Free walking tours in Marsala and what to see

Must-sees

Marsala occupies the western tip of Sicily, facing the Egadi Islands, on the site of ancient Lilybaeum, founded by the Carthaginians. Its historic centre, with pedestrian streets and pale façades, is easy to walk between Porta Garibaldi and Porta Nuova. On Piazza della Repubblica are the cathedral, dedicated to Saint Thomas Becket, and Palazzo VII Aprile. The town is famous for its fortified wine and for the landing of Garibaldi and the Thousand in 1860.

On Capo Boeo, by the sea, is the Lilybaeum Archaeological Park, with remains of the ancient city and a museum in the Baglio Anselmi that holds the remains of a Punic warship. To the north lies the Stagnone lagoon, a nature reserve of shallow water with salt pans, windmills and the island of Motya, an ancient Phoenician colony with its museum. Visiting one of the town's historic wineries is almost a must.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Marsala. Civitatis offers a wine tasting in the town, a guided visit of the Stagnone salt pans and boat trips to Favignana and Levanzo, in the Egadi Islands. For Motya, boats cross the lagoon from the landing stage opposite the island.

How long to spend

Allow a full day for the historic centre, the archaeological park and a winery. Add half a day for the Stagnone, the salt pans and Motya, ideally at sunset, when the light over the salt pans is special. If you want to go to Favignana or Levanzo, set aside another full day. With three days you can also take in Trapani, Erice or Mazara del Vallo, which are close by.

Where to stay

The historic centre is the best base if you don't have a car: the cathedral, the town gates, the museum and the restaurants are all within walking distance. If you prefer the sea, there are rural houses and hotels by the Stagnone lagoon and on the south coast, quieter but a car is needed. Among the inland vineyards there are plenty of estates converted into rural accommodation.