20 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN TRAPANI

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Trapani was a complete stranger before our trip to Sicily. The truth is that you do not hear much about it, but if you think it is because it is ugly or because it has nothing interesting, you are wrong. This city is the gateway to the Aegadian Islands, of the most beautiful in Italy. But believe us, it has much more. And today we are going to tell you 20 things to see and do in Trapani (and surroundings).

1. The first thing is to start the day with a great breakfast. To get the best of all, approach the Pasticceria Colicchia, without too many pretensions but 100% authentic. He has the reputation of serving the best slushies of Trapani (You can order mixed flavors and try several at the same time). Slush and brioche cost € 4.

2. With energies to the fullest, go to tour the historic center of Trapani, a combination of baroque architecture and Arab airs, reminiscent of its hectic past. Walking through its streets you will encounter emblematic buildings such as the San Lorenzo Cathedral and several beautiful palaces (Palazzo Senatorio, Palazzo Cavaretta, Palazzo Riccio di Morana or Palazzo Lucatelli, for example). Not to mention their churches ... there are many, not in vain Trapani is known as "the city of 100 churches”.

3. The epicenter of Trapani's move is its Corso Vittorio Emanuele, a pedestrian street with a lot of atmosphere, with coffee shops and bars at every corner.

4. One of the most famous churches in Trapani is the Purgatory Church. The reason? Inside there are 22 wooden and cloth statues that, during Holy Week, take to the streets to represent the Passion of Christ.

5. The Sanctuary of the Annunziata, with its gothic facade, is another building that we recommend visiting. Inside there is a special chapel, dedicated to sailors and fishermen (one of the most important trades in Sicily). Here also a statue of the Virgin of Trapani, patron saint of the city and very revered by the countrymen, is preserved.

Interior of the Capanral de Trapani

6. Of course you have to make a excursion to the Aegadian Islands. If you have time we recommend you take a ferry and stay several days on the island of Favignana (there you can rent a bike or a motorcycle to move around the island). But if you only have one day, it is best to take a tour that will take you to know the best beaches (and villages) of two islands: Favignana and Levanzo. They cost about € 32.5. Here we tell you our experience.

7. Trapani has a small Jewish ghetto where, the jewel in the crown, is the Palace of the Giudecca. Elegant and built in the 16th century, its facade maintains a decoration part of a diamond-shaped lattice. It was with the promulgation of the Edict of Granada signed by the Catholic Monarchs when the Jews had to leave Trapani (it was 1492).

8. In Trapani you have to try one of the most famous typical dishes (and heritage of the Arabs): fish cous cous. Mmm, a delight. They say the richest is in Antichi Sapori, but as it cost € 20 we have decided to find another cheaper one hehe. We end up in the Maree, where for € 10 / person we ate a cous cous with fish fry the rich sea. In this post we tell you the restaurants where to eat in Trapani.

9. And speaking of fish… a place you have to visit in Trapani is its colorful and picturesque Pesto Market (the fish market).

10. On the outskirts of the city you can visit the Trapani salt flats, area protected by the WWF. The best time to do this is at sunrise or sunset when the sun's rays are reflected in the salt and water pools. More info.

Walk over the Walls of Trapani

11. Walk to the Torre di Ligny, an old tower erected by the Spaniards to protect the city from possible attacks by sea. Today it is a civic museum where, for € 1, you can see archaeological remains of the area (including marine debris). We do not enter but just to enjoy the views and the sea breeze it is worth approaching.

12. In the other language of land that crosses the sea, south of the previous one, is theVillino Nasi, an art deco building in a state of abandonment, but from where there are other excellent panoramas.

13. Another interesting construction, which dominates the Trapani Sea, is known as Castle of the Sea (or Castello della Colombaia). Some say that the first to build it were the Greeks, although others suggest that the Carthaginians were their creators. Curiosity: in the 19th century it was transformed into a prison at the hands of the Bourbons.

14. Did you know that in Trapani one of the oldest astronomical clocks in Europe? He is the one in the clock tower (a short distance from the Senate Palace). It has two different parts: the solar quadrant that indicates the cardinal points, the seasons, the signs of the zodiac, the solstices and equinoxes, and then there is the lunar quadrant that is responsible for pointing out the different moon phases.

15. Another excursion that is very worthwhile if you have a temple is that of the temples of Segesta. Less known than those of the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento, but quite impressive, these Greek ruins (a temple and a theater) are very well preserved. Admission is € 6.

Trapani Clock Tower

16. And, of course, you have to approach Erice, a small town that stands on top of Mount Giuliano and offers a beautiful view over the entire plain and the coast of Sicily. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy ... are you going to miss it?

17. In an alley in the center of Trapani, next to the Chiesa di San Agostino, the Fontana di Saturno. It was built in 1342 by the Chiaramonte family to commemorate the first aqueduct that brought water into the city walls. It is crowned by the figure of Saturn, protector of the city in pagan times.

18. At the beginning of Via Botteghelle there are some stairs that go up to a walk that crosses the walls (Mura di Tramontana). The sunset views from here are very cool!

19. Just under these walls extends the urban beach of Trapani. If you feel like taking a dip, it is not a bad place (although we would wait for the tour of the Aegadies).

20. If, like us, you freak out craft beers, you have to try those of Il Barbagianni. They cost between € 4 and € 6 and are delicious. If you get hungry, you can accompany them by the occasional dish.