Riserva Naturale Saline di Trapani e Paceco

Western Sicily


Administered by the World Wildlife Fund, this nature reserve protects 1000 hectares of saline (salt pans), divided into two zones, extending from Trapani's southern outskirts to the hamlet of Saline Grande, south of Nubia. Look for a small hut, a few kilometres south of Trapani, on your left along the SP21.

With advance notice, WWF guides can sometimes offer free two-hour tours of the reserve, focusing on migratory waterfowl, on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from February to May and from September to November, or accompanying visitors to observe the salt harvest from July to September. Phone or email at least two weeks ahead to check availability.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Western Sicily attractions

1. Museo Nazionale Pepoli

1.8 MILES

Tucked away in the atmospheric cloister of a 14th-century Carmelite monastery, this wonderful decorative-arts museum dating from 1906–08 houses the…

2. Chiesa di Santa Maria del Gesù

1.99 MILES

In the historic centre, this 16th-century Catalan-Gothic church safeguards the exquisite Madonna degli Angeli (Madonna of the Angels), a glazed terracotta…

3. Villa Margherita

2.02 MILES

Trapani's majestic central park, first laid out in 1878, is a relaxing spot to lounge in the shade of centurion trees, admire and learn about dozens of…

4. Palazzo Senatorio

2.09 MILES

Dating to 1672 and designed by famed Trapanese architect Andrea Palma, this three-tiered baroque palazzo dominates the eastern end of pedestrianised Corso…

5. Palazzo Fardella Fontana

2.12 MILES

This golden-hued 18th-century palace – today a local government building so only viewable from the exterior – is one of Trapani's finest examples of…

6. Palazzo Riccio di Morana

2.12 MILES

One of Trapani's most admired historic buildings, this 16th- to 18th-century palazzo (mansion) enjoys a creamy neoclassical facade and many an admiring…

7. Chiesa Anime Sante del Purgatorio

2.16 MILES

Just off the corso in the heart of the city, this church houses the impressive 18th-century misteri, 20 life-sized wooden effigies depicting the story of…

8. Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

2.18 MILES

The huge Cattedrale di San Lorenzo has a baroque facade and stuccoed interior. Constructed in 1421, the cathedral was modified dramatically over the…