Trapani is not the only tuna

Trapani is not the only tuna – main image

While visiting the south-west coast of Sicily, we will come across Trapani, a port city lying on a narrow promontory surrounded by the sea on three sides. It was founded in Roman times, and throughout its existence it served one role - a port, be it for the city of Erice, or for the entire Mediterranean Sea. Tuna was caught on a large scale and it was also known as a salt exporter. Today, salines (reservoirs for salt crystallization) with windmills are one of the attractions of the area. The abundance of birds, which chose the salt-saturated area for their home, add to their charm.

Peaceful holiday in Sicily

Tourists who went on a trip to Trapani by their own car can leave it in the free parking lot in the very center, on Via Francesco Crispi. Next to it there is Villa Margherita, a beautiful park, often visited by young people and children during the summer season. After traversing it, we will enter the area of the old town, full of tenement houses where it is pleasant to hang your eyes for longer, as well as rich baroque churches.

trapani-pppspics-wwwflickrcom-cc-byjpg

Sooner or later, we will finish visiting Trapani on the seashore, to which most roads lead. The historic center attracts visitors as much as the port district, but it is worth remembering that this is not a city for the average tourist, focused on staying in a lively Italian resort. It is a perfect place for someone who has already been to such resorts and found out that they prefer the peace so characteristic of the inhabitants of the island. People living in this area of Sicily are kind to tourists, modest as well as devout. They are in no rush. In the morning, the narrow streets of the old town are filled with the aroma of freshly baked croissants. It is worth turning into an early riser and walking straight to the bar after waking up - there is a reward in the form of a croissant and a thick espresso that will make even the most sleepy person on their feet. While sipping coffee, you can discreetly observe the inhabitants, sipping hot drink from their cups and reading the press without rushing. We often get the impression that they are watching us - many of them visit the same bars and are familiar with the staff, which will make "strangers" noticeable.

A day with a seafood flavor

The buildings in Trapani are a combination of the influences of European and African civilization. However, during a longer stay, we will notice that all the elements fit together, creating a coherent whole - a traditional Italian town (with a few accents from another continent). We will certainly pay attention to the food, because the cuisine in Trapani , based on fish and seafood, is characterized by exquisite taste, aroma and appearance. Fresh fish can be bought from fishermen from 8 to approx. 13, then the fish market becomes empty. During the siesta time, the streets of the old town are also depopulated to come back to life in the evening. The squares, the more important buildings, are then beautifully illuminated, and you can hear a buzz from everywhere. Compared to this district, the newer part of the resort is not a great attraction for the tourist-esthete, but it has a big advantage - a wide, sandy beach.

camping-rais-gerbi-5jpg

Camping near Cefalù

People traversing this part of the Sicilian coast will have something to remember. Going east from Trapani we will reach Erice, then to Castellammare del Golfo nestled between the rocks, with a port where fishermen sell freshly caught fish straight from the barge tables, and finally to the cultural, economic and tourist capital of Sicily - Palermo, which can be reached in less than 2 hours. Then Bagheria, Termini Imerese and Cefalù await, behind which Village & Camping Rais Gerbi is just a few km away. The great advantage of the camping is the number of beds for tourists who prefer a caravanning vacation - there are more than 200 pitches, most of which have access to electricity and water. You can spend the night here in a tent, as well as in a caravan or camper. The location in the beautiful part of the Tyrrhenian coast guarantees peace and quiet as well as close contact with nature.

Trapani is not the only tuna – image 1
Trapani is not the only tuna – image 2
Trapani is not the only tuna – image 3
Trapani is not the only tuna – image 4
Ken.G
Ken.G

A writer by profession, a passion of a cat. One day he will see what is behind the Urals - good to Vladivostok. So far, when he can, he enjoys the sun of the countries of southern Europe. And it's also fun;)

Also read

The taste of apples at Lago di Ledro – image 1
Places to visit
The taste of apples at Lago di Ledro
People who like variety will fall in love with Trentino Alto Adige. It is a region in the north-eastern part of Italy, bordering two other Italian regions and two countries: Austria and Switzerland. Its location translates into a huge number of tourist attractions and a varied cuisine, richly drawing on the influence of its neighbors. If Italy, especially Trento, then polenta. It is usually served baked (smacafam), with bacon or sausage. Cheeses are an important element of the local cuisine, produced in most alpine valleys and chapels. Those interested in new flavors should try the mild Pustertaler, the spicy Graukäse, and if they like goat's milk products, then also the Ziegenkäse. When someone plans a vacation in Italy in terms of culinary experiences, they will quickly find out that Trentino-South Tyrol is the perfect destination for gourmands. The region is famous for apples, which are a frequent ingredient of dishes. It is worth getting to know the taste of the local strudels and the so-called Apfelküchel, pancakes a bit like donuts and a little pancakes. Local soups are nutritious, thick and difficult to digest - with a base of pork, potatoes or tripe. Meat is eaten a lot, ranging from poultry, through beef and venison, to trout and rabbit. Alto Adige boasts Speck dell'Alto Adige , a pork belly on the bone, dried and smoked in small artisanal factories in the Venosta Valley. It is protected by the IGP mark, and in regional restaurants it is served as a snack or appetizer, with dark bread or rice bread. When talking about the kitchen, the wine must not be forgotten. Red wines predominate in the region, but the most famous are white wines, including Sylvaner, Müller Thurgau and Gewürztraminer. They are distinguished by an unusual aroma and lightness.