Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco

Unmissable show on the salt pans of Trapani and Paceco at sunset is a real spectacle.

The salt pans of Trapani are a place rich in history and nature. Suffice it to say that the sea salt extraction activity in this area has continued uninterruptedly since the year one thousand BC without any particular changes in terms of procedure other than the introduction of motor machinery in place of windmills to move water between the various tubs.

In addition to the cultural aspect, this area is also important on a naturalistic level. In fact, since 1995 a protected natural area has been established as a passage area for various species of migratory birds that stop here on their journey to and from the African coasts.

If we are talking about 'Riserva naturale orientata Saline di Trapani e Paceco', we must also mention endemic plant species that can only survive here in salt marshes and soils with a high concentration of salt. Such a plant is the sea marigold - Calendula maritima, which occurs only on the coast of Sicily, on the mainland between Marsala and Monte Cofano, and on the two nearby islets, Isola Grande dello Stagnone and Isola la Formica. This plant is on the IUCN World Red List of Critically Threatened Plant Species. TRAPANI PROVINCE HAS CHOSEN THIS PLANT AS ITS OFFICIAL SYMBOL!