Trapani is not the only tuna

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.

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 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.