Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, Western Sicily beckons travellers with its enchanting blend of natural beauty, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine. This captivating region of Italy offers a fascinating journey through time, where ancient Greek temples, Norman castles, and Baroque architecture co-exist in perfect harmony. The rugged, untamed landscapes of Western Sicily, with its rolling hills, vineyard-draped valleys, and pristine coastlines, are a testament to the island’s diverse and dramatic topography. Here, you’ll not only encounter the warm hospitality of the locals but also sample the flavours of Sicilian cuisine, from fresh seafood dishes to exquisite pastries.
Trapani, my base for this trip, is a coastal gem in the heart of Western Sicily and beckons visitors with its timeless allure. This historic town is a tapestry of cultures and influences, evident in its captivating architecture, from elegant Baroque churches to Arab-inspired buildings that speak of centuries of heritage. Trapani’s enchanting old town, with its labyrinthine streets, has secrets waiting to be discovered around every corner. It has a relatively small airport with a handful of flights from other European countries. Local people were telling me about how international tourism is still a novelty here. Fortunately, there is no mass tourism here and the majority of existing tourists are Italian, which was perfect to ensure I’d be practising my Italian the whole time!
Trapani is also renowned for its salt pans, where the age-old tradition of harvesting sea salt is a fascinating testament to the region’s heritage. There are many organised excursions to visit the salt pans, salt production museum and you can go on the evening excursion to view the sunset over the salt lakes and get a glimpse of the flamingos in the water! I booked my excursion through GetYourGuide.
Beyond its pleasant urban landscape, Trapani offers a gateway to the Egadi Islands, a stunning archipelago where crystal-clear waters lap at pristine shores. There are several boats per day that sail from Trapani to the Egadi Islands in under an hour. I travelled with Liberty Lines and spent a day exploring Levanzo, the smallest of the Egadi Islands group.
Situated off the west coast of Sicily, Levanzo is a secluded island paradise that beckons travellers seeking serenity and natural beauty. This charming island boasts rugged cliffs that plunge into the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean, creating breathtaking vistas at every turn. The main village, also named Levanzo, is a picturesque fishing hamlet characterised by whitewashed houses adorned with colourful bougainvillea, lending an idyllic charm to the landscape. What truly sets Levanzo apart, however, are its remarkable prehistoric cave paintings found in the Grotta del Genovese, providing a fascinating glimpse into ancient civilizations. You can visit these caves by buying a ticket for a guided tour at the small office right beside Levanzo’s port.
With its untouched landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich archaeological treasures, Levanzo offers a tranquil escape, making it a true haven for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
My last day was spent in the medieval town of Erice, which can be reached by cable car from Trapani. Perched majestically on a hilltop overlooking the western coast of Sicily, Erice is a town that seems to exist in a world suspended between past and present. Stepping into Erice feels like stepping into a medieval dream, as its cobblestone streets wind their way through well-preserved stone buildings and historic churches. The town’s historic centre is a testament to its rich past, with influences from the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Normans evident in its architecture and culture. Erice is not only a visual delight but also a culinary one, with its famous almond pastries and sweet treats that have been perfected over centuries. I had the best pizza I’d ever eaten here!
From the ancient Norman castle to the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, Erice offers a unique blend of history, beauty, and charm that lingers in the memory of all who visit this enchanting Sicilian gem.
With its rich history, picturesque surroundings, and culinary delights, the whole Trapani region is a true Sicilian treasure waiting to be explored. I highly recommend visiting this relatively undiscovered part of Sicily, where the past and present coincide to create an unforgettable travel experience.
USEFUL LINKS:
- To watch the video of my trips to Trapani and Erice CLICK HERE to view on my YouTube channel.
- To watch the video of my trip to Levanzo Island CLICK HERE to view on my YouTube channel.
- I always use GetYourGuide for excursions, experiences and airport transfers. On this trip, I booked my Trapani Salt Pans trip with them. Have a look on this link to see what activities they offer around Trapani.
- To read about my Sicilian language challenge and watch my video click here.
- To read about how the Italian language has enhanced my life, click on this link to read the blog post.
- Italki is the website where I find my tutors for my Skype lessons. Some lessons can cost just $5 for 30 minutes. You can register on this link here and after taking your first paid lesson, you will receive some free credits to use towards another lesson.
- The Intrepid Guide‘s online course Master Common Italian Phrases for Travel. This is a fun, interactive and realistic approach to learning Italian specifically for travel. You’ll also get access to a private Facebook group to interact with the teacher (author) and other students. Click here to access the course.
- To read or listen to interviews I’ve done in Italian click here.
- A 3 Language Video I made in Italian, Catalan and Slovak (strongest to weakest!).
- Smart Italian have launched a series of stories in Italian for beginners. I have reviewed the content myself and the stories are enjoyable to read. They are set in lesser-known parts of Italy and include a lot of cultural information too. I learned a lot of new things myself when reading these! There are exercises after each chapter, some new grammar points to learn and it includes access to Quizlet flashcards. For a little extra, you can also buy the audiobook version.
The Bilingual Backpacker 