Trapani

Trapani is a seaside town located on the westernmost tip of Sicily and is famous for its history, culture and good food. 

On Ferryhopper you can find useful information about ferries to/from Trapani, must-see places, beaches, and local delicacies. Take a look at all available ferry routes from Trapani and book your ferry tickets with no hidden fees!

Find all you need to know about the port of Trapani and read our tips on holidays in the city:

• Trapani ferry port
• Vacation in Trapani

Ancient buildings at the historic center of Trapani

Trapani ferry port

The port of Trapani in Sicily has a very long history that dates back to the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians. Today it is among the most important ports in the Mediterranean thanks to its central position. In fact, thousands of passengers pass from the port every year to reach the Egadi Islands and Pantelleria.

Ferries from Trapani port: schedules and tickets

From the port of Trapani there are several ferry and hydrofoil connections to the Egadi Islands (Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo) and Pantelleria, which are active all year round. The companies that operate on these routes are Liberty Lines, Torre Lines and Siremar.

On Ferryhopper's Map of ferries, you can see all the available ferry routes from Trapani, so you can plan your ferry trip in no time!

Here are some more details on ferry routes from Trapani:

• Ferry Trapani - Favignana: the ferry route from Trapani to Favignana is available at least 15 times a day during high season. The trip duration ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on the operator.
• Ferry Trapani - Levanzo: the connection from Trapani to Levanzo includes up to 15 daily sailings, and the ferry takes about 25 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes to reach the island. 
• Ferry Trapani - Marettimo: ferries from the port of Trapani to Marettimo run around 40 times per week. The journey can last from 1 hour 10 minutes to 2 hours 25 minutes, depending on the operator and the crossing. 
• Ferry Trapani - Pantelleria: the volcanic island of Pantelleria is the southernmost one in the westernmost tip of Sicily, and is located almost closer to Africa than Europe. The connection from the port of Trapani to Pantelleria is usually served once a day. Ferry time ranges from 2.5 hours to 7.5 hours, depending on the operator.

Useful info: note that you can bring along your vehicle on conventional ferries (not on hydrofoils) serving these routes. However, keep in mind that, from July to October, the circulation of motor vehicles belonging to non-residents is usually not allowed in the Egadi Islands and Pantelleria. Find out all your need to know about vehicle regulations and ferry traveling in Italy.

Where is the ferry port in Trapani?

There is a strong link between the port and the historic center of Trapani. In fact, it is the city that has developed around the port area. From the port, you can directly access the heart of the city, which starts from via Ammiraglio Staiti and extends to Torre Ligny and piazza Vittorio Emanuele.

Near the port, you can find shops, fashion boutiques and various services. There is also the "Venti di Maestrale" tourist port, a small and functional marina equipped with a bar and a minimarket, located right in front of the entrance to the port of Trapani.

How to get to Trapani port

The Trapani railway station is less than 1 km away from the port, while the airport is 18 km away. There are also various buses and shuttles that serve the port. Alternatively, you can always take a taxi.

When it comes to parking in Trapani port, there are several lots in the area. The best option for those who arrive at the port by car from nearby cities, however, is to leave it at the parking lot in Libica street (via Libica 19), which is not far from the expressway. 

The city port of Trapani

Vacation in Trapani

If you are planning to visit the western part of Sicily, Trapani is definitely a must-see destination rich in art and history. From baroque churches, castles and palaces to dream beaches, this seaside town will delight you with its charming atmosphere. 

Moreover, thanks to its almost year-round mild climate, it is an excellent choice even in spring or late summer, when the port city is cheaper and less crowded. 

Therefore, before you depart from Trapani’s port to the nearby Egadi Islands (or Aegadian Islands), we recommend staying a few days in this beautiful city in western Sicily to breathe in the sea air and explore the culture. Its breathtaking landscapes, local traditions, unique neighborhoods, and Arab-influenced cuisine will surprise you in every way.

How to get to Trapani

Trapani can be easily reached by car, train, bus, and plane from Italy as well as from abroad. It is also connected to the Egadi Islands and Pantelleria thanks to various ferry routes.

If you are already in Sicily and are traveling without a car, you can get to Trapani from Palermo thanks to Segesta Autolinee buses that reach the port in about 2 hours.

Trapani’s airport “Vincenzo Florio” is about 15 km away from the center, but thanks to the direct bus route served by the company AST, it is possible to reach the city in just 40 minutes. There are several flights available from northern, central and southern Italy, as well as from various European countries (including Malta, Germany, England, Poland, and Belgium).

View of the picturesque harbor promenade in Trapani, Sicily

What to do in Trapani

The coast of Trapani attracts millions of visitors every year, who choose this seaside town for its beaches and its proximity to the island of Pantelleria and the Egadi Islands. Before rushing to take the ferry, however, you should stay at least 1 day in Trapani.

Its enchanting bays and beaches with transparent sea waters are ideal for relaxing, practicing water sports and exploring the magnificent seabed. We also recommend going on a day trip to San Vito lo Capo town, a true Mediterranean gem with some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy!

