Beth asked for more blog about things to do in Sicily. Obvious options for me are architectural, natural and historic. Nearby Trapani is is a town called Salemi, which means Salem. Long before the Greeks, a people called Elimis controlled the area. Then Greeks, Romans, Goths and Vandals followed. Then, the Normans built a castle between 1070 and 1130 that is now a tourist site.
It is an ancient city founded in VII century BC by the Greeks. The city was important in the Pelopensian wars between Athens and Sparta. Sorry. I have not had philosophy since 1972 so I can't remember all the details! While the population was wiped out, the ancient Greek ruins were excavated from 1825 to the present. You could go to an Acropolis or Necropolis that is not so busy as those in Italy or Greece. There is a mafia museum in the town.
Speaking of mafia, there is a circular bike route starting in Corleone that is popular. It is in the interior on a country road, not far from Trapani. The route takes you by the Sanctuary of Tagliavia (or the Madonnna del Rosario). This seems to be connected to the story of two farmers who found a painting of the Holy Virgin in a heap of stones with a gushing spring at the same spot believed to have healing powers. A Bourbon King Ferdinand was reported to have been healed here and deeded a gift of 20 hectares to ensure the Sanctuary was preserved. We hope to buy a couple of used bikes for exploring the area. If not, the other day we were offered bike rentals out of Trapani for .75 cents a day.
There are several islands just off the coast of Trapani with frequent tours: Levanzo and Pavignana are close enough for day trips.
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About Levanzo
Levanzo is the smallest of the three Egadi Islands (Isole Egadi in Italian), off the western coast of Sicily. The island's little port is hugely picturesque; a small cluster of pale square buildings huddled around a little harbour of an amazing blue. Levanzo's population is approximately 200, and the little village around the port is the only settlement, though there are a few scattered buildings and farms further afield. The island used to be agricultural - grain was produced here, and you can still see lines of dry stone walls dividing overgrown fields, terraced hillsides and small stone shelters. Now not much cultivation goes on, though there is still some agriculture including sheep-farming. Levanzo doesn't have a road network, just a couple of dirt tracks; both jeeps and mules are used for transport. It's a humble place, with only one or two larger houses among the simpler dwellings. Fishing and boating are big activities here: there must be almost as many boats as there are residents. Small fishing and excursion boats bob in the harbour, are drawn up on slipways, and parked along a small lane near the port.
There's one major tourist sight on the island: the Grotta del Genovese, a cave containing prehistoric art. Other than that, Levanzo isn't an action-packed destination, but it is very pleasant. Visitors can, swim, sunbathe and enjoy the island atmosphere. If you're visiting the cave, you'll find an excursion to Levanzo can comfortably fill three or four hours, and it would be quite easy to spend a whole day exploring and relaxing. Note that during the peak summer season of July-August the islands fill up with holiday-makers and you'll find a different atmosphere.
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