A tour of the Western Sicily it is something that remains in the heart: less traveled, perhaps, than the eastern part (from which it stands out for its more marked Arab heritage), the western area is characterized by the heterogeneity of the cultural stratifications that have occurred here. You can fly on Trapani o Palermo (the latter also well connected by ferries) and, from here, start the tour.
On all locations, it is noted San Vito lo Capo, with its Caribbean sea, the characteristic whitewashed houses and its traditional September Cous Cous Fest: an Italic outpost of Tunisian culture, San Vito lo Capo teaches how to re-read the traditional Maghrebi dish in an island key, where the terracotta tagine is converted in the actual pot, always in terracotta. San Vito lo Capo is also one of the two extremes, together with Scopello, of the Zingaro Nature Reserve, a sort of coastal path that winds through headlands, coves and coves and that will give you unforgettable views.
The Tonnara of Scopello, overlooking one of the most suggestive small bays in all of Sicily, is the "low" counterpart of "High Scopello", which is articulated around a beam of rare beauty, animated by local craft markets and tables of outdoor cafes and restaurants. From San Vito lo Capo you can also reach the magnificent ones Salt pans of Trapani with the characteristic mills, where I recommend you to taste the typical Spigola al Sale (... some mills are also restaurants) and to sip an aperitif in the evening (if you have a lucky sunset, you will see the colors of the sky reflected in the ponds of the salt flats); or, again, you can decide to go up to Erice, famous for the weaving of "rags" and for its magnificent village.
From Trapani you can also take a ferry in the direction of the splendid and reserved ones Egadi islands (Favignana the best known), or go down towards Marsala, which deserves not only for the historical references and for the wine, but also for the scenic old town. When traveling along the coast road in this direction, do not forget to take the excursion to the island of San Pantaleo (Mozia), where the famous Efebo is kept.
The tour of western Sicily would not be complete without the visit to the two archaeological areas of greatest interest for the exceptional state of conservation of the buildings: I refer to the temples of Segesta and Selinunte. If Segesta is characterized by the hilly setting (it is recommended to see it in spring!), Selinunte, a happy oasis in the squalor of the neighboring towns, represents one of the largest archaeological parks on the area that have survived to date; so extensive that, if desired, you can reach the temples by car (…). The stretch of coastal road from Mazara del Vallo winds towards Selinunte is spectacular for the scenery. But, if you are going towards Selinunte and you want to enjoy the view forgetting the urban havoc (... and you are not driving!), Look only to the right, towards the sea and the very close Africa.
