A lot of people have heard of Sicily's sweet dessert wine vintage Marsala and many would have tasted it as well. But there would be fewer that realised that it came from a town bearing the same name in western Sicily.

While Marsala isn't exactly on the main tourist loop through Sicily it's pleasant enough with plenty of local wines to sample in the city's bars, wonderful surrounding vineyards to wander and a few key historic sights.

Marsala lies in the province of Trapani on the far west coast. It is about 23km south of the city of Trapani. This region of Sicily has been influenced more by the Phoenicians and Arabs than the Greeks and Normans, something that is reflected in the architecture, food and even way of life. Come to see for yourself.

Marsala wine is a fortified wine similar to port. However the original wine produced by the city's natives was different. It was only fortified with alcohol to last the long ocean voyages to England but that version proved so successful that it is still made that way today. Marsala wine can be used in cooking and there is even a dish known as chicken marsala - why not try it today?!

How to get to Marsala

Buses and trains both provide easy access to Marsala. Trains arrive about 15 minutes walk from the city centre. Buses are more central, pulling in at Piazza del Popolo near Porta Garibaldi. Azienda Siciliana Trasporti (AST), Salemi and Lumia are the services. Hydrofoils from Marsala run in summer to the Egadi Islands.

Things to do and see in Marsala

Tourists in Marsala usually beeline straight to one of the major winemakers such as Cantina Pellegrino or Cantina Florio who offer tours and tastings. However it’s easy enough to simply browse the bars, enotecas and shops in town for the local plonk. Whatever you do, just make sure you taste some locally made Marsala while you're here. It would also be worth heading out to some of the lovely wine growing regions, particularly during the harvest months in September/October.

The main square is Piazza della Republicca and it is flanked by the cathedral and the town hall. While you’re in this region wander into the Museo degli Arazzi for the 16th Century Flemish tapestries it houses. If you head as far down as Capo Boeo you can enjoy the most westerly point of Sicily where there are also a number of sights housing mosaics, bath houses, a Roman villa and other artifacts. Key archaeological finds are at the Museo Archeologico and include an impressive Phoenician warship, various anchors, amphorae and photographs.

Once you've wandered around for awhile and seen some of the sights you should have developed a thirst for Marsala's best vintages. If you haven’t already, or even if you have, it would be time to head for another Cantina or enoteca by now.

Accommodation and restaurants in Marsala

Marsala has plenty of good nightlife and places to enjoy its ruby red Marsala wine. It's not a big place so it’s not hard to find somewhere to eat or drink. Via Caturca is a quaint street with some good places to eat and drink. Alternatively try the funky Merkaba Caffe Letterario in Via Amendola 57.

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