Ferry from Trapani to Pantelleria

Trapani Guide

The Italian city of Trapani is located on the island of Sicily and is the capital of the Province of Trapani. The city's history dates back to the Elymians and is an important fishing port and the gateway to the Egadi Islands. Popular attractions in the city include its churches in general and its restored cathedral in particular. The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo was built during the 14th century and underwent a later Byzantine facelift. Also popular in the city is the Chiesa del Purgatorio which contains the sculptures that are carried through the city during its famous Easter procession. On Good Friday these twenty wooden statues, known as the Misteri, are carried through the streets by robed citizens.

Located away from the city centre are the medieval walled hill town of Erice, Marsala which is famous for its wine and the ancient Greek site of Selinunte. Another popular excursion when in Trapani is to visit the nearby Egadi islands which can be reached in around 30 minutes. They are the perfect place to relax, swim, scuba dive or just to potter around.

From Trapani's port, ferries leave for islands like the remote Pantelleria as well as Naples, Cagliari in Sardinia and Tunisia.

Pantelleria Guide

The Italian island of Pantelleria lies to the south of the westernmost tip of Sicily and is actually closer to the coast of Africa than it is to Europe. The island is sometimes referred to as the 'black pearl of the Mediterranean' in reference to its volcanic origins and its name is derived from the Arabic "Bint-al Rion" which means 'Daughter of the Wind'. The island is that largest of all the Sicilian islands and was an important location for the Arab invasion of Sicily in the 8th century AD. Pantelleria is characterised by a rocky coastline that is around 30 miles in length with its interior terrain consisting of lava stone walls, a couple of volcanic peaks and scattered Dammusi. These are houses that were built out of lava stone with domed roofs which also act as a means for collecting water, thanks to their clever design. Their thick stone walls help to keep the interior cool in the summer and provide insulation during the winter.

Ferries, for cars and passengers, from the island's port depart to Trapani (Sicily) and Hydrofoil, for passengers only, to Trapani and Mazara del Vallo.