Trapani, emotions in motion

Trapani: the authentic heart of western Sicily

Elegant, luminous, and suspended between sea and history, Trapani is a destination that captivates those seeking beauty, traditions, and authentic atmospheres. A natural gateway to the Mediterranean, the city is the ideal starting point for discovering western Sicily and the enchanting Egadi Islands.

Trapani: history, sea, and wonders of western Sicily

Overlooking the Mediterranean and stretching toward Africa, Trapani is a city that combines millennia-old history, unique natural landscapes, and a cultural heritage that is still deeply alive. Thanks to its strategic position and natural harbor, Trapani has been a meeting point for peoples, trade, and civilizations for centuries.

A city with a millennia-old history

Trapani originated as the ancient port of Erice and owes its name to the distinctive sickle shape of its promontory. Over the centuries it was Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish: each civilization left visible traces in its architecture, culture, and traditions.
The sea has always represented its wealth: trade, fishing, salt production, and coral processing made Trapani a prosperous and outward-looking city. Even today, this past lives on in the streets of the historic center and in the strong bond with the port.

The origins of Trapani date back to the Phoenician and Elymian period, when the city was born as the port of ancient Erice. The name comes from the Greek Drépanon (“sickle”), referring to the distinctive shape of the strip of land on which the historic center stands.

During the Roman era, Trapani became an important commercial hub, especially for the trade of grain and salt. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city came under the rule of the Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans. The Arabs, in particular, left a significant mark on urban and agricultural development.

In the Spanish period (16th–18th century), Trapani experienced a great economic flourishing thanks to the tuna fisheries, salt pans, and the renowned coral craftsmanship, which made the city famous throughout Europe. After the Unification of Italy and the heavy bombings of World War II, Trapani was rebuilt and today thrives mainly on tourism, fishing, and port services.

The 10 must-see attractions in Trapani

Recommended by TDS Servizi Turistici

Trapani is a city to be experienced at a relaxed pace, between sea, history, and unique views. Here are the 10 unmissable stops to discover the best of the city and its surroundings.

1. Historic center

A fascinating maze of alleys, Baroque churches, and noble palaces that tell centuries of history by the sea.

2. Mura di Tramontana

Trapani’s iconic promenade: sea, wind, and spectacular sunsets with the Egadi Islands on the horizon.

3. Cathedral of San Lorenzo

Elegant and imposing, it is the religious heart of the city and one of its architectural symbols.

4. Sanctuary of the Annunziata

Home to the famous Madonna of Trapani, a masterpiece of medieval sculpture.

5. Pepoli Museum

A journey through Trapanese art and traditions, among corals, paintings, and historical evidence.

6. Trapani and Paceco Salt Pans

An iconic landscape of western Sicily: windmills, golden reflections, and protected nature.

7. Salt Museum

To understand one of the activities that made Trapani famous in the Mediterranean.

8. Port of Trapani

The maritime soul of the city and the departure point for the Egadi Islands.

9. Erice

A medieval village suspended between sky and sea, with breathtaking views and timeless atmospheres.

10. Egadi Islands

Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo: crystal-clear waters, wild coves, and unspoiled nature.

TDS Servizi Turistici recommends Trapani as the ideal base for exploring western Sicily, combining comfort, beauty, and authenticity.

The 10 must-eat dishes in Trapani

TDS Servizi Turistici recommends experiencing Trapani also at the table, discovering the authentic flavors of a generous and welcoming land.

Trapanese cuisine is a journey through the flavors of the Mediterranean, where sea, land, and traditions meet.

Here are the 10 unmissable dishes to taste during your stay.

1. Fish couscous
The symbolic dish of Trapanese tradition, of Arab heritage: hand-worked semolina and fragrant fish broth.

2. Busiate with Trapanese pesto
Typical pasta dressed with tomato, almonds, garlic, and basil. Simple and irresistible.

3. Bluefin tuna
A star of local cuisine: seared, grilled, or sweet-and-sour, always excellent.

4. Fried fish
Calamari, shrimp, and freshly caught mixed fry, crispy and full of sea flavor.

5. Pane cunzato
Rustic bread seasoned with olive oil, tomato, anchovies, cheeses, and oregano. Perfect for a quick meal.

6. Arancine
Golden and fragrant, filled with ragù or local variations, a must in every rotisserie.

7. Sweet couscous
A traditional variant with almonds, honey, and cinnamon, linked to festive occasions.

8. Sicilian cassata
A classic of Sicilian pastry-making, colorful and rich in flavor.

9. Sicilian cannoli

Crispy shells filled to order with sheep’s milk ricotta, a symbol of Sicily around the world.

10. Sicilian granita
Refreshing and aromatic, ideal on hot summer days, often served with brioche.

Authentic experiences recommended by TDS Servizi Turistici

Discovering Trapani also means tasting it. The TDS-branded gastronomic tours with NCC combine the pleasure of fine cuisine with the comfort of a private, personalized, and worry-free service.

What is a gastronomic tour with NCC

A tailor-made experience that takes you, with a dedicated driver, on a journey to discover typical Trapanese flavors: from the historic center to the countryside, from the sea to the most authentic villages.

Recommended itineraries

1. Trapani food experience 

Busiate with Trapanese pesto
Fish couscous
Fresh fish tasting
Typical desserts and granita

2. Salt pans, sea, and flavors

Visit to the Trapani and Paceco Salt Pans
Seafood and bluefin tuna lunch
Sunset among the windmills

3. Erice and Sicilian traditions

Medieval village of Erice
Traditional pastry (almond sweets, genovesi)
Scenic return to Trapani

Why choose a gastronomic tour with NCC

Private and punctual transfers
No worries about parking or schedules
Customizable itineraries
Comfort, safety, and relaxation
Ideal for couples, families, and small groups

The TDS experience

With TDS Servizi Turistici, every tour becomes a journey through the authentic flavors of western Sicily, experienced with style, care, and local expertise.

If you want to rent a car at Palermo, Catania, or Trapani-Birgi airport, or anywhere else in Sicily where you are, click this link https://www.tdsrent.it

If you want to book a transfer from one of the main airports or from anywhere in Sicily where you are, click here https://www.tdstransfer.it