Things To Do in Trapani & Trapani Airport Layover Ideas

Sicily’s rugged beauty is truly unique, so if you find yourself with a layover on one of the island’s airports, take a little time to explore Italy’s southernmost gem. Here are some suggestions near TPS Trapani Airport:

Museum of Prehistory & the Sea

Museo di Preistoria e del Mare is sited inside the seventeenth-century Tower of Ligny, the lighthouse that sits out on the spit in the old part of town. The museum has two sections: the preserved prehistoric artifacts from the territory of Trapani (archaeological section) and objects discovered in the seabed: amphorae, anchors, ornaments of ancient Greek, Roman and Punic (sea section). The most significant piece is a helmet shell, dating from the first Punic War (241 BC). Visitors are also allowed out on the roof to enjoy the stunning views and splendid panorama of the Gulf of Trapani, overlooked by Mount Erice.

The Salt Museum

A fully working salt pan and mill until the 1964 floods, the Museo del Sale is a semi-working museum that informs visitors about the age old Trapani tradition of salt production and refining. Preserved equipment and exhibitions depict how the job was done before the arrival of modern machinery. Attached is a small restaurant that makes use of the salt in its recipes.

Visit the Basilica

The magnificent Basilica-Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Annunziata (also called Madonna di Tràpani) originally built in 1315-1332 and rebuilt in 1760. It houses a marble statue of the Madonna of Tràpani, which might be the work of Nino Pisano, the famous Italian Scuptor.

Head for the Beach

Lido San Giuliano beach lies about a 20 minute walk from the busy city centre. It features a couple of bars, changing rooms, sun-loungers, umbrellas and lifeguard service. Parking is Pay & Display during peak months alongside the main road, if you rent a car.

Tip: The city is renowned for its Easter procession, I Misteri, when the town's guilds parade a groups of sculpted 17th century and 18th century religious statues through the streets in a procession lasting for 16 hours on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Take note if you are traveling during the Easter period.

As always, make sure you leave plenty of time to get back to TPS Trapani Airport and clear security in time for your connecting flight. Enjoy your transit city rather than whiling away the time leaning up against your luggage in the departures lounge.