This post is also available in:
Latest update: 3 March 2025
Between Marsala and Trapani lies a coastal route called Via del Sale, or the salt route. This road, the SP21, takes you past salt pans and windmills. There are several stops you can make along the way. In this article, you’ll find the most popular ones.
The salty coast of Sicily
I follow part of the salt route early in the morning on my way from Marsala to the airport to head back home. And for the umpteenth time during this Sicily trip, I think: “If only I had more time here.” In the distance, I spot a windmill and the pink glow of the salt pans, but unfortunately, I don’t have time to stop. Hopefully, you can!
Salt is vital in this region, especially in the past. Here in Sicily, salt is also called “white gold.” The salt coast of Sicily is about 30 kilometers (about 19 miles) long, and salt is still harvested here today. There’s a good chance you’ll come across piles of salt along the SP21. And, of course, you can buy salt at various places. A nice souvenir from your Sicily vacation.
Museo del Sal in Trapani
Directly below the city of Trapani are salt pans with a museum, the Museo del Sal. Here, you’ll learn everything about salt production in Sicily. The most convenient option is to book a guided tour to see the salt pans, get an explanation about salt harvesting, and visit the museum. You can book in advance here.
Saline Ettore e Infersa: salt pans and windmills
If you’d like to see salt pans and windmills up close, try Saline Ettore e Infersa, for example. These are actually two salt pans: those of Ettore and Infersa. It’s a beautiful place where you can learn about salt production in different ways. Book a visit to the windmill, a guided tour, or a tasting, or maybe you’d like to harvest salt yourself as a real salt worker? Check out your options here.
Mamma Caura: salt aperitif
On the grounds of Saline Ettore e Infersa, you’ll also find the restaurant and rooftop bar Mamma Caura – named after the sediment of salt and mud that accumulates in the salt basins: mammacaura. At Mamma Caura, you can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but the aperitif is probably the most popular. At sunset, you’ll have a beautiful view over the salt pans while enjoying a snack and a drink. You can book a simple aperitif on the ground floor or an extensive version on the rooftop. Check the prices.
Isola Lunga: an uninhabited (salt) island
Off the coast of the Stagnone nature park are a few small islands you can visit. On Isola Lunga, you can immerse yourself in salt. Literally, because the wellness program consists of bathing in the pink salt pans. You go to the island by boat, and upon arrival you can bathe in the salt and enjoy good food. Check out the options. View the options.
Tip! Want to do something really special in the Sicilian salt region? How about painting while dipping your feet in a salt pan? Book here.
Sail through the salt pans to Isola di Mozia
Mozia Island is a small island off the coast that you can only reach by taking a boat trip through the salt pans. The island itself is mainly fascinating if you’re into history. Otherwise, it could be a bit of a boring visit, and you might be better off skipping it. Unless, of course, you’d like to take the trip just because you like boat trips. You can buy a ticket for the boat on-site at Mozia Line (here) or Arini & Pugliese (here).
Aperitif at Saline Genna
Closer to Marsala is Saline Genna. Here you can enjoy an “aperifish“: an aperitif with fish dishes. You do need to reserve this well in advance. We go on the spur of the moment from Marsala around sunset. We’re allowed to sit at the back tables for an (expensive!) drink. We pay ten euros (about $11) for an Aperol Spritz, ouch. But that does include a beautiful view. And the tables for the aperifish look really top-notch.
It’s all quite touristy but still attracts Italians too. There’s a wedding party doing an extensive photo shoot when I visit. That must make for beautiful pictures. You can also book a mud bath in the salt pans beforehand, and at the shop, you can inquire about guided tours.
Meer Sicilië inspiratie
Handige links voor je Sicilië trip
- Accommodatie. Altijd handig is Booking.com. Ga je liever voor een hostel? Check HostelWorld.
- Activiteiten. De leukste tours en activiteiten boek je bij GetYourGuide, Klook en Viator. ‘Gratis’ wandeltours boek je bij Freetour of GuruWalk en voor fietstours moet je bij Baja Bikes zijn.
- Attracties en musea. Voor 5% korting op musea en attracties kun je bij Tiqets de kortingscode KIMOPREIS22 gebruiken.
- Autohuur. Ik huur het liefst bij EasyTerra en Sunny Cars vanwege hun all-inclusive / worry-free aanbod. Meer prijzen vergelijken? Dat kan bij Discover Cars.
- Reisgidsen. Ik houd van de praktische gidsen van Lonely Planet, te koop bij onder andere Bol.com en Amazon.
- Simkaart. Pas op voor onverwachte hoge bel- en internetkosten. Koop een lokale simkaart ter plekke of regel er eentje online via Airalo.
- Verzorgde reizen. Liever compleet verzorgd op vakantie? De keuze is reuze: van ANWB vakanties tot Tui, Corendon, D-reizen, Sunweb of liever de Vakantie Discounter?
- Vliegtickets. Kijk sowieso bij Transavia, maar vergelijk je opties! Check in ieder geval Momondo, Skyscanner, en Kiwi.
- Yoga retreat. Of: ga voor een yoga retreat in Sicilië.
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I might receive a small commission.
