Trapani

Trapani is a seaside town located on the westernmost tip of Sicily and is famous for its history, culture and good food. 

On Ferryhopper you will find useful information about ferries to / from Trapani, must-see places, beaches, and local delicacies. Take a look at all ferry routes from Trapani and book your ferry tickets with just a few clicks!

Read our suggestions for your trip and find useful information about its ports:

• Vacation in Trapani
• The port of Trapani

Ancient buildings at the historic center of Trapani

Vacation in Trapani

If you intend to visit the western part of Sicily, Trapani is definitely a must-see destination rich in art and history. From baroque churches, castles and palaces to dream beaches, this seaside town will delight you with its charming atmosphere. 

Moreover, thanks to its mild climate almost all year round, it is an excellent choice even in spring or late summer, when the port city is cheaper and less crowded. 

Therefore, before you decide to embark from Trapani’s port to the nearby Egadi or Aegadian Islands, we recommend you stay a few days in Sicily's western city that’s wrapped in the colors and scents of Africa.

How to get to Trapani

Trapani can be easily reached by car, train, bus, and plane from Italy as well as from abroad. It is also connected to the Egadi Islands and the French town of Toulon thanks to various ferry itineraries.

If you are already in Sicily and are traveling without a car, you can get to Trapani from Palermo thanks to the Segesta Autolinee buses that reach the port in about 2 hours.

Trapani’s airport “Vincenzo Florio” is about 15km away from the center, but thanks to the direct bus of the company AST, it is possible to reach the city in just 40 min. There are several domestic flights available from Northern, Central and Southern Italy, and from various European countries (including Malta, Germany, England, Poland, and Belgium).

View of the picturesque harbor promenade in Trapani, Sicily

What to do in Trapani

The coast of Trapani attracts millions of visitors every year, who choose this seaside town for its beaches and its proximity to the island of Pantelleria and the Egadi Islands. Before rushing to take the ferry, however, you should stay at least 1 day in Trapani. 

Its enchanting bays and beaches with transparent sea are ideal for relaxing, practicing water sports and exploring the magnificent seabed. We also recommend going on a day trip to San Vito lo Capo, a certified pearl in the Mediterranean Sea with the most beautiful beaches in Italy!

Furthermore, you should not go without walking around Trapani’s historic center to admire its churches, Baroque buildings and towers. After walking along the seafront and visiting the local souvenir shops, don’t forget to stop by the street market to taste the most famous street food of Sicilian cuisine!

Other must-see attractions include the salt pans to enjoy a stunning sunset, the medieval village of Erice, which offers splendid views over the bay of Trapani, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.

Beaches in Trapani

There are many coves and beaches scattered along Trapani’s 40km coastline. In addition to the beaches close to the city center, you should also visit the ones in the surrounding area. 

Here are the best 10 beaches of Trapani:

• San Giuliano: with fine sand, turquoise and shallow waters, this long beach is ideal for families with children. This is also a great option for those wanting to go to the beach without leaving the city.
• Mura di Tramontana: skirting the walls of the old town of Trapani, it is among the busiest in the city. It has shallow, calm waters and can be accessed either from Porta Ossuna or from a staircase along the seafront.
• Marausa: overlooking the Egadi Islands, this beautiful beach stretches for about 3km and has very calm and warm waters. Beach equipment is available to rent and there are also toilets and a bar. 
• San Vito Lo Capo: located in the homonymous village, this mythical urban beach has white sand and clear blue waters. Most of the beach is free but there are some amenities available. 
• Bay of Cornino: this is an unspoiled beach situated in front of Mount Cofano and its natural reserve, great for diving enthusiasts. Most of the beach is free, but there are sunbeds available in some places. 
• Torre di Ligny: located next to the famous Spanish watchtower, Torre di Ligny is ideal for a quick swim (especially at sunset), it is easily accessible from the city center and offers a beautiful view of Mount Erice and the Egadi Islands.
• Capo Feto: near Mazara del Vallo, it has very fine sand and extends for about 5km. This beach is part of a protected area and is nude-friendly. 
• Faraglioni: a private beach which can be accessed with an entrance ticket of €8. Its waters are crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling. 
• Cala Berretta: one of the wildest beaches situated in the Zingaro Nature Reserve. It is accessible by foot, so it is advisable to bring trekking shoes with you.
• Macari: located in a bay between the Zingaro Nature Reserve and the Monte Cofano Reserve, this is the main beach in San Vito lo Capo. There are both bathing establishments and free areas, and the coast is characterized by fine sand and pink rocks.

