Port of call Trapani

So here we are in Trapani, i wanted to let you know a little bit more about this beautiful town so here we go..

Over the past few years Trapani’s port has opened its doors to small cruise ships, It isn’t in many itineraries but cruise lines are becoming more and more interested in stopping here. The choices are a real mixed bag with cruise lines like Thomson, Silversea, Windstar, Fred Olsen, Seabourn, Voyages of Antiquity, Oceania, Azamara.

The best thing about Trapani is that if you want a quick visit of the city you don’t have to travel for miles, this is because the port is at the heart of the city. Who says you have to be on a River cruise to have this privilege.

As soon as you step off your cruise ship you go through the gates part of the fenced area of the port. From here just cross the road and enter the street where you’ll find small boutiques, designer shops, bars and restaurants as well churces and squares. The facades of most buildings are very ornate so remember to keep looking up. These traffic free streets tend to be busy with tourists and locals who would go for a “passeggiata” an Italian social gathering of people who have a stroll around the streets of the town centre. It’s a shame no ship stays until late or overnight since the town centre really becomes lively, the place to be where you can enjoy a few drinks in a lovely atmosphere

Carry on walking for approximately 500 yards and turn left onto Corso Vittorio Emanuele, further up on your right you’ll find the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, even if you are not into churches this deserves a visit. Here you can admire the stucco and paintings commissioned by the most established artists of the city of the 17th Century.

Proceed further on and turn next right and keep going straight on cross the road and climb the steps that take you to the wall of the city, recently revamped by the local council. Have a walk along the wall to admire the scenery. The picture on the left shows you the extreme point of the west coast of Sicily. To the right you exit the wall end enter Via Garibaldi and have a wonder round the small city streets.

On the way back to the ship, find time to stop for an ice cream. Ice cream is one of the culinary delights and a local tradition, you will find a myriad of ice cream parlours or bars serving granitas, there are several flavours but lemon is always the best. These are always freshly made on site.

If you fancy a cruise that takes you to Sicily feel free to contact me