Furthermore, you should not leave without walking around Trapani’s historic center to admire its churches, Baroque buildings and towers. After walking along the seafront and visiting the local souvenir shops, don’t forget to stop by the street market to taste the most famous street food in Sicily!

Other must-see attractions include the salt pans to enjoy a stunning sunset, the medieval village of Erice which offers splendid views over the bay of Trapani, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.

Beaches in Trapani

There are many coves and beaches scattered along Trapani’s 40-km-long coastline, which is home to some of the most beautiful seaside resorts in Sicily. In addition to the beaches close to the city center, you should also visit the ones in the surrounding area. 

Here are the best 10 beaches of Trapani:

1. San Giuliano: with fine sand, turquoise and shallow waters, this long beach is ideal for families with children. It is located in the most central part of Trapani's seafront and is a great option for those who want to go to the beach without leaving the city.
2. Mura di Tramontana: skirting the walls of the old town of Trapani, it is among the busiest in the city. It has shallow, calm waters and can be accessed either from Porta Ossuna or from a staircase along the seafront.
3. Marausa: overlooking the Egadi Islands, this beautiful beach stretches for about 3 km and has very calm and warm waters. Beach equipment is available to rent, and there are also toilets and a bar. 
4. San Vito Lo Capo: located in the homonymous village, this popular urban beach has white sand and clear blue waters, and offers awesome views thanks to its location between the lighthouse and Mount Monaco. Most of the beach is free but there are some amenities available. 
5. Bay of Cornino: this is an unspoiled beach located in front of Mount Cofano and its natural reserve, great for diving enthusiasts. Most of the beach is free, but there are sunbeds available in some places. 
6. Torre di Ligny: located next to the famous Spanish watchtower, Torre di Ligny is ideal for a quick swim (especially at sunset). It is easily accessible from the city center and offers a beautiful view of Mount Erice and the Egadi Islands.
7. Capo Feto: near Mazara del Vallo town, it has very fine sand and extends for about 5 km. This beach is part of a protected area and is nude-friendly. It is ideal for long walks and diving into Caribbean-like waters.
8. Faraglioni: among the most beautiful bays in Italy, it hosts a tuna fishery dating back to the 12th century and is surrounded by thick vegetation. It is a private beach which mostly consists of a concrete platform and can be accessed with an entrance ticket. Its waters are crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling.
9. Cala Berretta: one of the most beautiful and wildest beaches that you can find along the Zingaro Nature Reserve trail. It is accessible on foot via a dirt path, so it’s best to bring trekking shoes and water with you.
10. Macari: located in a bay between the Zingaro Nature Reserve and the Monte Cofano Reserve, this is the main beach in San Vito lo Capo. There are spots with and without amenities, and the coast has fine sand and pink rocks.

 The enchanting beach of Faraglioni and the quaint old village of Scopello

Sightseeing in Trapani

Trapani is not only a sea lover's destination, but also one with a rich history and culture, and numerous monuments. Its historic center, which stands on a crescent-shaped strip of land, is proof of this. 

Here are some of the best attractions in Trapani:

• Via Garibaldi, Via Torrearsa and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the most famous shopping streets
• Porta Oscura (Dark Door), Trapani's oldest town gate with an astrological clock
• Colombaia Castle, , the landmark of Trapani, located on a small island in front of the city
• Ligny Tower, which divides the Tyrrhenian Sea from the Mediterranean Sea
• Church of San Francesco d'Assisi, whose green dome stands among the houses of the historic center
• Piazza del Mercato del Pesce, (Fish Market Square), nowadays used for cultural events and exhibitions
• The baroque Cathedral of San Lorenzo, dating back to the 13th century and hosting beautiful works of art
• Agostino Pepoli Regional Museum, a precious home of artistic masterpieces and ancient traditions
• Church of the Holy Souls in Purgatory, famous for guarding the "Mysteries of Trapani" (statues used for the Easter procession)
• Palazzo della Vicaria, a former prison used from 1655 to 1965
• The baroque Fountain of Saturn, honoring the sky god (once the city's patron saint)
• Bastion Conca, waterfront fortifications located at the end of the Tramontana walls
• Giudecca Palace, an ancient palace and the cultural center of the Jewish Quarter
• Villino Nasi, a historic building in Art Nouveau style from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Egadi Islands and beautiful sunsets

The evocative dome of the church of San Francesco d’Assisi

Nightlife in Trapani

Trapani is a vibrant city with an active nightlife.

The historic center and its maze of narrow streets feature hidden restaurants, bars and wine bars, where you can enjoy a good aperitif, even during the off season. There are also several clubs with live music and some pubs.

The city’s waterfront is also very popular as several beach parties take place there during summer. From here, you can admire one of the most beautiful sunsets in Sicily.

Tip: make sure to visit the Rakija Pub, a lively bar with amazing cocktails, good music and a fun atmosphere.

