Looking for things to do in Trapani, Sicily?
Want to know where to stay, how to get there - or just trying to work out whether it's somewhere you'd like to visit on your own Sicily road trip?
Then our personal guide to Trapani should have you covered!
We chose to stay in Trapani not because of any sight or attraction in particular.
Of course, a small Sicilian city by the sea is always going to have much to appeal to travellers like us, but this isn't a place which draws people in because it's famous for a church, a person, or a certain moment in history.
Instead, we chose Trapani because it serves as the perfect base from which to explore many of the highlights of western Sicily.
Over the course of five summer nights, we bronzed ourselves on its crescent coastline, got lost amongst its photogenic streets, drove in and out in search of new discoveries, gorged on its closely-guarded foodie secrets, and savoured Sicilian sunsets over the sparkling blues of the Mediterranean.
Piercing into two seas with a shark fin point, and closer to Africa than the mainland, Trapani is a city that should be savoured slowly and feature on every Sicily itinerary. In this short guide, we've shared our favourite things to do in Trapani alongside tips on where to stay and eat, the very best day trips, and essential information on how to get there by air, road, land, and sea.
This is our curated travel guide to Trapani, Sicily.
Things To Do in Trapani
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Visit the Torre di Ligny
Strategically built in 1671 on the extreme tip of Trapani to better protect the coast, the squat limestone Torre di Ligny is today more photogenic than intimidating, a place where local life unfolds upon the rocks that tumble away below.
Thwarted by slightly idiosyncratic hours of the museum inside the tower, we instead took the time to watch, to gaze upon the local men and boys fishing, competitive sea swimming, families and couples bathing in the warm water, and old boys trading stories and gossip; a lovely way to while away the time before treating ourselves to gelato cones afterwards.
Further details | Inside the tower is the Museo Civico di Ligny which has various archeological artefacts from the region and roof access for better views over the water. Admission is free, and it’s open every day (10 am - 12.30 pm, and then 5 pm - 7.30 pm May - September).
Go for a Wander in the Centro Storico
Long-time readers of Along Dusty Roads will know that being a flâneur in a new place is our favourite thing. A French noun, it translates loosely into as 'a person who roams around, deliberately aimless, just observing life'.
As Trapani's compact old town isn't riven by overtourism or subject to a tick-list of famous sights to see, it allows visitors to slowly and simply release their inner flâneur and appreciate the small delights of life in Sicily. Laundry hanging from the little balconies, pinstriped shades pulled down to block out the harsh sunlight, peeling pastels on 17th century walls, achingly alluring typography on old signs, eavesdropping on singsong conversations, taking a chance on a sidestreet turn, and letting the warm salty breeze linger at your back.
It may not be quite as pretty as towns and cities on the southeast of Sicily - or many of those we visited in Puglia - but it flutters its eyelashes in a beguiling manner all the same. There are a few notable places in the historic centre to put in your map however:
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo (Google Maps) should be hard to miss with its triumvirate of archways, but its on-street location means it merges more with the backdrop than most other Italian Cathedrals. If entering, please remember this is an active place of worship, so dress + act appropriately.
A stroll down Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the main place for eating, drinking, people watching and the local passeggiata (the traditional Italian evening stroll between 5 and 8 pm) This pedestrianised central street is pretty and full of charm and will be a feature of most of your days and nights.
Dominating the eastern end of Corso Vittorio Emanuele is the city’s town hall, the spectacular Palazzo Senatorio (Google Maps). Designed by famous Trapanese architect Andrea Palma, this three-tiered baroque palazzo, is one of the most imposing and recognisable sites in Trapani, the facade replete with ornate, inlaid marble statues, a clock and traditional calendar. Don’t miss the somewhat hidden away Porta Oscura just to the left of the palazzo, the oldest entrance to the city (see if you can spot the clocks!)
Be sure to continue your stroll along Via Garibaldi, especially in the evening when this beautiful street - lined by 18th Century churches, palaces and beautiful mansions - provides a space for local restaurants to spill out and it really comes alive.
The Mercato del Pesce is a local's fish market selling produce plucked straight from the sea and unloaded from the fisherman’s boats that morning. It’s best to go earlier rather than later in the morning for atmosphere, and you can witness the signature cry call selling style of Sicilian markets. If you have your own apartment, you can pick up fresh veggies from the stalls outside too. Find it on Google Maps here.
