Trapani

Trapani, Italy

Trapani is one of the most romantic places in Sicily, and arguably all of the Mediterranean littoral. Characterised by long stretches of coast and coastal plains, this city is littered with lavish monuments and palaces, historical sites, windmills, near islands and a countryside that begs to be explored. By night, the region should be enjoyed over a glass of Marsala wine and fine food at a beachside restaurant, ideally facing west so one can enjoy some of the most spectacular sunsets in Europe.

Population:

68,665

Currency:

Euro, €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Police: 112
Medical: 118
Firemen: 115

Opening Hours:

Shops usually open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am until 1pm, reopening again at 4pm through to 8pm latest; on Monday, shops are generally open only in the morning and they are closed all day on Sunday. Also during summer some shops are closed in the afternoon. There is no national rule for bank opening hours, but times tend to be 8.30am to 1.30pm and 3pm to around 5pm Monday to Friday. Some open Saturday morning with times at their discretion.

Newspapers:

II Giornale di Sicilia

The City

Situated on western coast of Sicily, Trapani - even if it is a little city - has a lot to offer, so take your time to explore this breath-taking part of the island. Its strategic position on the Mediterranean coast made it a pivotal commercial harbour in the past, but today it is known as the town of the salt and the sailboats, indeed among its main attractions it is necessary to mention the salt mines and the sail boat competitions. But more than that, Trapani shows to travellers the most elegant face of Sicily through its boutiques and chic restaurants nestled in the ancient buildings of the century city. The centre of the town fully represents Sicily, a land of conquers and a coloured chest of cultures. Each historical period left its trace in this place, where any corner of the town displays architectural beauties and artworks from different centuries. Any monument, cathedral, building, fountain and square narrate the rich past of Trapani.

Furthermore, another beating heart of the town is its beautiful harbour where the well-known fish market takes place every morning. And obviously you cannot miss to taste all the Sicilian specialties!

Do & See

This fascinating Sicilian gem fully represents the Italian dolce vita myth. Chic restaurants and shops perfectly blend with the classical architecture of the city, particularly in the ancient town’s main road- Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Sickle-shaped and bordered on both its sides by the sea, Trapani has a real beating heart in its historical centre, around which main places of interest are located together with the central bus station and the ferry terminal to reach the city.

Along with the coastal areas of Trapani it is possible to enjoy miles of beautiful beaches where its typical watch towers and windmills dominate the skyline. The shallow waters near the shore make it suitable for relaxing swimming, while further out visitors can sail around the Aegadian archipelago. Furthermore, since tradition plays an important role in Trapani's culture, if you are visiting the city over Easter you cannot miss the Processione dei Misteri (Procession of Mysteries) known throughout Italy for its exceptional extent.

Dining

The typical Trapani cuisine, exactly as its monuments, mirrors the encounter between Italian and Arabic culture. Delicious seafood dishes can be enjoyed alongside pizza and pasta delicacies. The tuna, which is caught just off the coast between the city itself and one of its islands - Favignana - is superb, especially when served with local couscous.

Sicilian meals tend to be abundant and more inexpensive than in many other areas of Italy, so that you can enjoy a good pizza or a seafood meal for just a few euros. You cannot miss to taste the characteristic Tumma, a curd cheese, and the Insalata Pantescha, a salade composed by tomatoes, onions, potatoes and wine.

Restaurants open most lunchtimes and evenings, although the smaller ones usually are closed on Sunday and Monday. As in the rest of Italy, most restaurants ask for a cover charge (coperto) of around 1€ per person.

Cafés

As in any other city, town, village and hamlet of Italy, here coffee is absolutely a must and a relaxing break that everyone deserve. But Sicily is particularly known for its pastry tradition, that is why you cannot miss to accompany a cup of espresso with a cassatella or a cannolo.

In particular, a famous ritual of this region is having breakfast with croissant and slush. Furthermore, for party-goers a night-time croissant before going to bed is imperative! So if you worked hard to fit in your swimsuit, now it's the moment to enjoy some sweet rewards!