In short: The west around Trapani is varied: shimmering salt pans with windmills, the medieval hilltop town of Erice, the solitary Greek temple of Segesta, Marsala with its wine and the Stagnone lagoon, the wide family beach of San Vito Lo Capo and the Aegadian Islands (Favignana). Less crowded than the east, ideal for combined trips of culture, coastline and indulgence.
Quick Facts
- Location: Western Sicily
- Highlights: Erice, Trapani/Marsala salt pans, Segesta, San Vito Lo Capo, Aegadian Islands
- Getting there: Trapani Airport (TPS) or Palermo + rental car
- Good for: culture, beach, wine/indulgence, island excursions
Who is the Province of Trapani good for? (Decision Helper)
| Travel type | Good for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Culture & antiquity | Segesta (temple/theatre), Erice (medieval), Selinunte | hot and little shade in summer |
| Beach | San Vito Lo Capo, Riserva dello Zingaro, Scopello | San Vito very crowded in August |
| Wine & indulgence | Marsala, salt pans, couscous (Trapani style) | — |
| Islands | Aegadian Islands (Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo) from Trapani | hydrofoils weather-dependent |
Places in the Province of Trapani
- Trapani – port city between two seas, salt pans, gateway to the Aegadian Islands.
- Erice – medieval hilltop town above Trapani (accessible by cable car).
- Marsala – wine town with the Stagnone lagoon and salt pans.
- San Vito Lo Capo – wide sandy beach, couscous festival.
- Mazara del Vallo – Arab-influenced old town (Kasbah), fishing port.
Top Sights
- Segesta – solitary Doric temple and theatre in the hills.
- Trapani & Marsala salt pans – salt basins and windmills, especially photogenic in the evening.
- Erice – lanes, castle and far-reaching views.
- Riserva dello Zingaro – coastal hike with coves (near Scopello).
- Selinunte – expansive archaeological park on the southwest coast.
Getting There & Best Time
Via Trapani Airport (TPS) or Palermo, then rental car. Best time: spring and autumn; beach mainly June and September. More: Best Time to Visit, Getting There, Car Rental. Islands: Island Hopping.
Erice, Segesta, salt pans, beach and the Aegadian Islands as a tailor-made trip or module – our travel agency plans and books it. Just send us a no-obligation travel request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the highlights of the Province of Trapani?
Erice, the salt pans with windmills, the temple of Segesta, Marsala wine, San Vito Lo Capo and the Aegadian Islands.
How do you get to Erice?
Up from Trapani by cable car (funivia) – or by car via the winding mountain road.
When is the best time?
Spring and autumn for culture, June and September for beach and islands.
Sources & Update
Basis: editorial local knowledge. As of: 14 June 2026. Opening hours, cable car/ferry times and prices are time-dependent and should be checked before your trip.
More Sights & Castles in this Province
- Parco Archeologico dei Sesi – Bronze Age monuments on Pantelleria
