The province of Trapani, in Sicily, is a veritable treasure chest of historical and natural treasures, including the imposing watchtowers from the Norman and Saracen periods, erected to defend the territory and now silent witnesses of a glorious past.
In this article, we will guide you through a unique Towers Itinerary, exploring five watchtowers located along the picturesque Tyrrhenian coast of the province of Trapani. Prepare to immerse yourself in the history, culture and beauty of this extraordinary land.
1. Scopello Tower: Guardian of the Enchanted Village
Our first stop takes us to the picturesque village of Scopello, where stands the Scopello Tower , a 16th-century watchtower .
- Localizzazione: Contrada Scopello, Castellammare del Golfo (TP)
- Where to eat:
- La Terrazza di ScopelloRestaurant: A restaurant with panoramic sea views, specialising in fresh fish dishes . (Via XXIV Maggio, Scopello – Price range : Medium-High)
- Where to sleep:
- Baglio di Scopello: An ancient baglio transformed into an elegant hotel, immersed in the Sicilian countryside. (Contrada Scopello, Castellammare del Golfo – Price range : High)
- BB Le Macine: A cosy bed and breakfast in the heart of Scopello, a few steps from the tower. (Via Diaz, Scopello – Price range : Medium)
- What else to visit:
- Zingaro NatureReserve : One of the most beautiful protected areas in Sicily, with hiking trails, hidden coves and crystal-clear waters.
- Faraglioni di Scopello: Spectacular rock formations emerging from the sea , ideal for snorkelling or diving.
2. Tower of Bonagia: Sentinel of the Gulf of Castellammare
We continue our Itinerary of the Towers eastwards, reaching the Gulf of Castellammare, where the Bonagia Tower is located. This Norman-era tower, situated on a rocky promontory, offers a spectacular view of the sea and the nearby Tonnara di Bonagia.
- Location: Contrada Bonagia, Valderice (TP)
- Where to eat:
- Ristorante La Tonnara di Bonagia: A historic restaurant located inside the old tuna fishery, specialising in fresh tuna dishes . (Via Bonagia, Valderice – Price range : Medium-High)
- Where to sleep:
- Hotel Baglio Santacroce: An elegant hotel located in an ancient baglio, immersed in the Sicilian countryside. (Contrada Santacroce, Valderice – Price range : High)
- BB Villa Letizia: A cosy bed and breakfast in the centre of Valderice, a short distance from the tower. (Via Garibaldi, Valderice – Price range : Medium)
- What else to visit:
- Erice: A charming medieval village perched on a mountain, with panoramic views of the sea and the Egadi Islands.
- Segesta: An important archaeological site with a well-preserved Doric temple and Greek theatre.
3. Nubia Tower: Lighthouse on the Trapani Coast
Our next stop takes us to Nubia, a hamlet of Paceco, where the Nubia Tower is located. This 16th-century watchtower , located on a hill, offers a panoramic view of the Trapani coast and the salt pans.
- Location: Contrada Nubia, Paceco (TP)
- Where to eat:
- Il Vecchio MulinoRestaurant: A traditional restaurant located in an old mill, specialising in typical Sicilian dishes. (Via Garibaldi, Paceco – Price range : Medium)
- Where to sleep:
- Agriturismo Case Colomba: An agriturismo immersed in the countryside, ideal for those seeking relaxation and contact with nature. (Contrada Colomba, Paceco – Price range : Medium)
- BB Le Saline: A cosy bed and breakfast in the centre of Paceco, a short distance from the salt pans. (Via Mazzini, Paceco – Price range : Medium)
- What else to visit:
- Saline di Trapani e Paceco: A unique landscape characterised by saltwater pools and windmills.
- Salt Museum : A museum that tells the history and techniques of salt production.
4. Saracen Tower of Marausa: Witness of the Ancient Coastal Defence
We continue our Itinerary of the Towers southwards, exploring the Trapani coastline to discover the Saracen Tower of Marausa. This tower, dating from the Arab-Norman period stands just a few steps from the beach and offers an impressive view of the sea.
- Location: Contrada Marausa, Trapani (TP)
- Where to eat:
- Ristorante A Castellana: A family-run restaurant serving traditional Trapani dishes based on fresh fish. (Via Torre di Mezzo, Trapani – Price range : Medium)
- Where to sleep:
- Hotel Baia dei Mulini: A modern hotel with swimming pool and direct access to the beach, located a few kilometres from the tower. (Lungomare Dante Alighieri, Trapani – Price range : Medium-High)
- BB Il Cortile Fiorito: A cosy bed and breakfast in the centre of Trapani, a short distance from the tower. (Via Garibaldi, Trapani – Price range : Medium)
- What else to visit:
- Trapani: A city rich in history and culture, with a charming historic centre and a marina.
- EgadiIslands: An archipelago of unspoilt islands, reachable by ferry from Trapani.
5. Ligny Tower: Lighthouse on the Mediterranean
We conclude our Itinerary of Towers in Trapani, where the Ligny Tower stands, a 17th century watchtower located on an islet connected to the mainland by a bridge.
- Location: Via Torre di Ligny, Trapani (TP)
- Where to eat:
- Ristorante Ai Lumi: An elegant restaurant overlooking the sea, specialising in fresh fish dishes . (Via Conte Agostino Pepoli, Trapani – Price range : High)
- Where to sleep:
- Hotel Vittoria: A historic hotel located in the heart of Trapani, a few steps from the tower. (Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Trapani – Price range : Medium-High)
- BB Le Cupole: A bed and breakfast with a panoramic terrace, located in the historical centre of Trapani. (Via Torrearsa, Trapani – Price range : Medium)
- What else to visit:
- Pepoli RegionalMuseum: A museum housing a rich collection of art and archaeological finds.
- Cathedral of San Lorenzo: A majestic Baroque cathedral located in the historical centre.
Our Itinerary of the Towers ends here, but the journey of discovery in the province of Trapani continues. This beautiful land offers endless possibilities for exploration, including history, culture, nature and gastronomy.
We hope this article has inspired you to embark on an along the Tyrrhenian coast of the province of Trapani, in search of its fascinating watchtowers . Enjoy your trip!