An evening drink at a small sidestreet bar with David Bowie on the pull down shutter (in Ziggy Stardust era garb). Beats Pub has an excellently curated playlist from the owner's old vinyls, plus good Aperols and a selection of beers to enjoy on the pallet tables outside. Find it here on 7 Via Turetta and the corner of Via Nunzio Nasi.
Note that sometimes in old Trapani you may exit a street or alleyway and find that it feels a bit industrial - that's simply because one side of the town is focused around the port + marina trade and traffic.
The resplendent architecture and beauty of old Italian towns really doesn't require an explanation; but sometimes you do need a local expert to help you piece the characters, the myths, and the history together. This city’s identity has shifted with the ebb and flow of the tide, the Greeks, the Romans, Phonecians, and traders, so if you would like more local insight to help you get acquainted with Trapani, or are only in Trapani for a short time, then you can book an immersive walking tour:
The Historical Tour | Available as a half-day or a full-day option, this tour is led by a local academic - find out more here.
Salt Pans & Historic Centre Tour | This includes private transport to the Saline di Trapani and the Chiusicella salt pan outside the city, before returning for a walking tour around the historic centre of Trapani, its key landmarks, and its ancient walls - find out more here.
Laze on Trapani Beaches
Some of the best beaches in all of Sicily are easily accessible as a day trip from Trapani, but within the city limits there are also a couple of excellent spots if you want to grab an hour or two of sun and sea.
Spiaggia delle Mura di Tramontana | The tiny little beach under the old Spanish walls in historic centre is a not the cleanest in parts (particularly on the western end), has a shell + pebble covering mostly, and it might even be a stretch to call it a beach, but it’s charming and a popular hang out spot for old boys and fishermen seeking shade and gambling under the trees as well as local families and sunbathers. There are also some lovely views if you head out and on the rocky outcrops. Find it here.
Spiaggia di San Giuliano | A much better option if you want a more traditional Italian beach day with facilities, deckhchairs, lidos, volleyball, bars etc. We actually didn't realise this beach existed until we drove past on our final day when returning from a day at Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve, and it was a long, sandy stretch of beach which looked to be very popular with locals at the weekend. Find it here.
We wouldn't recommend Lido Paradiso however, which is situated between the two - we walked past it several times a day during our stay in order to reach the old town and it's more for local families with young kids on a day out.
Devour The Regional Fare of Trapani
As ever with a trip to Italy's south, food plays a massive role in our excitement and quotidian existence. Even if we do nothing else in the day but eat something fresh, traditional, and local, then we still call it a good travel day.
Sicilian cuisine is an entire experience in and of itself, and Trapani has a bunch of regional specialties you should make a point of ordering; you really won't be able to easily find some of these dishes anywhere else in Italy (and will struggle to find some elsewhere in Sicily).
Seafood is obviously integral to many dishes in Trapani, with spada (swordfish) and tuna featuring frequently on menus. However, the most famous dish is fish couscous; stemming from the island's historic ties to Tunisia, the steaming broth in which the fish and couscous is served is the star of the show.
If fish ain't your thing, then pesto alla trapanese will get you salivating. We all probably know pesto alla genovese (the solution to many of our student meals), but the Trapani version replaces the pine nuts with almonds and has ripe vine tomotoes crushed into the sauce.
It. Is. Delicious. Affordable (typically €5-7), and vegetarian friendly too!
Many of the pasta dishes in Trapani, including any served with pesto alla trapanese, will be based around busiate. This long spiralled pasta has been made and eaten in Trapani since the 10th century, and we had never seen it before we arrived in the city.
We both love Pasta Grannies, and you can see one of the Grannies making fresh busiate and pesto alla trapanese in this 5-minute video on Youtube. We bought their official recipe book last year too, and it puts such a huge smile on our faces (as well as filling our bellies delightfully), and transports us right back to Italy when we’re home.
Visit One or Two Museums
Depending on how long you’re staying in Trapani and your interests, you can also squeeze in a museum visit or two. The three main ones, in addition to the the Torre di Ligny, are:
Museo d'arte Contemporanea San Rocco | Home to modern work by international artists, the old town centre gallery has two floors of permanent exhibitions as well as temporary shows on the ground floor. Hours are 10 am - 1 pm and 4 pm - 7 pm. Find it on Via Antonino Turretta 12 (Google Maps)
The Museum of Illusions | A very unique and quirky museum, its sole focus is on optical illusions, psychology, physics, and the deception of the mind. Understandably, it provides several cool backdrops for photos too! For information on visits, opening hours, and tickets, visit their website here.
