Discovering Marsala: A Tale of Salt, Wine, and Time

The day begins with a visit to Marsala, so your first stop is the port of Favignana to catch the ferry to Sicily. The ferries depart at specific times, so it's advisable to check the schedule in advance.

The ferry journey to Trapani takes about 30–40 minutes.

On this third day, the itinerary takes you from Favignana to Marsala, to visit the Saline Ettore Infersa.
The salt pans of Marsala have an ancient history, with the earliest basins dating back to the Phoenician settlements more than 2000 years ago. They form part of the Natural Reserve of the Stagnone Islands, which in the past was a crucial hub for maritime trade between the East and West.
Salt has been one of the most significant contributors to the development of Sicily's economy, particularly in this region and around Trapani, where the beautiful salt fields are still visible today.
The Saline Ettore Infersa also offers various experiences, in addition to guided tours of the site and the windmill. These include tasting sessions of different salts. You can explore the options and book your preferred experience on their official website.

Given that you've been travelling for a couple of days, you might need to recharge your vehicle. Make sure to stop at this charging station. Type: CCS/SAE 1 station, 1 plug Power: 75 kW

While your vehicle charges, take the opportunity to grab a bite at the nearby Pizza Pazza. Renowned for its classic Sicilian wood-fired pizzas, this pizzeria offers a menu that caters to all tastes. Whether you're a fan of the timeless Margherita or prefer more unconventional toppings, Pizza Pazza is sure to satisfy any pizza craving.

Once you're done, return to the charging station to pick up your car and continue your journey to the centre of Marsala.

On your return from the salt pans to Marsala city centre, the best approach is to park your car in a parking space near the centre and explore the area on foot.

The first destination on your walking tour is the Marsala Fish Market, a vital hub for the locals. Here, you can not only purchase fresh fish from Stagnone and the Mediterranean but also soak in the evocative atmosphere created by the lively vendors.
Come nightfall, the fish market takes on a different life, transforming into a popular meeting spot for young people. Many gather here to enjoy a drink or dine at one of the numerous bars and restaurants.

Close to the entrance of the market, you will find Porta Garibaldi, one of the city gates of Marsala. It was named in honour of Garibaldi and his Thousand soldiers, who passed through in 1860.
However, the origins of the gate can be traced back to 1685, when it was initially known as the Sea Gate, owing to its position facing the sea.
Constructed by order of the Spanish King and King Carlo II of Sicily, the gate was intended to strengthen the city's defensive system. It was only after Garibaldi's march, which liberated the city and heralded the unification of Italy, that the gate was renamed in his honour.

For the lunch break, the itinerary includes a stop at the restaurant 'La Corte dei Mangioni', located in the historical city centre.
Nestled in the heart of the old Jewish neighbourhood, this quaint eatery is said to be in the birthplace of Marsala wine, according to local history.
The chef offers a menu of simple and traditional flavours, featuring dishes that also narrate the story of the region. You will find a selection of fresh, fish-based dishes, as well as couscous.

Another stop awaits you, rich in history: the Porta Nuova Gate. Constructed in 1790, it replaced an older gate that was nearing collapse.
The result was a majestic portal, crafted in the classical style of the 1500s, with elements reminiscent of a Roman triumphal arch and Baroque flourishes in its decorations.
Within the vault, two inscriptions capture significant moments in history. One bears a message from King Vittorio Emanuele III, marking the beginning of the Second World War, and the other commemorates the victory of General Armando Diaz at the war's end.

This is the main Church of Marsala, the St. Thomas of Canterbury Church.
The church's history begins in the Norman era, having been built around 1176. At that time, the city of Mazara del Vallo dominated maritime trade, leading it to be chosen as a diocese. Consequently, the Church of Marsala lost much of its religious significance.
The expansion and renovation of the building began during the Humanism period, a time of cultural development that saw significant contributions from the local aristocracy. These donations were aimed at transforming the appearance of the church, which had fallen into disrepair following the period of barbarian invasions.

Return to the car park to collect your vehicle and head to your next destination.

After exploring the historical centre, it's time to retrieve your car from the parking area and head to the Florio Wineries.
This winery is one of the oldest in Sicily, renowned for producing Marsala wine. Its origins trace back to 1833 when businessman Vincenzo Florio purchased land near the seaside and established a factory for Marsala wine production.
The Florio family was the first to label this wine as an Italian product and initiated extensive international trade through their fleet of merchant ships. As a result, Marsala became the most popular dessert wine in Europe and even in the United States.
Today, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the winery, wandering among the ancient barrels where the wine was once stored, and participate in a wine tasting, which can be booked through their official website.

After sampling the finest Marsala wines of the region, your route will take you for a stroll along the city's seaside promenade, the Lungomare Boeo, leading you to the most prominent spot on the coast.
For this walk, you can park your car in the nearby Posteggio Salato parking area, where the path begins.

Here you are, having arrived at the extreme western point of Sicily, Capo Lilybeo, also known as Capo Boeo.
This promontory was once the site of the ancient Carthaginian village of Lilibeo, where today you can find the archaeological area and the Archaeological Museum Baglio Anselmi.
The large commemorative obelisk at the centre of the cape chronicles major maritime events from the past, including the Ustica massacre of 1980.

Close to Capo Lilybeo, you will find the perfect restaurant for your dinner stop.
Situated at the point where the Tyrrhenian Sea meets the Sea of Sicily, it offers panoramic views of the Egadi Islands as well. The restaurant prides itself on serving 'zero-kilometre' products, ensuring the freshest fish and traditional dishes from Sicilian cuisine.
One of their specialities is the sea bass tartare with citrus fruit and kiwi zest.

Return to the car park to collect your vehicle, then head towards Mazara del Vallo to spend the night at your hotel.

Your accommodation for the night is the luxurious Suitebeach Resort, aptly named for its location right in front of Mazara's beach.
The resort features rooms with balconies offering seaside views, as well as a garden and a spa area with a whirlpool bath. Additionally, guests can benefit from a free private parking space.