Discover Trapani by boat
Located at the tip of western Sicily, Trapani is a small coastal town, and a gateway to the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Aegadian Islands. Its economy relies on the salt, coral and canned tuna trade. It’s also an important ferry port with links to the Egadi Islands, France, Sardinia and Tunisia.
Trapani initially flourished during the Crusades, as one of the most important ports. It is interesting to visit for its Baroque architecture, its many churches and art museums.
If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss the Stragusto Gastronomic Festival.
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Trapani?
The price of a boat rental in Trapani depends on the type of boat, the duration of the rental, the location, and any extras available to add on. Extras can include snorkeling equipment, SUPs, watersports equipment…
A boat hire in Trapani costs around €390/ day. Prices vary between €129 and €1,738.
How much does it cost to charter a skippered yacht in Trapani?
In Trapani, you can expect to pay between €69 and €173 per day for a skipper, when the skipper is not offered. Having a skipper aboard is great to ensure a seamless, hassle-free charter experience. The skipper is most probably local, so can share local tips and favorite spots with you.
Where to sail in Trapani?
Trapani is a great base to explore Western Sicily and the Aegadian Islands.
Favignana island
Favignana is the largest of the 5 Egadi islands. It’s perfect for a relaxed couple of days, exploring the town centre, and enjoying its best beaches, including Cala Azzurra and Cala Rossa. Isola Galeotta, just to the south of Favignana, is a diving paradise, with schools of fish and very diverse wildlife to observe.
And for a great evening, climb to Santa Catarina castle to watch the sunset.
Levanzo island
Sail along Levanzo’s rocky shores to appreciate the untouched beauty of this island. The smallest of the Egadi Islands, Levanzo makes up for it with its little white and blue houses set in the rocks. There are no vehicles on the island, so follow the coastal path to discover many Prehistoric caves. In particular, the Grotta del Genovese is accessible by a small path on the mountainside, or by sea.
Islo di Marettimo
Marettimo is the furthest and most mysterious of the islands. Its small village is where you’ll spend a peaceful and very quiet night. Hike up to Monte Falcona, at a height of 686m, and appreciate the rare flora of the island. Or sail around the island to the Castello di Punta Troia.
Zingaro Nature Reserve
Further up the coast from Trapani is the Zingaro Nature Reserve. It's Sicily’s first nature reserve, of the more than 70 today. Sail along the 7km of coastline to appreciate the impressive rocky coastline punctuated by small palm trees and Mediterranean shrubs. Anchor in some of the stunning coves where you can take a dip.
Marsala
If you sail down the coast of Sicily, you’ll arrive at Marsala. You might have heard of this town for its famous Marsala wine. The production of wine is a big part of the town’s economy, as is the growing tourism industry.
Sail through the Stagnore Nature Reserve, a wide lagoon in the middle of which the ancient city of Motya is located.
Stroll through the streets of Marsala, lined with Baroque buildings, churches and prestigious palazzos.
What season is the best to rent a boat in Trapani?
The best time to sail in Sicily is from late spring to early autumn. The prevailing winds are the Mistral wind, coming in from the northwest, and the Sirocco wind from the southeast.
However, with a higher demand for boats during the summer, rental prices tend to be higher at that time.
What is the capacity of boats in Trapani?
In Trapani, you’ll find boats that can accommodate up to 30 people. There are also smaller boats for smaller groups, of less than 6 people, for example.