lorenzo.

It was once a community church, and today reflects an 18th century Baroque architecture and features artworks and sculptures from various artists. The church is in the heart of the city centre and is free to enter.

Gate and Clock Tower (Porta Oscura – Torre dell’Orologio)

The Porta Oscura – Torre dell’Orologio is Trapani’s oldest gate as well as a watch tower dating back from the 14th century. It features an astronomical clock on its walls, which is also one of the oldest functioning ones in Europe. There are 2 dials – one that tracks the sun, while the other tracks the moon.

The clock tower is located right next to Palazzo Senatorio, another key icon of the city of Trapani. You can see its beautiful Baroque facade from anywhere along the main street of Corso Vittorio Emanuele and it currently houses the municipality office as well as the meeting place for the city council.

Then, feel free to roam about the smaller and narrower streets of the city, before heading eastwards away from the city centre to Villa Regina Margherita.

Villa Regina Margherita (optional)

If the weather is good, why not head to Villa Regina Margherita, the city of Trapani’s public gardens. Especially in the summer, this becomes an open-air venue for festivals. There is a villa in the park, but that is generally not open to the public except for occasional music performances held there.

Enjoy a walk among the fountains and varying plant species before setting off for Erice, the hilltop medieval town.

Erice

Erice is an ancient medieval hilltop town that is perched 800 metres / 2,625 feet above sea level and 7.5 km / 4.7 miles northeast of Trapani. It is believed that the town originated since the 7th century BC. This former ancient fortress is also known as the ‘city of a hundred churches’ and boasts impressive views of the Egadi islands, the Trapani region as well as the salt pans.

One of the best ways to explore the city is just by aimlessly walking around its cobblestone streets.

Getting to Erice

If you have a car, you can either drive directly to Erice and park at the carparks marked in the map above (Piazza Porta Trapani, Piazza S.Giovanni, Porta Carmine), or drive to the Trapani-Erice Cableway and take the cable car up.

In case you do not have a car, you can also take Bus Service 21 to the Trapani-Erice Cableway station. The journey from Trapani city centre to the cableway station will take just under 30 minutes. There is a stop from near Villa Regina Margherita along Viale Regina Margherita and you can view the timetable and stops of the bus service here.

Otherwise, if you’d like to reduce the hassle of planning for your transport, you can also take one of the tours from the link below* to Erice.

Trapani-Erice cableway

If you’ve decided to take the Trapani-Erice Cableway (which I did), then you can purchase your tickets at the ticketing booth. During the busy summer months though, it may be advisable to purchase the tickets online. I visited Erice in August 2023 in the mid afternoon and there wasn’t a queue – but I could just be lucky!

Remember to enquire about any Erice pass that you can purchase. As I have said above, I purchased one for €6 at that time to cover the Quartiere Spagnolo, Torretta Pepoli and Polo Museale Antonino Cordici, but information online has been scarce and inconsistent so I can’t say for sure what options are available now.

Based on the Winter 2025/2026 prices, it costs €9.50 for a single way ticket and €15 for a return ticket. The journey takes about 10 minutes and gives you an amazing view of the Trapani vicinity, especially when the sun is up with the pink reflections from the salt pans.

The cable car stops right in front of Porta Trapani, the main medieval gateway into Erice. The gateway leads you directly onto the main street – Via Vittorio Emanuele, from where you can start exploring the cobbled streets and wander about the town. While you explore the town, do keep in mind to visit some of these main sights below.

Piazza Madrice and Real Duomo e torre di re Federico (Piazza Madrice and Mother Church of Erice)

Once you enter the town, turn immediately to the left to arrive at Piazza Madrice, where a 14th century Gothic cathedral and bell tower stands. For a few euros, you can enter the cathedral as well as climb the bell tower for more panoramic views.