The Agostino Pepoli Regional Museum | Based inside a beautiful 14th century Carmelite convent, it was unfortunately just not possible for us given that it's quite out of the way of the historic centre of Trapani and would have required a bit too much time. Travellers who have visited speak very highly of it however - find it here and visit the museum’s website for information on opening hours and tickets.
Enjoy Possibly The Best Sunset in Sicily
The best point to enjoy the sunset in Trapani is on Via Mura di Tramontana Ovest (Google Maps). A narrow, elevated stretch of walkway right by the sea, it would be easy to miss if you weren’t looking for it.
We ambled along during the golden hour as the sun disappeared, and the perfection of the moment was crystallised by a busker playing the cello somewhere in the distance.
Walking eastward along the walkway will bring you out on to the pretty archways of the old Piazza Mercato del Pesce.
Travel Tip | There’s a Trapani Visitor Card for €13, which includes various entry discounts and free transport. The website isn’t terribly clear on everything that’s included, so we can’t give a recommendation on whether it’s worth the money, but you can find more information here.
Do Some Day Trips
As we mentioned, the primary reason to choose Trapani as your base in northwestern Sicily is the number of excellent day trips which are possible from the town.
From the medieval hilltop towns, idyllic islands and coastal hiking trails, the only problem is trying to work out how much time you have to do them!
We've created a post on the best Trapani day trips which includes all the necessary inspiration and information on tours and how to do them independently but wanted to include a brief overview of all the best attractions nearby in this Trapani guide:
Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve. A rugged coastal path which brings you to some of Sicily’s best secret beaches.
San Vito Lo Capo. A popular beach that’s perfect for a day of sun, sand and Italian lidos.
The medieval hilltop town of Erice.
The colourful Trapani salt flats.
The spectacular island of Favignana
The impressive ruins of Segesta
Full details of how to visit all of the above can be found in our guide to the ‘Best Day Trips From Trapani’
Where To Stay in Trapani
As we’ve hopefully made pretty clear by now, Trapani is the perfect base from which to explore much of western Sicily’s highlights, and we’d recommend a minimum of three nights so that you can discover the city itself and take a couple of day trips.
Staying in historic centre is ideal, with the potential for seaviews, however this does present a particularly Italian issues to consider if you have a rental car. Many of the streets in and around this part of Trapani are subject to the dreaded ZTL (we explain this more in our post ‘15 Essential Things To Know Before Driving in Sicily’). which means, unless you are staying in a hotel that provides free city centre parking, you’ll have to find a designated spot elsewhere and walk in. It may only be five minutes away, or it might be closer to fifteen!
Below, we’ve shared our pick of the best hotels in Trapani for all budgets and travel styles, as well some some beautiful and / or affordable Airbnbs.
Airbnbs in Trapani
Huge Loft in Historic Centre | We’re not actually sure why this incredibly stylish Airbnb is so well priced (£70 per night for two people). It’s light and bright, with high ceilings and many wonderful design features. It also has three bedrooms so would suit a bigger group. Find out more and check availability here.
Carolina's Nest | Victorian-style building with a modern update and sea views, this delightful apartment is infused with natural light all day long. An abundance of design-led furniture pieces, flagstone floors and art deco flair this is a fantastic choice for couples or small families who value beauty in where they stay, and don’t mind paying a little more for it. Find out more or check availability here.
If you prefer to rent Airbnbs where effort has been made to curate the space - but don’t mind being without a balcony or terrace - we can recommend ‘The Architect’s Apartment’. It’s also half the price of the one above!
Il Poggiolo | Fully renovated apartment on the 4th floor of an Art Nouveau building in the heart of the historic centre. All modern amenities, clean lines, beautiful flagstone floors and a small balcony with views of Erice. Find out more or check availability here.
Our Trapani Airbnb | This is where we stayed, and it was a bargain at £31 a night. A really large and airy apartment, it would suit couples or families with a rental car as street parking was ample and free, and there was a big supermarket around the corner. The location is however a 15 minute walk from old Trapani however, so will not be the most convenient option for everyone (but made it really convenient to nip in and out for day trips). Find out more or check availability here.
If you’re visiting Sicily on a budget, do check out Casa di Sylvia and Casagraziosa. Both are in the old town, and both are less than £40 a night.
Hotels and Guest Houses
Room of Andrea | A sumptuous boutique hotel in the centre of Trapani, Andrea is just wonderful. Romance and modern opulence, with fantastic rooms, a rooftop terrace and pool. It’s not a super budget choice, but with double rooms from as little as £85 a night it’s offers an awful lot of bang for its buck! Find out more or check availability here.
