The 14 unmissable Sicilian tuna nets: a journey through history and the sea

6. Tonnara di Bonagia (Valderice, Trapani)

Sicilian tuna nets: The Tonnara di Bonagia is located on the north-western coast of Sicily, in the municipality of Valderice, near Trapani. Founded in the 13th century, this tonnara is one of the oldest and best-preserved in Sicily and is now a structure of great historical and cultural value. Restored and converted into an elegant hotel, the tonnara retains a small museum housing original fishing and tuna processing equipment.

History and Architecture

Tonnara played an important role in the medieval period and in modern times, becoming one of the main centres for tuna fishing along the Trapani coast. For centuries, it was one of the tuna nets owned by the Florios, a family that boosted Sicilian fishing and the tuna processing industry. The structure still has its main historical features: the warehouses for nets and tools, the ‘death chamber’ used during the mattanza, and the watchtower to observe the passage of tuna.

With the decline of industrial tuna fishing, the Tonnara di Bonagia stopped operating, but was later restored and converted into a charming hotel. The restoration has kept many of the original features intact, making the structure a living museum of Sicilian fishing tradition.

What To Do and See

• Tonnara Museum : Located within the hotel, the museum displays historical equipment and photographs, with a section dedicated to the tradition of tuna fishing.
• Sighting Tower: This tower was used to monitor the arrival of tuna shoals; today it offers a panoramic view of the bay.
• Dining experience: The hotel has a restaurant that serves Sicilian dishes and fresh fish specialities, offering a fine dining experience.

Where to Eat

1. La Tonnara di Bonagia Restaurant – Medium – Distance from the Tonnara 0 Km
   Hotel restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine and tuna specialities, with a unique atmosphere given by the view of the bay
   • .hoteltonnaradibonagia.it
2. Osteria di Venere – Economical – Distance from the Tonnara 2.5 Km
   Osteria located in the centre of Valderice, with simple and genuine dishes of the local tradition
   • .Search on the map “Osteria di Venere, Valderice”.
3. Ristorante Panorama – Medio – Distance from the Tonnara 2 Km
   Restaurant with a panoramic terrace offering a splendid view and Sicilian dishes
   • .Search on the map “Ristorante Panorama, Valderice”

Where to Sleep

1. Hotel Tonnara di Bonagia – Luxury – Distance from the Tonnara 0 Km
   Luxurious hotel inside the historic tonnara, with refined rooms and an exclusive atmosphere
   • .hoteltonnaradibonagia.it
2. Hotel Baglio Santacroce – Medium – Distance from the Tonnara 4,2 Km
   Rustic hotel with large gardens, situated on a hill overlooking the gulf
   • .Search on the map “Hotel Baglio Santacroce, Valderice”.
3. B&B da Clelia – Economical – Distance from the Tonnara 5 Km
   Small and cosy B&B a few minutes from the tonnara, with comfortable rooms
   • .Search on the map “B&B da Clelia, Valderice”

What to see in the surroundings

1. Erice: A beautiful medieval village situated on a hill, with a breathtaking view of the coast
   • .Coordinates: 38.0382° N, 12.5856° E
2. Monte Cofano Nature Reserve: An ideal natural area for trekking and diving, with trails and coves
   • .Coordinates: 38.0777° N, 12.6278° E
3. Trapani: The city of the two seas, with historic salt pans, windmills and the characteristic old town
   • .Coordinates: 38.0189° N, 12.5146° E

The Tonnara di Bonagia is an ideal destination for those wishing to discover the history of tuna fishing in Sicily, without forgoing modern comforts and a natural setting of great beauty. Among the island’s historic tuna fisheries, it is one of the best preserved and offers a unique experience.