Holiday in Sicily: Explore Trapani and It's Surroundings
The charming Trapani, on the west coast of Sicily in Italy, was founded by the Elymians, the ancient people of Erice (a lovely town nearby), who founded the city to take advantage of the relationship between hill and sea. Today the city is still an important fishing port and the main gateway to the nearby Egadi Islands, but it’s also to able to attract tourist for its own beauty. For your holiday in Sicily, we suggest you visit Trapani and its surroundings.
This ancient city is literally part of legends: one recounts that Trapani stemmed from the sickle which fell from the hands of the goddess Demeter, while she was seeking for her daughter Persephone. Once in Sicily, you’ll be amazed by the fascinating twine of myths, history and traditions. Trapani looks like a romantic setting for pastoral and epic poems, between Greek columns and theatres clinging to the hillside… sea lovers will be delighted by the crystal clear waters and the sunny beaches, and those who want to see the countryside, will appreciate the landscape sprinkled with olive trees and vineyards.
There are many things to see in Trapani: one main attraction is without doubt the wonderful Basilica-Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Annunziata (also called "Madonna di Trapani") originally built in 1315–1332 and then rebuilt in 1760. Inside you can admire a marble statue of the Madonna of Trapani, which might be the work of Nino Pisano. Do not miss also the Church of Sant’Agostino with the magnificent rose-window, the small Baroque Church of Badia Nuova, the Baroque Palazzo della Giudecca or Casa Ciambra, and the Cathedral, that houses an Annunciation attributed to Anthony van Dyck. Do not miss also Palazzo Fardelle Fontana, Palazzo Cavarretta, Palazzo Riccio di Morana, Palazzo San Rocco and Palazzo di San Gioacchino.
Also the surroundings are worth a visit: if you don’t have time to spend some of your holiday in the suggestive Egadi Island, some destinations are really close to Trapani: Erice, for instance, is a cable car ride from the city: there you can enjoy the views of Tunisia and Africa on clear days. Erice is located on top of Mount Erice. You can admire two castles: Pepoli Castle, dating from Saracen times, and the Venus Castle, dating from the Norman period, built on top of the ancient Temple of Venus that, according to legend, was founded by Aeneas.
Nature lovers should visit the Natural Reserve Saline di Trapani and Paceco, featuring the last and most important Sicilian coastal wetlands, with cultivated salines, marshes and farmlands. The reserve has a great naturalistic, ethno-anthropological and historical value.
San Vito Lo Capo, a lovely town in the province of Trapani, is a must see. This beautiful beach resort between the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve and the Zingaro Nature Reserve, is a small town with quaint white houses, narrow streets scented with jasmine and bougainvillea, and long golden beaches. San Vito is the perfect place for those who love the sea; they can choose between the most famous beaches and reefs further away from the crowd. Also divers will be happy in the depths of San Vito Lo Capo: within a few hundred meters from the coast, many shallows provide the perfect scenery for underwater photography and it's possible to find small branches of red coral.
In September, the town hosts the "Cous Cous Fest", an international festival of culture and gastronomy of the Mediterranean. It is a sort of cooking contest featuring chefs from eight countries – Côte d'Ivoire, France, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia, and the Palestinian Territories. What are you waiting for? Come to Sicily!
Similar Articles
Spain is an ideal destination for a vacation to Malaga and beyond, as it is a country that is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in exploring the vibrant city of Barcelona or the sun-drenched beaches of Malaga
Chandigarh is a city in India. It is known for its bountiful tourist attractions. Let's explore the spots.
They are probably one of the most majestic creatures out there in the world and there is nothing more magical and memorable than getting to see them in their natural habitat. For those animal lovers, it is definitely something that you should do at least once in your lifetime
Crete is a complete destination that has everything. Believe me when I tell you that you will have so much to visit and explore that you will not get bored even if you cannot bathe in its waters.
Egypt is one of the most beautiful countries in the world that one can visit. It is a journey of a lifetime. This country has one of the oldest civilizations in the world which dates back to 5500 BC. This country was originally ruled by the pharaohs.
There’s no better time than now to have a cycling holiday. Social distancing will stay for a while and the global pandemic has cut down the vacation choices significantly. Riding a bicycle through nature may be just what you need to recharge and escape the cities for a while.
New Zealand has always been a preferred and popular destination, especially among more discerning immigrants looking for ‘more than’ just beautiful sunshine. The country has been rated on the 2nd position in the HSBC Expat Explorer Survey many in the 3 years.
With the partial lifting of travel restrictions in many countries, some of the world has become accessible again. Here is a look at how, when, where, and why we can travel while staying safe.
If you’re planning a trip to San Diego with your family, you’re probably wondering what things you can do. The great thing about San Diego is that there’s so much to do, you’ll be left wondering how you’ll fit everything in!