TrapaniSicily · Italy

All About Trapani

Stretching its fingers out into the Mediterranean Sea, the city of Trapani has origins that straddle the line between fact and fiction. Its sickle-shaped harbor was believed by many of its original ancient Greek settlers to have formed from a tool dropped by the gods of Mount Olympus. Either way, this strategic location has seen a plethora of cultures come and go in the intervening centuries, making it one of the most unique destinations in Sicily.

Trapani is located on the western side of the Mediterranean’s largest island. It’s therefore a great base from which to explore the wondrous landscapes of the Aegadian Islands. But it also has sea connections with the island of Pantelleria, located between Sicily, Tunisia, and Malta. Even more surprising perhaps is the existence of a ferry route not with mainland Italy, but with France. Fortunately, Ferryscanner makes it easy to compare routes, prices and book ferry tickets to Trapani all in one place.
 

Routes and Ferries to Trapani

Given its stunning coastline, the most scenic routes to Trapani remain those that come by sea. In fact, various ferry companies serve the city. Three of the most popular ferry routes from Trapani are to the Aegadian Islands of Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo. Sailings to both Favignana and Levanzo take just half an hour. Operated by Liberty Lines, there can be an impressive 82 sailings per week in either direction in the high season months of May to October. That’s more than ten per day, in either direction. The cost of one-way ferry tickets to Trapani for adult foot passengers begins at just €9. They can rise to €55 for the boat to Favignana, and €35 for that to Levanzo, demonstrating the importance of booking in good time.

Ferries depart Trapani for Marettimo with scheduled sailing times of one hour and ten minutes. Ticket prices are similar to those to Favignana, as mentioned above. Although there are fewer sailings to this smaller island, there are still up to 29 sailings per week.

Pantelleria, outside of the Aegadian Island chain, can also be reached by ferry from Trapani. On average there are 12 sailings per week to and from this otherwise isolated island. The crossing from Trapani lasts one hour ten minutes, and tickets for adult foot passengers range between €23 and €55.

The final ferry route to Trapani is operated by Corsica Ferries and travels the length of the Tyrrhenian Sea arm of the Mediterranean from Toulon in the southeast of France. A survivor from the golden age of travel, this ferry journey lasts 21 hours but is nonetheless a comfortable one. These large and well-equipped ferries offer comfortable seating and good refreshment options. But passengers can also opt for a private cabin for a good night’s sleep, whether they board as foot or vehicle passengers. There are normally two departures per week in either direction, with prices starting at €70 and rising to €190.

Trapani-Birgi Airport is a joint military and civilian international airport. It receives flights primarily from European low-cost carriers such as EasyJet, connecting it to London, Paris, and Munich among other destinations. The city is also connected by rail to other important cities and destinations on Sicily, including Marsala to the south and Palermo to the north.
 

Ports of Trapani

The ports of Trapani are divided into separate sections that serve different uses, from mooring for yachts to safe anchorage for the city’s tuna-fishing fleet. The main ferry terminal faces south from the spit of land occupied by the old town, although ferries are also known to sometimes depart from the opposite side of the ports. The ports also welcome several cruise ships to their docking facilities. However, the largest vessels are all limited to weighing anchor out to sea. Their passengers then have to transfer to the old town by tender.
 

Best Beaches

Trapani has the sort of Mediterranean climate that makes it an ideal destination in which to enjoy plenty of sun, sea, and sand. The summer season stretches from the beginning of May until the end of September, during which time temperatures average 20-24°C (68 – 75°F) and rain is non-existent. These are some of the best beaches in Trapani.

Spiaggia di San Giuliano

Lying approximately two kilometers north of the ferry terminal facilities, Spiaggia di San Giuliano is known for its delightful clean waters. Almost two kilometers long, is it covered in fine, light sand. Additionally, it has some of the region’s most dramatic sunsets too.

Porta Botteghelle Beach

Even closer to central Trapani, Porta Botteghelle Beach is just a few blocks north of the main ferry terminal on the opposite side of the old town. A great option for families with young children, the proximity from this beach to the city means there are plenty of facilities nearby. Its sometimes also known as Spiaggia delle Mura di Tramontana, or Tramontana Walls Beach.

Baia di Cornino

Travel northeast beyond Spiaggia di San Giuliano and in no more than 20 minutes you should reach Baia di Cornino. This curve of golden sand is a mix of free space and areas of sun loungers for rent. A relatively tranquil choice, it’s overlooked by Mount Cofano and a good size for beaches in the area.

San Vito Lo Capo Beach

Best explored by car, San Vito Lo Capo Beach is roughly 45 minutes from Trapani by road. However, it is also one of the most beautiful beaches in Trapani. Its off-white sand and warm turquoise waters create a lagoon look more common in the Caribbean. It slopes gently into the Mediterranean sea and is another very suitable choice for children looking to splash about.
 

Places to Visit

For a city with a permanent population of only 90,000 people, Trapani has an impressive array of places to visit. They range from museums to historic places of worship. The old town streets are also a delight to explore even without a destination in mind.

Regional Museum Agostino Pepoli

This museum is located in a former convent originally constructed in the fourteenth century. But the treasures don’t stop there. One of the most important collections of decorative arts anywhere on the island includes paintings by Titian among others.

Ligny Tower

This squat tower stands at the very end of the old town’s northern promontory. Almost entirely surrounded by water it was built in the late 1600s to protect the ports of Trapani from pirates. If you want to look inside, you’ll have to buy a ticket for the small museum of prehistory that occupies the site.

Trapani Cathedral

Officially known as the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, the cathedral stands at the heart of the city on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Its exterior is rather unusual for a catholic basilica, while the interior is flush with decoration.
 

Transportation Around Trapani

Many parking spaces can be found around the ports of Trapani for anyone coming with their own car or renting a vehicle for their stay. When exploring the narrow warren of streets in the old town, it’s best to swap the steering wheel for walking shoes. In addition to the railway station, ATM and AST operate a good bus network, although knowing exactly where each bus stops can limit its use for short-term visitors. You’ll need to purchase tickets before boarding. They cost around €1.20. They are available at tobacconists and newsagent stands. There’s also a dedicated bus to the airport. Alternatively, taxis are generally easy to find on main roads and thoroughfares and can be booked in advance by phone.