Riserva Naturale Saline Trapani e Paceco: Salt Pans at Sunset

Riserva Naturale Saline Trapani e Paceco covers the territory between the cities of Trapani and Paceco. Trapani salt pans are one of the most charming places in Sicily. Italian WWF takes care of these 986 hectares of natural beauty. If you are planning a Sicily full tour or if you are just in the western part of Sicily don’t miss this magical place. Riserva Naturale Saline Trapani e Paceco is also a place for romantic people. Here you can enjoy some of the most stunning sunsets in Sicily. Whether you choose to enjoy the view listening to the sounds of nature or choosing the best songs for sunsets, you won’t forget the beauty of this sunset.

While the sun peeps over the sea until it disappears bodies of water change their colors: pink, orange, red, golden yellow. You can enjoy the view of Egadi Islands in the background (Favignana, Levanzo) and also Erice.

Riserva Naturale Orientata Saline di Trapani e Paceco sunset colors

Walking along the canals of the salt pans of Trapani, the only sounds you can listen to are those of the waves and seagulls. Trapani “white desert” (I like to give it this name) will enchant you with its windmills and dunes of pyramidal salt covered with tiles. During sunny days the rays that strike the salt crystals will dazzle you.

Riserva Naturale Orientata Saline di Trapani e Paceco windmill

Riserva Naturale Saline Trapani e Paceco is a nature reserve since 1995. Here birds circle over the dunes to rest during migration to and from Africa or to nest. There are flamingos, peregrine falcons, etc. It is easy to see Kingfisher and Osprey outbursts catching their preys. Limonium (sea lavander) and the Salicornio grow on the banks. You can also find the Teia Dubia, a small butterfly, which finds here its natural habitat. Female Teia Dubia has no wings and only lives at Riserva Naturale Saline Trapani and Paceco and in the Riserva dello Stagnone of Marsala.

Riserva Naturale Orientata Saline di Trapani e Paceco

The entrance to the reserve is free,but you can also choose to visit it with a guide tour by reservation (you can only book on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday). Guided tours are free too! A guided tour will let you discover first the Visitor Center. The guide will introduce the excursion and then you will hike along the trail to watch the birds and and flora. My advice is to wear comfy footwear and to take binoculars with you. To reserve your tour send an email at salineditrapani@wwf.it or call 0923/867700. More info here. You can buy Cuordisale salt,which is produce just in Trapani salts.

TIP: I recommend a guided tour only if you are curious about flora and fauna. Otherwise you can easily visit Saline Trapani e Paceco by yourself. Then, if you wish to experience the thrill of waking up with the view of the salt pans, B&B Casolare Saline offers rooms with a good quality/price ratio (double from €60), overlooking the sea and the windmills.

You can reach other amazing destinations from here like Erice, Trapani, Marsala and Mothia.

Now tell me. Don’t you think Saline Trapani e Paceco are a magical place? 🙂

Salva