This post is also available in:
Latest update: 26 March 2025
Maybe you’ve heard of Marsala wines, and that’s why you want to visit Marsala in Sicily. But even if you’re not a connoisseur (like me), you can certainly visit this town on the westernmost tip of the island. I’d love to tell you what you can do in Marsala.
Exploring Marsala
Marsala is on the westernmost tip of Sicily, not far from Trapani and the airport on this side of the island. It’s a great stop for a night if you’ve just arrived or are about to head home. Because let’s be honest: the center of Marsala won’t be the highlight of your Sicily trip. However, it is a breath of fresh air compared to the tourist hotspots (like Taormina, for example). The center is almost deserted on a random Thursday afternoon in September, but it gets pleasantly busy in the evening.
By the way, the name Marsala is thanks to the Arabs, who called the city Marsa Allah, which means the port of Allah. Over the years, that name merged into Marsala.
Attractions in the center
Marsala is really quite small. Roughly, it consists of two parallel streets with two remaining city gates and some side streets. On the west side stands Porta Nuova (Google Maps location), and near the fish market, you’ll find Porta Garibaldi (Google Maps location).
Unfortunately, when I walk around Marsala, the fish market (Google Maps location) is already closed. Only the smell and the cleaning men reveal that there was plenty of activity here a few hours ago. The market is open every day except Sunday from 7 AM to 1 PM.
A bit before the fish market and the city gate is a quiet square (Google Maps location) with a fountain embraced by mighty large trees. A wonderfully shady spot where you can have a drink on the terrace.
You should also visit the two most important churches in Marsala. The Chiesa del Purgatorio (Google Maps location) is built in Baroque style, and the cathedral of Marsala dates back to the 12th century (Google Maps location). The full name is Chiesa Madre di San Tommaso di Canterbury. The small square in front of it (Piazza della Repubblica) is also a place where locals like to meet—just on the steps or on the terrace.
Just outside the center of Marsala lies the archaeological park Lilibeo (Google Maps location), which has ruins and a museum. Not much remains of the Roman camp that once existed here, so I recommend a visit only if you’re REALLY interested in history and have a lot of imagination.
You can also take a walk around the archaeological park along the coastline. I did this, and it was lovely because of the refreshing breeze, but there was very little to see. Along the road are a few ‘beach clubs’, but they were already closed in mid-September. You could easily skip this walk—one less thing to do!
By the way, if you’re looking for a restaurant, I can recommend La Corte dei Mangioni (Google Maps location). The menu features many Sicilian dishes, and the service is very attentive.
Beaches of Marsala
Marsala is known for the drink of the same name and the beautiful surrounding beaches – you’ll need to take the car for these. Drive, for example, to Lido Marakaibbo (Google Maps location) or Signorino Beach (Google Maps location) south of the city.
The beaches within walking distance of the city are small and consist mainly of seaweed and rocks. They are fine if you just want to take a cooling dip, but not ideal for a beach day.
Trying Marsala wines
Marsala wines are the Italian answer to Spanish sherry and Portuguese port. I don’t know how port is made, but after a longer stay in Andalusia, I do know how sherry is made. And that’s quite similar to marsala. And unfortunately… the taste too. So I don’t really like it, but when you’re in Marsala, you can’t help but try a Marsala wine. You can do this in the city at an enoteca (wine bar), or you can do a tasting or tour at one of the winemakers. I visit two: Marco de Bartoli and Cantine Florio.
Marco de Bartoli marsala tasting
Marco de Bartoli is about a 20-minute drive from the center (Google Maps location). We get a tour of the grapes, the wine tanks, and the cellar. Our guide speaks good English, but he’s even outshouting himself, so I find it difficult to follow.
Marco de Bartoli felt that different winemakers were in it for the money. They added liqueur or caramelized, cooked must, used the ‘wrong’ grapes, and the process became increasingly industrialized. That didn’t benefit the quality, which is why he planted his own grapes. During the tour, the guide can’t help but take a dig at Cantine Florio and Cantine Pelligrino, which, according to him, make swill.
We finish in the beautiful but chilly tasting room where we try a lot of wines. As mentioned: marsala wines are wasted on me. I find it interesting to taste the differences, but I spit everything back into the spittoon. If you want to go to Marco de Bartoli too, you must make an email reservation.
Cantine Florio marsala tasting
On the same day as the Marco de Bartoli tour, I also go to the Cantine Florio tour and I find it really refreshing. Yes, the group is much larger and Cantine Florio is clearly a much more commercial organization, but the guide knows exactly what she’s doing and explains clearly and in a structured way. Now I’m finally learning something about marsala!
The story goes that the Brit John Woodhouse discovered Marsala in the 18th century and had it shipped to England. But according to the Cantine Florio guide, that’s a myth. The English imported Marsala when they were no longer allowed to trade with France, Spain, and Portugal during Napoleon’s time. It was sold as Madeira wine because that’s what people knew.
You slowly walk through the cellars to the tasting room during the tour. There, you get your marsala wines served with a matching snack. And, of course, you eventually end up in the large shop where you can buy the wines. Make a reservation here.
If you’re only going to visit one marsala winery, then I would go to Cantine Florio. If you do visit multiple places, go to Cantine Florio first. That way, you’ll have heard a clear story about the wine and can focus mainly on tasting at the next wineries.
Other options for marsala tastings and tours:
Sunset at the salt pans
About a ten-minute drive from the center are the salt pans of Saline Genna. The best time to go here is at sunset. If you go on the off chance, even a bit earlier. At Saline Genna, you can reserve an extensive aperitif, and then you’re guaranteed a nice spot on the salt beach.
My travel partner and I drive there in good time to claim a spot right behind it. Here too, you have a fantastic view of the sunset and can enjoy the live music just as well. It’s quite touristy (and the prices too), but it really is a unique place.
Tip! Drive the Via del Sal in Sicily and learn all about salt mining on this side of the island.
Visit the Egadi Islands
Off the coast of Trapani is a small group of islands: the Egadi Islands. These are small islands that you can easily visit. The most famous are Favignana and Levanzo. I’ve already visited Favignana from Trapani, so I’m skipping this boat tour now. But you can also visit the islands from Marsala. Here are a few options: Here are a few options:
Budget accommodation in Marsala
Because it’s my last night in Sicily and I have to get up early again, I mainly want to enjoy the surroundings and the food and not spend too much time in a hotel or B&B. That’s why I go for a simple budget option: L’antica finestra verde. It’s tucked away in a narrow street and even has a kitchen, but it’s all so small that you wouldn’t comfortably sit there for a few hours. But for the price of just under €50 (about $54), I think that’s perfectly fine.
Check the prices and availability. Sometimes, it’s significantly cheaper via Airbnb, by the way.
More Sicily travel inspiration
Useful links for your Sicily trip
- Accommodation. Always handy is Booking.com. Rather stay in a hostel? Try HostelWorld.
- Activities. Book the best tours and activities at GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. Book “free” walking tours at Freetour or GuruWalk , and for bike tours, Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. For 5% off museums and attractions, use discount code KIMOPREIS22 at Tiqets.
- Car rental. Compare prices and insurance coverage at DiscoverCars and Rentalcars.com.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Definitely Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Guide books. I love the practical guides by Lonely Planet, for sale at Bol.com and Amazon.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Start your search at Expedia or CheapOair.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high phone and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Yoga retreat. Or join a yoga retreat in Sicily.
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I might receive a small commission.
