Trapani, Marsala & west

Trapani n the north-west is a great point to explore western Sicily. The town itself is famous for its lively historical centre with its boutiques, restaurants, cafès and bars.  It also benefits from being positioned on the Tyrrhenian coast, which offers magnificent marine scenery and areas of outstanding beauty. From the beaches of Castellammare del Golfo and San Vito Lo Capo, to the rock formations of Scopello, the Zingaro nature reserve, and the islands of Levanzo, Marettimo and Favignana, the area is simply stunning! All around Trapani you can find unique fishing villages, where you can experience an unspoilt and authentic Sicily.

Erice, the salt pans and Marsala

Above Trapani, the medieval town of Erice sits on a mountain top, reached by a winding road or by cable car. Its stone lanes, churches and castle look out over the coast and the Egadi islands, and its pastry shops are known for almond sweets made to old convent recipes.

South of Trapani, the coast road runs past salt pans dotted with windmills, especially beautiful at sunset. In the Stagnone lagoon, a short boat ride takes you to the island of Mozia, once a Phoenician city, with a small museum of finds. Marsala itself is a relaxed town of baroque churches and pale stone streets, famous for the fortified wine first shipped to Britain by English merchants. It was also where Garibaldi landed in 1860 to begin the unification of Italy.

Greek temples and fishing ports

Two of Sicily's great ancient sites are within easy reach. Segesta has a Doric temple standing alone in open countryside and a theatre on the hill above, while Selinunte, on the south coast, has temples overlooking the sea. Mazara del Vallo is one of Italy's main fishing ports, with an old quarter of narrow alleys showing its long links with North Africa.

Food, seasons and getting here

The cooking of the west is distinctive. Fish couscous is a speciality of Trapani and San Vito Lo Capo, and pesto alla trapanese, made with almonds, tomatoes and basil, is served with twisted busiate pasta. Marsala and the inland vineyards also make good dry whites and reds.

Trapani's airport lies between Trapani and Marsala, and Palermo airport is roughly an hour's drive away. Spring brings wildflowers and mild walking weather, summer is hot with lively evenings, and the sea stays warm well into October.

Western Sicily suits food and wine lovers, families looking for quieter beaches and anyone who wants to combine island trips with history. Discover more of Sicily, or browse the villas listed below to find your base in the west.