Erice, Trapani Salt Pans
Duration 5 hours approxStarting From 150 € per person
Combined tour of Erice and Trapani Salt Pans
Erice
A charming medieval village perched above the city of Trapani at 751 meters above sea level. It is home to the prestigious Ettore Majorana research center and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. It is especially recommended to visit at sunset, when the view over the salt pans reaches its most breathtaking. Even during summer, bring a light jacket — the temperature is always cooler than on the coast.
Erice offers different emotions in every season: during warm summer days, sunlight floods its cobbled alleys and opens up magnificent views over the valleys and the sea; in winter, wrapped in clouds, the town feels suspended in time, offering a peaceful, almost mythical atmosphere. Surrounded by pine forests, known for its tranquility and local crafts, Erice is truly a special place.
The town is also famous for its traditional sweets called Ericini, created long ago by the nuns of the San Carlo Monastery. These small, colorful pastries are decorated like lace and filled with citron marmalade, following recipes handed down through generations.
Salt Pans of Trapani (Nature Reserve of Nubia – Paceco)
The Trapani and Paceco Salt Pans are a protected natural reserve covering about 1,000 hectares, managed by the WWF. In addition to their scenic and historical value tied to the ancient salt extraction process, they are one of the most important ecosystems in western Sicily for biodiversity, offering refuge to numerous migratory birds such as flamingos.
The salt pans are made up of basins where seawater, pumped in through channels, evaporates naturally under the sun. The process involves several stages in which the water’s density gradually increases until it becomes saturated with salt. At this point, sodium chloride settles on the bottom, forming a compact layer that is then harvested.
During evaporation, the water may take on pinkish hues due to the presence of the micro-algae Dunaliella salina. The salt pans are also home to small crustaceans like Artemia salina and insects such as chironomids, which are essential links in the food chain for the many water birds inhabiting the area. Some former salt pans, no longer in commercial use, have been converted into natural wetlands, becoming popular destinations for birdwatchers and nature tourism.
Excursion Details:
- Duration: About 5 hours.
- Price: Includes up to 3 participants. Additional participants, see booking form prices.
- Notes: Meals, entrance tickets, and guides are not included.
- Booking: Book directly using the form by selecting date, time, and participants.
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