Trapani Car Rental

Trapani is a lazy Sicilian jewel that draws far less tourism than its neighboring city, Palermo. It's no less beautiful, though, so if you want to experience Sicily's unpretentious grandeur without the crowds, Trapani deserves to be on your itinerary. From its Western coastline, you can see views of the Aegadian Islands, so you'll want to spend plenty of time on its unspoiled beaches.

Absolute Beach and Lungomare di Tramontana della Citta di Trapani are the city's two most beloved stretches of coastline. The latter provides easy access to Ligny Tower and the Bastion, so arrive on an ambitious day.

You haven't experienced Trapani until you've met a local fishmonger and tasted their wares. The local fish market is a short walk from the beach, providing fresh ingredients and a charming dockside atmosphere. This is the perfect time to experiment with your cooking because the anglers bring in plenty of adventurous options at decidedly attractive prices.

Bastion Conca is an important landmark to visit while you're at the docks. You'll find it along a paved walkway between the fish market and the tower. From here, you can see views of Erice — a historic commune with its own cathedral. It's a 14-minute drive from the city along the SP31, so don't miss it if you have a car or van hire in Trapani.

Ligny Tower is Trapani's most recognized icon. This 14th Century construction ultimately served as an anti-aircraft post in World War Two. It's been turned into a museum that explores the region's prehistoric origins. It has a marine archaeological exhibition as well as artifacts that were found in the nearby Mangiapane caves. Its vistas are as impressive as its interior, so make sure you catch the sunset before you return to your hotel.

Museo Regionale Pepoli will carry you into the Medieval era. It exhibits architectural fragments and sculptures from the 1500s. There are more archaeological exhibits on the top floor. For an altogether different experience, visit the Museum of Illusions. Its exhibits are celebrated among the global skeptics' community. They leverage art, optics, and physics to demonstrate how unreliable your perceptions are. It's a fascinating journey that will change the way you view the world forever.

Trapani has more than its fair share of Baroque facades. The local Jesuit Church is an exquisite example of the architecture and art of the 1600s. The altar was crafted from marble by Ignazio Marabitti. It also has stucco work, an 18th-century chapel and Baroque statues.

Trapani has regular train and bus routes, but this form of travel can be time-consuming. Local taxis are expensive, so car hire is the most economical way to explore the region. The city is accessible via the SS15, SS113 and SS187. If you're traveling in from the north, the SP20 offers a scenic drive along the coast.

Trapani's streets are laid out in a predictable grid, making it easy to navigate, particularly with the coastline to orient you. This is a relatively popular city, so traffic congestion occurs throughout the inner hub. If you're driving in from the east during rush hour, you might want to avoid the highway altogether. The SS113 is by far Trapani's most congested street, with further traffic jams occurring along Giovanni Battista Fardella.

Trapani's historic center is a Limited Traffic Zone. You need a special permit to enter the region, but you can drive freely in other parts of the city. You'll find paid blue-line parking on the outskirts of the ZTL, so you can drop off your vehicle and explore the historic hub on foot. ZTL regulations are constantly changing. It's best to update yourself just before you travel. Even so, most attractions are within walking distance of one another.

Trapani's drivers are notoriously aggressive and will often change lanes sporadically. Defensive driving is thus a necessity. Keep a generous following distance and try to predict the behaviors of other travelers. Fining and roadblocks are common, so make sure you carry the correct documents and stick to the speed limit. Highway speed limits are 130 km/h and secondary road limits are between 90 and 110 km/h. Drive no more than 50 km/h in the inner city.

You'll need to carry an International Driving Permit if you don't hold an EU license. Don't forget to stash your insurance paperwork and passport in your vehicle since they'll be needed when you're stopped at roadblocks.

While some of Trapani's streets are as narrow and steep as those in Syracuse, most of the region's streets are a little easier to traverse. Still, it's practical to rent the smallest car you can find. An automatic will make it easier to navigate the municipality's twisting roads. Potholes are another challenge, so keep your eyes on the road ahead.