Trapani, Italy

Situated on the beautiful island of Sicily, Trapani is one of the finest ports in the whole of the Mediterranean. Huge expanses of coastal plains, a breath-taking shoreline and a wealth of monuments and palaces make for a dazzling blend of culture and beauty that is hard to resist.

The quaint provincial towns and countryside villages that make up this coastal region are begging to be explored by cruisers, with friendly locals populating each and every one. Trapani is an island of intimate size, meaning cruisers can take in all of its atmospheric sights and gorgeous beaches on a day’s stroll through its sun-drenched countryside.

Much of Trapani’s old town centre has been restored, but thankfully not at the expense of the unique charm that the piazzas, stone paved streets, and colourful neo-classical buildings have possessed for decades. The outstanding natural beauty of the island is perfectly complemented by the cornucopia of architectural marvels, beautiful avenues, and historical landmarks that give the township such a unique character. This fantastic port is a highlight of cruising the Sicilian coast that should not be missed by any cruiser.

Sightseeing in Trapani

Museo Nazionale Pepoli

Placed in a former Carmelite monastery, the Museo Nazionale Pepoli is one of the cultural highlights of the entire island of Sicily, with a wonderful collection displaying the craftsmanship of Trapani’s locals, as well as the collection of Conte Pepoli, a folk hero to the island who once made it his responsibility to salvage much of Trapani’s local artworks throughout decades. The museum holds collections of sculptures, rare coral carvings, and even a marble statue of the Madonna di Trapani. The highlight however, is a series of paintings of the Neapolitan School, which the General GB Fardella donated to the town.

Palazzo Riccio Di Morana

This historical square had undergone innumerable changes throughout the centuries- the buildings which surround the gorgeous classical stretch of the plaza have been used as royal housing, banks, and even modern offices. The Via Gabraldi is a perfect example of the astonishing architecture which many of the city’s buildings are blessed with, featuring a pillared façade with iron balconies and varnished window frames. The bright white exterior finishes off the artistic aesthetic nicely, and is just a sample of the beautiful sights to be seen when crossing the palazzo. Cruisers should make sure to visit the splendour of this square during the dusky twilight hours, when bright shades of orange and purple play off the pastel buildings.

Santuario dell’Annunziata

A major part of Trapani’s history is the Santuario dell’Annunziata, a pristine church which has been at the heart of the town’s culture since 1320, when construction officially commenced. Its complete form was a long time coming, with a completion date of 1677, but after visiting this splendid church for yourself, you’ll be well aware of what where the time and effort was spent. The four bays of the church are beautifully adorned with detailed stone carvings and pillars of gleaming marble, and contain remnants of a gothic influence within the design of its fonts, and the ornamentation on the central altar. This beautiful site of worship has been symbolic of Trapani’s beauty for centuries, making it a must visit attraction for cruisers.

Shopping in Trapani

The finest place in which to indulge in a shopping spree is in the Erice, a township extremely close to Trapani which is famed for its exquisite souvenirs and antiques, such as woven frazzate clothing and carpets which are hand woven by local craftspeople.

Eating out in Trapani

For local delicacies that are a true culinary treat, a meal at the Cantina Siciliana is a must. A hidden gem tucked away in one of the alleys in the town centre, this is one of the finest places to eat in Sicily, if not Italy. The rustic interior and crowded spaces shouldn’t fool you, as delectable meals of Caponata and the couscous trapanese as well as a well-stocked quality wine cellar will enrapture foodies no end.