Romans conquered it in 241 BC. In the 9th century, Saracens claimed it, and three
centuries later, the Normans took it over.
Yacht charter Trapani – the key to your perfect sailing holiday. Find more about this destination: history, sights, climate, how to arrive info etc. Charter a sailingboat, motoryacht, catamaran or gulet and sail away... Trapani awaits you
Location and climate
Trapani is located on the west coast of Sicily. It is the capital of the
Province of Trapani. It is situated 3 metres above sea level and has
a surface of 4000 square metres. Trapani is situated on a low-lying
promontory jutting out into the Mediterranean. Its original name is
Drepanon, from the Greek word for sickle, because of the shape of its
harbour. The surrounding coastal plain is rich with salt deposits.
History and sights
Trapani was founded by the Elymians. Carthage seized it in 260 BC,
and it was the key Carthaginian port during the Punic Wars. The
Romans conquered it in 241 BC. In the 9th century, Saracens claimed
it, and three centuries later, the Normans took it over. During the
Spanish domination, Trapani experienced development and new
urbanization. From the early 18th century to the mid 19th century,
Trapani was ruled by the Sabaudians, the Austrians and the Bourbons.
In World War II, Trapani suffered great damages. The entire district of
Saint Pietro, the oldest part of Trapani, was destroyed.
Much of the old town of Trapani dates from the later medieval or
early modern periods; there are no extant remains of the ancient city.
Today
As in the ancient days, Trapani is still an important port and the
main gateway to the Egadi Islands. It has 69500 inhabitants. Its
economy is largely based upon fishing, winemaking and salt
mining, with tourism growing annually. The city manages to
show its medieval past, though even the oldest parts of the city
have been modernized. It is renowned for its Easter procession,
the Misteri, which lasts for 16 hours.
How to arrive?
By plane
Trapani has a small airport with daily flights to Rome, Milan
and Pantelleria. There are also Ryanair flights to Trapani from
Barcelona and Dublin.
By car or bus
There are frequent buses from Palermo.
By ship
Trapani is a port for ferries and hydrofoils departing to the Egadi
Islands, Levanzo, Favignana and even Tunisia.