Piazza della Loggia

Piazza della Loggia is in the heart of Erice and the perfect place to stop for a rest in one of the cafes and restaurants, or also to browse some of the local shops around. The cobbled, pedestrianised as well as the narrow streets surrounding the square makes the area charming and authentic. Its open space in the centre of the town also makes it a popular meeting point.

Polo Museale Atonino Cordici (Antonino Cordici Civic Museum)

Just round the corner from Piazza della Loggia is the Polo Museale Antonino Cordici, named after a local historical collector. It features numerous archaeological artifacts, including coins and art pieces from various private donations. In case you have an Erice pass that gives you entry to this museum, you can make a quick stop here. However, as at August 2023, the museum is laid out entirely in Italian without any English translations. So I’d probably say to give this a miss if you don’t understand Italian and have to pay for entry.

Torretta Pepoli (Pepoli Turret)

The Torretta Pepoli is a 19th century turret that was built with a mix of architectural elements. It is made up of a square and a cylindrical tower that have since been restored and used as a museum and Observatory for Peace. It costs €5 to gain entry to the museum but if you have the Erice Card then entry is covered. While visiting, you also get to enjoy some of the most incredible views you get from Erice.

Castello di Venere (Castle of Venus)

This 12th-century Norman castle is located at the highest point of Erice, which is built on the ancient site of the Roman temple dedicated to goddess of Venus. It once served as a royal fortress as well as a prison before being restored as a visitor attraction. Today, you can enter for a fee of €4 (without the Erice Pass), though it was unfortunately closed during my visit.

Quartiere Spagnolo (Spanish Quarter)

The Spanish Quarter is an unfinished stone building at the northern edge of Erice, particularly meant for housing Spanish soldiers. It began construction during the 17th century when Spain ruled Erice. But the construction was subsequently paused when the soldiers were housed at the Castello di Venere instead.

Due to its location at the edge of the hilltop, you can get some of the most amazing views at Erice of the area and the coastlines. For €5 (without the Erice pass), you can also visit its interior, currently housing a museum on maritime history.

Other things to do 

As I mentioned earlier, Erice is nicknamed ‘a city of a hundred churches’. So while you explore, you may check out some of the churches that may be opened to visitors.

And especially during the peak of summer, having a gelato or granita is a must. Along the main street Via Vittorio Emanuele, there is the award-winning Liparoti Gelateria. Keep watch for their taste of the week – they may have something interesting that catches your eye. Probably not for everyone, but while I was there, they had a celery granita on the menu!

Sunset

The operating hours of the Trapani-Erice cableway is seasonal, so make sure to check for its last descent back down to Trapani. And if you can, Erice is one of the many impressive places to watch the sunset in the Trapani region. It is said that some of the best views are from the Castello di Venere which I didn’t get to visit. So you can let me know if that is indeed the case.

After sunset and dinner, why not join in the nightlife of the bustling city centre in Trapani?

In case you arrived late the day before and didn’t get enough time to explore the city centre of Trapani, then you can do so in between your visits to Segesta and the salt pans.

Parco Archeologico di Segesta (Segesta Archaeological Park)

Segesta was once a major city of the Elymians, who were one of the natives of Sicily. Today, two main structures remain standing in the archaeological site – specifically the Doric Temple of Segesta and the Theatre of Segesta – both believed to be dating back from the 5th century BC.

Getting to Segesta

Of course, if you have a car, driving to Segesta is easy and quick. The driving time generally takes just over 30 minutes. As at August 2023, we were allowed to park near the ticketing counter but that seems to have changed now. Online comments reveal that parking is now located 1.2 km away for a fee of €5, which would include a shuttle taking you to the site. The shuttle operates at a frequency of 15 minutes, so you should probably cater a full hour for your journey to Segesta.

If you are taking the public transport, then you should take the Tarantola Bus from the Trapani main bus station. The journey generally takes only 40 minutes, but there are only a few services per day. They also do not operate on Sundays or public holidays. Visit the Tarantola Bus to check their schedules as well as prebook your tickets.

