Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE SOUTHWEST
This flat and often windswept corner of Sicily is now solidly on the tourist map, in part
thanks to a surge in low-cost flights to nearby Birgi airport. The elegant town of Marsala,
home to the island's famous fortified wine, is an ideal base for exploring the region. From
here, destinations such as Saline di Trapani, the world-famous archaeological site at Selin-
unte and the multicultural fishing port of Mazara del Vallo are only a short trip away.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Saline di Trapani
Follow the SP21 coastal highway (the Via del Sale or Salt Road) between Trapani and
Marsala and you'll soon find yourself in a flat and featureless landscape of
saline
(shallow
pools), softly shimmering heaps of salt and small decommissioned
mulini
(windmills). The
salt from these marshes is considered the best in Italy and has been big business since the
12th century; now, however, salt production has fallen massively and only a cottage in-
dustry remains, providing for Italy's more discerning dinner tables. The best time to travel
here is in summer, when the sun turns the saltpans rosy pink and makes the salt heaps glint.
In winter, the heaps are covered with tiles and plastic tarpaulins to keep out the rain and are
nowhere near as picturesque.
Sights & Activities
The most attractive stretch of coast, where the saltpans glitter undisturbed by modern con-
struction, is protected within the
Riserva Naturale di Stagnone
and the
Riserva Naturale Saline di
Trapani e Paceco
(
www.salineditrapani.it
)
. These wetland preserves encompass the Stagnone Islands
(Isole delle Stagnone) - one of which is home to the noted archaeological site of Mozia -
as well as the long arm of Isola Lunga, which protects the shallow waters of the lagoon.
Mozia
Located on the tiny island of San Pantaleo, ancient Mozia (also known as Motya or
Mothia) was one of the Mediterranean's most important Phoenician settlements. Estab-
lished in the 8th century BC and coveted for its strategic position, Mozia is today the
world's best-preserved Phoenician site.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
