Western Sicily is famous for its long, sun-drenched beaches — but just beyond the sandy coastline lies a world that many travellers never see. Trapani and its surrounding islands are home to some of Sicily’s richest natural reserves: marine sanctuaries where the Mediterranean is at its clearest, protected coastal trails untouched by development, and ancient salt landscapes that glow pink and gold at sunset.
Over the years, our Classic Sicily travellers have consistently described this region as “the Sicily we weren’t expecting” — wild, quiet, authentic, and deeply beautiful. This guide brings together the reserves our experts know best and the experiences our guests have treasured.
Zingaro Nature Reserve — Where Coastline and Wilderness Collide
Zingaro is Sicily’s first protected reserve and still one of its greatest triumphs. Stretching between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo, it offers a rare Mediterranean coastline free from roads, bars, or concrete.
What our clients love:
The combination of hiking and swimming — scenic trails leading to hidden coves.
Private boat access to the most beautiful inlets without the crowds.
Water so clear that guests often describe it as “Caribbean, but wilder.”
Classic Sicily insight:
We often arrange morning private boat departures so travellers can enjoy Zingaro’s cala beaches before they become busy. This has become one of the highest-rated experiences among our west-coast itineraries.
Monte Cofano Reserve — A Quieter, More Dramatic Alternative
If Zingaro is iconic, Monte Cofano is intimate. With fewer visitors and wider, gentler paths, this reserve offers sweeping sea views framed by a towering limestone headland.
What our clients love:
Peaceful walking trails ideal for families or travellers wanting a slower pace.
Dramatic scenery without long or technical hikes.
Golden-hour photography — Monte Cofano is breathtaking at sunset.
Classic Sicily insight:
Many clients say Monte Cofano was “the unexpected highlight,” especially those who prefer nature without the bustle. We frequently time this visit for late afternoon to catch the warm, amber light.
Saline di Trapani e Paceco — A Landscape of Salt, Windmills & Flamingos
The Trapani Salt Pans feel almost unreal: wide open pools reflecting the sky, centuries-old windmills, and flamingos picking quietly through shallow water. It is one of the most serene places in western Sicily.
What our clients love:
The pink-gold sunsets — a photographer’s dream.
The calm, meditative atmosphere.
Learning about traditional salt harvesting with one of our local guides.
Aperitivo with a view of the windmills — a moment past travellers always rave about.
Classic Sicily insight:
We know the quietest spots for sunset, well away from the tour buses, and pair this visit perfectly with nearby Stagnone Lagoon.
Stagnone Lagoon & Mozia — Nature and Ancient Civilisations Intertwined
Stagnone is one of Sicily’s most intriguing natural environments — a shallow lagoon that changes colour with the light, dotted with tiny islands and rich in birdlife. At its centre sits Mozia, once a powerful Phoenician settlement.
What our clients love:
A private, slow boat crossing to Mozia — peaceful, scenic, atmospheric.
Exploring the island’s archaeological paths in near silence.
Seeing wildlife and ancient history co-existing in one protected space.
Paddleboarding in the calm waters of the lagoon.
Classic Sicily insight:
We often suggest combining Stagnone and the salt pans in a single afternoon with a private driver — our travellers love the contrast of colour and landscape.
Egadi Islands Marine Reserve — Sicily’s Clearest Waters
Just off the coast of Trapani lie the Egadi Islands: Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo. They form one of Europe’s largest marine reserves and offer some of the most unspoilt swimming anywhere in the Mediterranean.
What our clients love:
A private boat day hopping between coves, caves, and untamed coastlines.
Exceptional snorkelling — visibility often reaches 30 metres.
Lunch at small seaside trattorie where the catch is served the same morning.
Marettimo’s dramatic sea caves and ultrablue water.
Classic Sicily insight:
For many of our guests, the Egadi boat day becomes “the best day of the entire trip.”We tailor the route to match sea conditions, photography interests, or swimming ability.
Plan Your Wild Western Sicily Escape
Our team knows these reserves intimately — the quiet trails, the best swimming coves, the friendliest boat captains, and the hidden trattorie where you’ll feel like a local. For travellers seeking landscapes that remain truly untouched, Trapani is the perfect place to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.
Ready to discover Sicily beyond the beaches?
Contact us to design your private west-coast nature itinerary.
At Classic Sicily, we design tailor-made tours combining culture, comfort, and authenticity. Whether you want a one-day escape or a full itinerary across the island, we’ll create it around your interests.
Mario Fortini
Honeymoon trips, family trips, heritage holidays and all inclusive luxury vacations to Italy are my expertise and what I have a strong passion for. I offer my in depth knowledge of Italy’s 20 regions and over 150 incredible sites of interest the Italian traveller looking for custom tours, unique experiences in a luxury and stress free environment
Sicily unfolds its culinary treasures in vivid detail. Picture biting into arancini, the crispy exterior yielding to a warm embrace of creamy rice and savory delights. Wander through bustling markets, where the aroma of the sea intermingles with the fragrance of fresh produce. Don’t miss the sweet symphony of cannoli, a delightful Sicilian treat filled with rich ricotta goodness.Venture further into the island’s gastronomic wonders, savoring the icy delight of granita on a sun-drenched afternoon. Whether it’s the zesty allure of lemon or the bold richness of almond, each spoonful is a refreshing revelation.
Mario was great to work! We worked through the initial planning process then several iterations of replanning throughout COVID. Mario was very flexible through it all!
Very helpful, responsive, and knowledgeable.
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