If you come to Sicily don't forget about the island's far western corner and the regional and elegant capital Trapani. This part of Sicily was settled by the Phoenicians and their Arab presence is still pervasive in the seaside town.

In Trapani salt, fishing and wine trades have always thrived. There are fantastic streets and markets to experience, some vibrant festivals and it is the stepping stone to the Egadi Islands and nearby coastal and regional centres. It would be a perfect place to be based and explore the region.

How to get to Trapani

Trapani lies in the far north western corner of Sicily. It is only 69 km west of Palermo and 22.5 km north of Marsala. The medieval core of the city lies on a headland jutting out to sea and because Trapani is a provincial capital there are a lot of transport options for getting here and around. Birgi airport is just south of town and serviced by flights from within Italy as well as international carriers. Buses connect the airport to town.

You can get to Trapani by bus, train or even ferry - Naples, Ustica, Egadi Islands and Tunis are just some of the connections. To get around locally the best option is probably to walk. If you're keen to visit nearby towns like Erice or Marsala there are good bus services around the region.

Things to do and see in Trapani

Most visitors usually beeline straight for the historic centre of Trapani and for good reason, like any true Kasbah it has a maze of narrow streets that feature hidden churches, shops and piazzas and wander far enough down any and you’ll come suddenly to the sea.

Start your exploration of Trapani on Corso Vittorio Emanuele. This runs through the pedestrianised heart of the old town. At one end you will see the Palazzo Senatorio (town hall) and its twin clocks. It then heads past the 14th Century Baroque cathedral down to Torre di Ligny at the end, a Spanish fortification with a squat tower. Another major thoroughfare worth following is Via Torresara that goes from Stazione Marittima to the colourful morning fish market - best seen before noon. Via Garibaldi is another spectacular street to explore and is flanked by churches and palaces, all designed by the Aragonese in the 18th Century.

If you're not visiting during Easter then on no account miss going to the Chiesa di Purgatorio to see the wooden statues from the Passion. These are paraded around the streets on Good Friday and famous in Sicily. The Processione dei Misteri di Trapani is one of the oldest running religious events in Europe dating back to 1612. Every Good Friday it plays out on the streets of Trapani when the city's guilds take wood sculptures from the 17th Century around the city - this can take anything from 16 to 24 hours. The sculptures depict individual scenes from the Passion. They can be seen in the Chiesa di Purgatorio at other times however the Holy Week activities in Trapani are well worth coming to if you're in the region.

For day trips out of Trapani consider going to the medieval hilltop heights of Erice, explore out along the wonderful coastline towards San Vito Lo Capo or south to Mozia's salt pans.

Accommodation and restaurants in Trapani

Trapani has every type of accommodation from hostels to campsites to B&Bs and hotels. Whatever your budget you will find something to match here. If your hunting for a good place to eat there are also plenty of options. Ai Lumi Tavernetta and Taverna Paradiso come recommended.

For day trips out of Trapani consider going to the medieval hilltop heights of Erice, explore out along the wonderful coastline towards San Vito Lo Capo or south to Mozia's salt pans.

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