Trapani & the Salt Pans

Trapani is located on a crescent-shaped peninsula at the western tip of Sicily — the closest point to Africa (Tunisia is only 140 km away, and the African influence is noticeable: in the cuisine, in the architecture, and in the light). Most travelers to Sicily use the city itself only as a transit point, but unjustly so: The old town has an authentic charm with narrow alleys, baroque churches (Chiesa del Purgatorio with life-sized wooden figures for the Easter procession), a lively fish market, and excellent restaurants specializing in Couscous di Pesce (fish couscous — the national dish of western Sicily, of Arab origin).

The highlight of the region is the Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco — a 1,000-year-old salt extraction landscape between Trapani and Marsala, which is part of the nature reserve. Shallow saltwater basins, where the sea evaporates, create a geometric pattern of pink, white, and violet tones. Restored windmills (Mulini a Vento), which once powered the salt pumps, stand among them. At sunset, when the light bathes the salt pans in gold, orange, and pink, and the silhouettes of the windmills stand out against the horizon, one of the most iconic images of Sicily — and the entire Mediterranean — is created.

The Museo del Sale (Salt Museum) in a restored windmill explains the centuries-old tradition of salt extraction. Flamingos live year-round in the salt pans — especially in large numbers in spring and autumn. The best viewpoint for the sunset is the SP21 road between Trapani and Marsala, right by the salt pans — with a glass of Marsala wine in hand, the perfect Sicilian moment.