On the Sicilian Salt Trail

Travelling along the salt routes of Trapani gives you a unique perspective into the lives of the local people who lived on this western part of the island and is full of evocative natural beauty that touches the senses of those who visit.

Visiting the hilltown of Erice and look down on the salt lakes and they appear like a chess board underneath you as the light makes the colours fluctuate between purple, ruby red, vermillion and blue. Returning to sea level, the best way to really experience the ‘Via del Sale’ (Salt Road) is to take the road between Trapani and Marsala choosing whatever form of transport takes your fancy.

Now the salt lakes appear as small mountains with restored windmills, which as one time were used to power the water pumps and salt machinery, appearing like symbols of a past technology that carry the hallmark of the Phoenician times. Today many of the old salt works have been restored and have become museums. The best time to come is spring when the daises, chrysanthemums and other local flowers are in bloom along the edges of the water, created a stunning multicoloured display.

As you continue along the road you will come across a jetty where you can take a boat trip across the Lagoon of Stagnone, the largest in Sicily, which extends between Trapani and Marsala and connects with the open sea towards the mouths of the Tramontana and Ponente rivers. The Stagnone contains an archipelago of four small islands of which the most interesting is Mozia, reachable by boat or on foot, when the sea level is low enough to cross comfortably (coming just up to ankle height).

The island is just 40 hectares but is filled with history appearing in Greek legends that suggest Hercules suffered the theft of his oxen on the island. The Phoenician people gave the island much importance making it an important commercial base. The island has seen moments of glory but also of conflict, after the last of which the inhabitants left the island and started a new community that is modern day Marsala where we end this salt tour and where we suggest you enjoy a celebratory glass of Marsala and some of the excellent local cous cous.