If you’d like a fuss-free visit to Segesta, then consider taking a day tour from Trapani. However, there are not many tours departing for Segesta from Trapani (most of them are from Palermo). And the one I can find * charges in blocks of 4 people.

Doric Temple Segesta

From the ticketing counter, you can see the Doric Temple standing majestically atop a small hill. The temple can be reached by foot, although it can be a potentially tiring uphill climb for some.

It is believed that the temple began construction during the 5th century BC and that it was never completed. That is evidently from a lack of a roof and the likelihood that a war broke out before its completion. Despite its uncompleted state, its sheer size (with 6 by 14 tall columns measuring up to 10 metres in height) makes for a breathtaking viewing.

Some online comments suggest that it is now no longer possible to enter within the perimeters of the temple, despite me having done so in August 2023. Do let me know if that is really the case now after you visit it!

Teatro di Segesta (Amphitheatre of Segesta)

The amphitheatre of Segesta is located at the top of Mount Barbaro, therefore also offering great views during your visit. It has both Greek and Roman influences and can accommodate up to 4,000 spectators within its diameter of 63 metres.

You can either take a 20-minute steep uphill hike for 1.5 km / 0.9 miles or take the shuttle bus for an additional €2.50. The shuttle bus operates at a frequency of around 15 to 20 minutes from near the ticketing counters. While taking the shuttle bus is the more comfortable option, the hike up to the theatre is quite scenic. You can also choose to do what I did – take the shuttle bus up and do the hike back down.

Besides the theatre, you can also roam around the ruins and excavated sites on Mount Barbaro and imagine how civilisation looked like up here over 2,000 years ago.

Return to Trapani

If you manage to complete your visit of Segesta before the siesta kicks in, make sure to get some lunch. You can then return to Trapani and further explore the city centre. Especially so if you didn’t manage to cover the main sights the day before. This would be the perfect chance to catch up on the previous day’s itinerary, until the sunset approaches.

Museo del Sale and Salt pans

The salt pans were unquestionably the main highlight of my trips to Trapani. Especially so during the sunset. For just €2.50 you get to do a self-guided walk around the salt pans and see for yourself the salt production in action.

In essence, sea water undergoes a natural evaporation process, gets moved through a series of shallow ponds by wind or hydraulic pumps, leading to an increase in salt concentration until the salt crystalises. Finally, the salt is then manually harvested.

And the most impressive part? The high salt concentration, together with sunlight and microorganisms in the salt water, causes a dramatic pink reflection off the waters. And precisely for this reason, it is highly recommended to visit this during the sunset hours. The walk around the salt pans was one of the loveliest thing I did while I was there.

The Museum

While you enjoy the dramatic views, do not forget to visit the museum, where you can learn more about the primitive salt production process as well as the ancient tools and photos.

Getting to the salt pans

The salt pans are located near the little town of Nubia, generally about a 15-minute drive from the city centre of Trapani.

Unfortunately though, due to its remote location, it is extremely inconvenient to reach by public transport. I would recommend that if you do not drive, you should either take the taxi or one of the organised tours below*.

Return to Trapani again

As the day comes to a close with the setting of the sun, head back to the Trapani city centre for some amazing Sicilian dinner followed by some nightlife enjoyment!

Egadi Islands – Introduction

The Egadi Islands are located off the coasts of Trapani on the northwestern side of Sicily and they comprise of 3 main islands – Favignana, Levanzo as well as Marettimo. They are characterised by dramatic mountainous landscapes as well as beautiful beaches, coasts and crystal-clear waters. The islands are popular particularly in summer, for swimming, snorkeling, boating and hiking.

Firstly, Favignana is the largest of the three and is well-known for its tuna fishing industry and its incredible coastlines. Particularly, Cala Rotunda and Cala Rossa are two of the famous coastal sights on the island.