 The enchanting beach of Faraglioni and the quaint old village of Scopello

Sightseeing in Trapani

Trapani is not only a sea lover's destination, but also one with a rich history and culture. Its historic center, which stands on a crescent-shaped strip of land, is proof of this. 

Here are some of the best attractions in Trapani:

• Via Garibaldi, Via Torrearsa and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the most famous shopping streets
• Porta Oscura, Trapani's oldest town gate with an astrological clock
• Colombaia Castle, the oldest symbol of Trapani
• Ligny Tower, it divides the Tyrrhenian Sea from the Mediterranean Sea
• Church of San Francesco d'Assisi
• Piazza del Mercato del Pesce, used for cultural events
• Baroque Cathedral of San Lorenzo
• Agostino Pepoli Regional Museum
• Church of the Holy Souls in Purgatory
• Palazzo della Vicaria
• Fountain of Saturn
• Bastion Conca, 15th century waterfront fortifications
• Giudecca Palace, a cultural center of the Jewish Quarter
• Villino Nasi, from which you can enjoy beautiful sunsets

The evocative dome of the church of San Francesco d’Assisi

Nightlife in Trapani

Trapani is a vibrant city with an active nightlife.

The historic center and its maze of narrow streets feature hidden restaurants, bars and wine bars, where you can enjoy a good aperitif even during the cold season. There are also several clubs with live music and disco pubs.

The city’s waterfront is also very popular since several beach parties take place during summer. From here you can admire one of the most beautiful sunsets in Sicily. 

Tip: make sure to visit the Rakija Pub, a lively bar with amazing cocktails, good music and a fun atmosphere.

Food in Trapani

In addition to the classic Sicilian delicacies, the authentic and genuine cuisine of Trapani has Arab influences. Get ready to make your taste buds explode with pleasure :P

Here are some local dishes and delicacies you absolutely must try during your holiday in Trapani: 

• couscous alla trapanese (couscous flavored with fish and seafood broth)
• arancini (deep-fried rice balls stuffed with mince or meat)
• busiate alla trapanese (a home-made Sicilian pasta variety)
• cabbucio trapanese (a sandwich made with pizza dough)
• eggplant caponata (a relish of chopped eggplant and other vegetables)
• rianata trapanese (a traditional Italian pizza topped with oregano)
• granitas
• cassatelle (deep-fried pastries with a lemon-flavored filling)

Tip: if you have a sweet tooth, you should definitely visit the Colicchia pastry shop in Trapani. For those looking to taste the best granita in the world, this would certainly be the right place. Our favorite is the coffee one. 

A delicious dish of fish couscous

Towns and villages near Trapani

If you are planning to stay in Trapani a bit longer we would also recommend visiting nearby destinations to explore cultural sites and natural attractions. 

Ferryhopper suggests visiting the following villages and towns around Trapani:

• Erice: just 12km from Trapani, this is a town standing at the summit of Monte San Giuliano. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Take the cable car from Trapani to the medieval village to enjoy a breathtaking view. 
• Nubia: belonging to the Municipality of Paceco, this is a city famous for its Salt Museum. This is located in a beautiful nature reserve and inside an old windmill.
• Grotta Mangiapane: this tiny village is set inside a Paleolithic cave. It consists of a few houses inhabited from 1819 until the 1950s. A big event called “Living Nativity” takes place every Christmas, an event where the agro-pastoral life comes alive. 
• Castellammare del Golfo: this beautiful seaside town overlooks the Gulf of Trapani and is rich in history and culture. Visit its Arab Norman castle, a majestic fortress bathed by the sea, and enjoy the view!

The famous salt pans of Nubia near Trapani 

Tips for Trapani

Here are 3 tips that we hope will be useful for your trip to Trapani:

1. If you decide to stay in the city for a few days, purchase the Trapani Welcome Card, a pass for the most important local services as well as the cable car to Erice.
2. The Procession of the Mysteries is celebrated in Trapani during Good Friday, one of the most famous Easter events in Italy that started in the Easter of 1612.
3. If you plan to visit the Aegadian Islands we recommend that you book your ferry tickets well in advance. Especially in the high season, in fact, these tend to sell out easily.

