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Discover Marsala and Surroundings

Marsala: A Sicilian Gem 

Marsala is a charming town located on the western coast of Sicily, Italy. It is known for its rich history, stunning coastline, and of course, its world-famous Marsala wine. Here's a comprehensive guide for visitors on what to do, see, and eat in Marsala:

History of Marsala

Marsala has a long and fascinating history. It was founded by the Phoenicians in the 4th century BC and was later ruled by the Romans, Arabs, and Normans. The town's most famous moment came in 1860 when Giuseppe Garibaldi landed in Marsala with his army of Redshirts, marking the start of the unification of Italy.

Local Products of Marsala

Marsala is most famous for its fortified wine, which is produced in a variety of styles, from dry to sweet. The town is also home to a number of other local products, including olive oil, seafood, and couscous.

What to do in Marsala

• Visit the Marsala wineries: No trip to Marsala would be complete without a visit to one of the town's many wineries. Here, you can learn about the history of Marsala wine and sample some of the different varieties. Some of the most popular wineries include Florio, Donnafugata, and Pellegrino.
• Explore the historic centre: Marsala's historic centre is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, lined with Baroque churches and palaces. Be sure to visit the Marsala Cathedral, the Palazzo VII Aprile, and the Porta Garibaldi.
• Relax on the beach: Marsala is home to a number of beautiful beaches, where you can relax and soak up the Mediterranean sun. Some of the most popular beaches include Lido Signorino, Punta Tramontana, and Spiaggia di San Teodoro.
• Take a boat trip to the Egadi Islands: The Egadi Islands are a group of three small islands located just off the coast of Marsala. They are a popular destination for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. You can take a ferry or a boat tour from Marsala to the islands.
• Visit the Saline di Marsala: The Saline di Marsala are a series of salt pans that have been used for centuries to produce salt. They are a beautiful and unique landscape, and they are home to a number of different species of birds. You can take a tour of the Saline and learn about the history of salt production in Marsala.

What to see in Marsala

• The Marsala Cathedral: The Marsala Cathedral is a beautiful Baroque church that was built in the 17th century. It is located in the heart of the historic centre and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Marsala.
• The Regional Archaeological Museum: The Regional Archaeological Museum Baglio Anselmi is home to a collection of artefacts from the ancient city of Lilybaeum, which was located on the site of modern-day Marsala, it is the only museum in the world that houses a Punic ship, preserved from its original era to the present day, and therefore the object of curiosity and study by visitors and historians from all over the world. The museum is a great place to learn about the history of Marsala and the surrounding area.
• The Garibaldi Museum: The Garibaldi Museum is dedicated to the history of Giuseppe Garibaldi and his role in the unification of Italy. The museum is located in the Palazzo Municipale and is a must-see for anyone interested in Italian history.
• The Museo degli Arazzi Fiamminghi: The Museo degli Arazzi Fiamminghi is home to a collection of Flemish tapestries that were donated to the city of Marsala in the 18th century. The tapestries are beautiful and intricate, and they are a testament to the rich history of Marsala.
• Marsala Archaeological Park, the area known as Insula Romana.
• Palazzo Senatorio or Palazzo VII Aprile.
• Porta Garibaldi, the ancient entrance to the city that owes its name to the fact that the Hero of the Two Worlds entered Marsala precisely from here, after the Landing of the Thousand.
  

What to eat in Marsala

• Busiate con pesto alla trapanese: Busiate is a type of pasta that is typical of the Trapani region. It is often served with a pesto made from almonds, tomatoes, and basil.
• Couscous alla trapanese: Couscous is a popular dish in Sicily, and it is often served with a fish or seafood stew. 
• Seafood: Marsala is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood. There are a number of restaurants in the town that serve a variety of seafood dishes.
• Marsala wine: Of course, no trip to Marsala would be complete without trying the local wine. Marsala wine is a fortified wine that is produced in a variety of styles, from dry to sweet. It is often served as an aperitif or dessert wine.

What's near Marsala

Marsala is located close to a number of other popular tourist destinations in Sicily, including: