Trapani holidays

Holidays to Trapani let you see Sicily like a local – this hidden gem is on the island’s less-trodden west coast.

Sicily’s sickle-shaped city

Zoom in on the top corner of Sicily’s west coast, and you’ll see a curved bit of land poking out into the Mediterranean Sea. That’s Trapani’s sickle-shaped harbour, which, according to Greek mythology, was formed when Demeter dropped her scythe while searching for her daughter Persephone. This hidden gem is about an hour and a half’s drive from the capital, Palermo, and a 10-minute cable car ride from the hilltop town of Erice, which is home to a pair of sea-view castles.

The gateway to the Egadi Islands

Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo – a trio of islands under the Egadi archipelago umbrella – are just a quick ferry or a boat trip away from the centre of town, hence why people call it ‘the gateway to the Egadi Islands’. You don’t have to go far for sunbathing stints and sea swims, though – this place has sandy shores on its doorstep. And that’s pretty rare in Sicily, considering most of the beaches on the island are rocky. Ideal if you don’t fancy bringing water shoes away with you.

Cathedrals and ceramics shops

Trapani’s historic centre is made up of cobbled streets and traditional Sicilian piazzas. Expect sculpture-filled churches and shops selling handmade ceramics, like vibrant patterned plates and Moorish heads – or ‘Testa di Moro’ – representing an infamous love story from the 11th century. Trattorias and street food stalls serving up arancini balls and cream-filled cannoli come in equal measure, too. Plus, vino’s a big thing here – Marsala wine is made a 45-minute drive away in the town of the same name.