Useful information for Trapani

Although Trapani is not a very big city, it offers various services to its visitors.

In regards to accommodation, one of the best areas to stay is the historic center, especially if you're not traveling by car. Here you will find several hotels, apartments and bed & breakfasts to suit all budgets. There are also some seaside facilities, not far from the center, which will allow you to stay close to beautiful beaches.

The best way to move around Trapani is definitely on foot or by bike, but if you reach it by car you should keep in mind that its historic center is a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone). 

In Trapani and throughout the province there are various hospitals and clinics. A tourist medical service is also available from June to September. 

Important phone numbers for your stay in Trapani

Here are some numbers that could prove useful during your stay in Trapani:

• Local police: +390923590120
• Trapani Police Headquarters: +390923598111
• Vittorio Emanuele III Hospital: +390924990111
• Emergency medical service: +390923805258
• Port Authority: +39092324429
• Tourist information office: +393288009095
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Trapani

Since it is quite small, Trapani is a city that can be easily explored on foot or by bike. In fact, you can rent a bicycle for just €8 per day. 

For longer distances and if you want to move freely within the province, a car is recommended. If you are not traveling with your own vehicle, you can always rent one from several places at Trapani port. As for public transport, urban bus services are managed by the ATM Trapani company. 

The historic center of Trapani is a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone), therefore access to cars and vehicles is not granted except through special permits that must be approved! We would recommend leaving your car at the edge of the ZTL and then continuing on foot. On the Lungomare Ammiraglio Staiti and in the port area you will find several parking lots with blue stripes.

A small picturesque street in the historic center of Trapani

Ports in Trapani

Trapani’s destiny is tied to its port and the sea. Today it is among the most important ports in the Mediterranean thanks to its central position. From here, in fact, thousands of passengers pass every year to reach the Egadi Islands and Pantelleria. 

From the port you can directly access the heart of the historic center, which starts from via Ammiraglio Staiti and extends to Torre Ligny and piazza Vittorio Emanuele. 

The "Vento di Maestrale" tourist port, a small and functional marina equipped with a bar and a minimarket, is located right in front of the entrance to the port of Trapani. 

Furthermore, Trapani railway station is under 1km away from the port, while the airport is 18km away. There are also various buses that pass through the port. Alternatively, you can always choose to take a taxi. 

In regards to parking there are several in the area. The ideal for those who arrive at the port by car from nearby cities, however, is to leave it in the Porto Trapani Car Park via Libica 19. 

Trapani ferry: schedules and tickets

From the port of Trapani there are several ferry and hydrofoil connections to the Egadi Islands (Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo), Pantelleria and the town of Toulon, in France. The companies that operate these routes are Siremar, Liberty Lines and Corsica Ferries.

On Ferryhopper's Map of ferries, you can see all the available ferry routes from Trapani, so that you can easily and conveniently plan your ferry trip. 

Here are some more details on the ferry connections to Trapani:

• Ferry Trapani - Favignana: the route from the port of Trapani to Favignana is available at least 15 times per day during high season. The trip duration ranges from 30 to 55 min.
• Ferry Trapani - Levanzo: the connection from Trapani to Levanzo includes several daily sailings and the ferry takes about 25 to 40 min to reach the island. 
• Ferry Trapani - Marettimo: the route from the port of Trapani to Marettimo runs 7 times per day. The journey can last from 1 hour to 1 hr 45 min depending on the type of vessel. 
• Ferry Trapani - Pantelleria: the connection from the port of Trapani to Pantelleria is daily. Crossings last almost 2.5 hours.
• Ferry Trapani - Tolone: the route from Trapani to Tolone is served once a week and lasts around 21 hours. 

Useful info: on conventional ferries it is possible to embark your vehicle. However, keep in mind that, usually, from July to October in the Egadi Islands and Panarea the circulation of motor vehicles not belonging to residents is prohibited.

The city port of Trapani

Where to book ferry tickets to Trapani online

On Ferryhopper, you can find all connections to and from the Sicilian city, compare prices, departure times and book cheap ferry tickets to Trapani online with no extra fees.