Hotel San Michele | For those who value the amenities of a modern hotel but with a nod to classic Italian design, Hotel San Michele - located in the heart of the old town - is also a great option. Impeccably finished rooms are set around a central courtyard where a great breakfast is served. Find out more or check availability here.
If you like the vibe of the above two but are looking for something a little cheaper, do check out Salamureci, also in the old town.
B&B Barone Sieri Pepoli | A tastefully refurbished building in the centro storico, this B&B offers large, bright and comfortable rooms for a really excellent price (from £62 per night). Replete with all the modern amenities you would expect, its pièce de résistance is the wonderful roof terrace with views out over the city. Find out more or check availability here.
If this price point is right, but you prefer a more quirky accommodation choice, B&B Garibaldi comes very highly rated.
La Bussola | With exceptional rating and doubles from as little as £48 per night, La Bussola is our top budget hotel recommendation. Excellent location, good breakfast (at no extra charge) and clean and comfortable rooms. Find out more or check availability here.
Where To Eat in Trapani
Honestly, it would be impossible for us to give an exhaustive list of the best places to eat in Trapani because one, we didn't eat out every night, and two, it's Italy, and Italy's food is all wonderful. However, we can tell you that we didn't have a bad meal here, and there are a few places we can personally recommend:
Osteria Ossuna | A little gem. Lovely outdoors setting on the old walls for the early evening and sunset, the food is also very highly rated. Authentic Trapani fare simply done, including a delightful fish cous cous. The only downside is that there aren't many standout options on the menu for veggies. Find it here on Google Maps.
Elipao Juice | As much as we adore Italian food, every now and then we crave something super healthy - this is where Elipao Juice comes in. Excellent sandwiches, solid veggie and vegan options and full-of-goodness juices.
Di Qua | We have a habit during our first days in Italy of forgetting to adjust to the temperature and the eating times. On a blisteringly hot afternoon, with most places sensibly closed for a few hours after the lunch crowd had dispersed, this was one of a handful of places open. Unremarkable to look at, but with a very affordable traditional menu, we had a lovely meal and a nice chat with the owners. A good shout! Find it here on Google Maps.
Note that Trapani has less focus on street food than Palermo, but granitas and gelato abound and are an excellent way to cool yourself down!
How To Get To Trapani
By Air
Vincenzo Florio Airport (TPS), also referred to as Trapani-Birgi Airport, is 18 kms outside of town and largely serves low-cost airlines. It’s the third busiest airport in Sicily, but the majority of you are more likely to fly into Palermo or Catania.
Trapani Airport to Trapani Centre
From Trapani airport you have two options:
There are hourly buses (operated by AST) from Trapani airport to the city centre. These cost €2.70 and take 45 minutes. You can view schedules on their website here.
Alternatively, you can book a private airport taxi transfer in advance here.
Rental car.
Palermo Airport to Trapani Centre
If you fly into Palermo airport you have several options to reach Trapani:
There is a special bus line (Segesta Autolinee) that travels this route, with departures around eight times a day. Tickets cost €9.60 one way, €19.60 return, and can be bought on the bus or in advance on their website. Do note that tickets are slightly more expensive if bought from the conductor. You can find a full timetable and book tickets here.
If you’d prefer a stress-free start to your holiday, consider this private transfer service.
Rental car (full details can be found below)
By Car
We drove from Palermo to Trapani in just under 2 hours. It’s a scenic and straightforward route, but note that you’ll go through a few long, dark tunnels along the way. As discussed further in our Sicily driving tips post, make sure you know about the parking situation in advance and look out for the dreaded ZTLs.
We've included typical travel times from popular spots in the north, west, and south coast (although it’s going to be longer if you have stops or go the more scenic route):
San Vito Lo Capo | 45 minutes
Castellammare del Golfo | 45 minutes
Cefalu | 2 hours
Marsala | 45 minutes
Sciacca | 1h 30 minutes
Agrigento | 2 hours
If you’re planning a road trip across Sicily at the moment, then we highly recommend checking out this post - The Perfect Sicily Road Trip Itinerary.
By Train or Bus
There’s an hourly direct bus from Palermo to Trapani, which takes about 2 hours. There ain’t no train.
If you're using public transport to travel within Sicily, then check out Omio which is a fantastic website for anyone travelling independently in Europe. It gives train and bus times, designs the easiest or cheapest route from A to B, and lets you book tickets centrally and easily in your own language.