Food in Trapani

In addition to the classic Sicilian delicacies, the cuisine of Trapani has Arab influences. The flavors of Trapani are linked to both the sea and the land, and the dishes are genuine and prepared according to tradition.

Here are some local dishes and delicacies you absolutely must try during your holiday in Trapani: 

• couscous alla trapanese (couscous flavored with fish and seafood broth)
• arancini (deep-fried rice balls stuffed with mince or meat)
• busiate alla trapanese (a home-made Sicilian pasta variety)
• cabbucio trapanese (a sandwich made with pizza dough)
• eggplant caponata (a relish of chopped eggplant and other vegetables)
• rianata trapanese (a traditional Italian pizza topped with oregano)
• granitas
• cassatelle (deep-fried pastries with a lemon-flavored filling)

Tip: if you have a sweet tooth, you should definitely visit the Colicchia pastry shop in Trapani. For those looking to taste the best granita in the world, this would certainly be the right place. Our favorite is the coffee-flavored one!

A delicious dish of fish couscous

Towns and villages near Trapani

Trapani and its entire province are home to numerous beauties that will impress you with their authentic vibe. If you are planning to stay in Trapani a bit longer, we would recommend visiting nearby destinations to explore cultural sites and natural attractions. 

Ferryhopper suggests visiting the following villages and towns around Trapani:

• Erice: just 12 km from Trapani, this is a town built at the summit of Monte San Giuliano. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Take the cable car from Trapani to the medieval village to enjoy a breathtaking view.  
• Nubia: part of the Municipality of Paceco, this is a village famous for its Salt Museum, located in a beautiful nature reserve and inside an old windmill.
• Grotta Mangiapane: this tiny village, frozen in time, is located inside a Paleolithic cave. It consists of a few houses inhabited from 1819 until the 1950 decade. A big event called “Live Nativity” (Presepe Vivente), where the rural and artisanal traditions of the area are revived, takes place every Christmas there.
• Castellammare del Golfo: this beautiful seaside town overlooks the Gulf of Trapani and is rich in history and culture. Visit its Arab-Norman castle, built on a rocky spur near the sea, and enjoy the view!

The famous salt pans of Nubia near Trapani 

Tips for Trapani

Here are 4 tips that could be useful for your trip to Trapani:

1. If you decide to stay in the city for a few days, we recommend purchasing the Trapani Welcome Card, a pass for the most important local services (transportation included) as well as the cable car to Erice.
2. The Procession of the Mysteries is celebrated in Trapani on Good Friday, one of the most famous Easter events in Italy that started in the Easter of 1612. It lasts 24 hours and is a great opportunity to have a true Sicilian folklore experience!
3. If you plan to visit the Aegadian Islands we recommend that you book your ferry tickets well in advance. Especially in the high season, they usually sell out fast.
4. Take advantage of its proximity to the Egadi Islands and organize a day trip from Trapani to Favignana or an excursion from Trapani to Levanzo!

Useful information for Trapani

Although Trapani is not a very big city, it offers various services to its visitors.

In the historic center of Trapani, there is a great variety of venues and shopping options: in Corso Vittorio Emanuele, via Torrearsa, via Garibaldi, and via Giovan Battista Fardella you will find shops of all kinds, including ancient artisan workshops.

In regards to accommodation, one of the best areas to stay is the historic center, especially if you're not traveling by car. Here you will find several hotels, apartments and bed & breakfasts that suit all budgets. There are also some seaside facilities, not far from the center, which will allow you to stay close to beautiful beaches.

If you arrive in Trapani by car, you must keep in mind that all the roads around the historic center have tolls and are divided into 2 zones: the yellow zone (with an hourly rate of €0.70) and the red zone (with an hourly rate of €1). We, therefore, recommend paying attention to the signs to avoid fines!

In Trapani and around its province, there are various hospitals and clinics. A tourist medical service is also available from June to September.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Trapani

Here are some numbers that could prove useful during your stay in Trapani:

• Local police: +390923590120
• Trapani Police Headquarters: +390923598111
• Vittorio Emanuele III Hospital: +390924990111
• Emergency medical service: +390923805258
• Trapani Port Authority: +390923809111
• Tourist information office: +390923544533
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Trapani

As Trapani is quite small, it is a city that can be easily explored on foot or by bike. In fact, you can rent a bicycle for just €8 per day. 

For longer distances and if you want to move freely within the province, a car is recommended. If you are not traveling with your own vehicle, you can always rent one from several places near the port.

As for public transport, bus services which cover the entire area are available by the ATM Trapani company. 

The historic center of Trapani is a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone), therefore access to cars and vehicles is only granted with special permits! We, therefore, suggest leaving your car at the edge of the ZTL and getting around on foot. On the Lungomare Ammiraglio Staiti and in the port area, you will find several parking lots with blue stripes.

A small picturesque street in the historic center of Trapani

Book your ferry tickets to Trapani online

On Ferryhopper, you can find all ferry connections to and from the Sicilian city. Compare prices and departure times, and book cheap ferry tickets to Trapani online, easily and quickly!