Secondly, there is Levanzo which is just adjacent to Favignana but the smallest of the three. Most tours combine these two islands into a single day trip because it is only a 10-minute ferry ride away from Favignana.

Lastly, Marettimo is the furthest from the coasts of Trapani and the most remote. But that makes it a favourite for hikers. However, due to its distance, it is normally not included as part of a single day trip to the Egadi Islands.

If you’d like to have a fuss-free trip to the islands and be able to cover as much as possible in Favignana and Levanzo, then you may want to consider one of the organised day tours*.

Favignana

If you prefer to take it at your own pace and decide what to do for yourself at the islands, then I suggest that you focus your visit and time on Favignana, the largest island of the three. This will give you a more comfortable pace to enjoy the sights, without having to worry and rush to catch multiple ferries.

Do consider pre-booking your tickets for your ferry to Favignana especially during the peaks of summer. It is also very important to note that the ferries do not depart from the Port of Trapani. I wasn’t the only one who was waiting at the wrong place. The Liberty Lines ferries to Favignana depart from 400m east of the Port of Trapani, that is marked on Google Maps with ‘Imbarco Aliscafo Liberty Lines‘.

There are multiple ferry trips to Favignana and generally takes around 30-40 minutes each way. If you want to also visit Levanzo, it only takes 10 minutes to get there from Favignana.

The map above gives you in summary, the key points of interest on the island of Favignana. Below is a list of suggestions that you can see or do to fill up your day on the island.

Rent a bike or electric bike to get you around

While you can definitely walk, a bicycle or an electric bike will make it quicker and more convenient. The rental shops are very prominently located within a few metres from the harbour. Once you disembark the ferry, the first concrete building you spot is where you can get your bikes.

The cost of rental is definitely seasonal, because I was expecting to pay €20 for a full day electric bike rental (based on my online research), but I was charged only €10 in the month of October.

If you are not in the mood to expend too much energy cycling, then getting an electric bike helps you with that. Otherwise, a normal bicycle will cost lower. Once you are armed with your transportation equipment, get on and head towards the town centre.

Enjoy the beaches

Many people visit Favignana to enjoy the number of beaches dotted all around its coastline. And especially so in summer, the beaches can get extremely busy. But if you love laying in the sun and enjoying a glass of aperitif, you can maybe do some beach-hopping. Even if you are like me (who is not quite a beach person), the coastal rocks and formations make for pretty sightseeing and photo-taking.

One observation though, some of the beaches at Favignana seem to have more rocks than sand. So make sure to be careful not to hurt yourself while swimming.

The few key beaches are marked in the map above and include Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino as well as Cala Rotonda.

Cala Rotonda and the Ulysses’ Arch

I’ve mentioned Cala Rotonda as one of the main beaches above, but I’ve singled it out specifically because of the rock formation – Ulysses’ Arch (Arco di Ulisse).

The arch is naturally sculpted over the years by wind and water, which then created a fragile arch and bridge. It is still strong enough to hold the weight of people standing on it, but for not sure how long more.

There is a short stretch of sandy beach on the eastern side of the natural lagoon (to the left as you approach) as well as an aperitif bar during the summer.

Cala Rossa and the tuff caves

I have also singled out Cala Rossa because of the neighbouring tuff caves. Tuff caves are those carved out of soft white limestone for various purposes such as building homes. Particularly as you approach Cala Rossa’s rocky coastlines and beach, you will see a huge number of them on both sides.

Also a point to note, is that Cala Rossa’s beaches can be extremely rocky (and not very sandy). It is not advisable to be in the waters barefooted as there may be numerous sharp edges in the water that may hurt you. Nevertheless, the turquoise-green waters here are simply amazing!

There aren’t any facilities or bars here, so Cala Rossa is a good spot mainly for people who love the rugged coastlines and untouched nature.

Go swimming, snorkeling or boating (in summer)

With clear waters and amazing coastlines, water activities are definitely some of the reasons why people go to Favignana in the summer. You can rent a boat with boat operators, or snorkel gear with the diving centres or shops around the town centre. Given that I am not much of a beach or water activities person, I’ll have to defer any advice on this. But you can check out the following website as a starting point for more information: Favignana by Boat: Mini Guide for a No-Surprise Rental

Hike up to Castle of Santa Caterina

The Castle of Santa Caterina is located at an elevation of over 300 metres / 1,000 feet, and is also the highest point of the island of Favignana. Due to its great vantage point, it was mainly used in the past as a fortress, and a military observation station during WWII. It is currently restored and opened to public visits for free.

However, the only way to reach it is by a short but steep hike up the hills starting from behind the Former Florio Tuna Fishery. Even if you were to drive or cycle, there’d come a point when you have to continue the rest of the journey on foot.

Due to its physical exertion, it is best to avoid doing this hike in mid-day during the summer. The sunset hours may be the best bet, as most online resources recommend that due to the impressive views.

I was however, not in the mood for huge physical exertions that day so had skipped doing the hike entirely. Please do let me know what I have missed out though!

Former Florio Tuna Fishery

It was here in 1859 when the Florio family established one of the Mediterranean’s largest and most advanced bluefin tuna processing complexes. This was where tuna preservation methods were revolutionised, and it operated until it closed in 1977. Today, it is open to the public in the form of a museum, showcasing not only about its history and the tuna fishing industry, but also some temporary exhibits mostly on contemporary art.

The former fishery is located just outside of the main town centre, with generally a walking time of just above 10 minutes from the harbour. As at October 2025, the entrance ticket costs €10 per person.

I certainly think the price is quite high for a Sicilian attraction, and I thought the museum could showcase a lot more about the tuna fishing industry and the fishery instead of using the space for some less relevant contemporary art. Also, there were exhibits with a lack of English translations.

Having said that though, it was quite nice to walk around the well-conserved fishery and imagine how the place was like during its prime years. Also, I believe you can purchase a combined ticket with the Palazzo Florio (see below) which will make the pricing a little more worth it.

Enjoy a tuna for lunch

Even though the Florio Tuna Fishery is no longer in operation, the tuna industry continues to shape Sicily’s industrial and culinary scene. So, why not have some of the freshest tuna for lunch in the town centre?

There are many restaurants in the area that serve tuna in many different ways. I had a grilled tuna steak at Quello Che C’è C’è, a Mediterranean restaurant in the town centre. That was certainly very tender and flavourful!

Wander around the town centre

After all the activities around the island – whether hiking or swimming – you can spend the later part of the day enjoying a stroll around the town centre and maybe have a gelato along the way as well.

I’ll recommend that you do what I did – that is to return the bicycle or electric bike at the harbour before walking back to explore the town centre. I definitely found it much less of a hassle this way than trying to manage a bike in the busy streets.

Places you can have a look at are Palazzo Florio (next to the harbour), Piazza Europa and Piazza Madrice. Particularly for Palazzo Florio, you can purchase a combined ticket with the tuna fishery and visit its interior. I believe the Palazzo Florio features history of the Florio family. Unfortunately I missed the closing time by the time I was there and so did not get tovisit it.

Additionally, Piazza Europa features a statue of Ignazio Florio, the man behind the revolution of the preservation of tuna.

Return to Trapani

You might have already pre-booked your return tickets to Trapani (and you definitely should), so return to the harbour after a full day exploring around the island. In case you wish to also visit Levanzo, this is where you need to head to as well.

And after watching the sunsets from Erice and the salt pans in the earlier 2 days, you can have a final sunset in the city of Trapani itself from the Tramontana Walls. That is if you choose not to watch it from the Castle of Santa Caterina in Favignana of course.

Before you end the day, you might perhaps want to enjoy a granita or some drinks in the city centre of Trapani?

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