Discover the enchanting Saltpans in Marsala and the island of Mothia

The Saline Marsala are famous for their thousand-year-old tradition of salt production, an activity that dates back to the Phoenicians. These ancient traders had understood the strategic importance of this place and today, walking among the sparkling salt crystals, you can almost perceive the echo of that distant past.

The salt pans extend along the coast of the Stagnone, a coastal lagoon that stands out for its calm and shallow waters. The landscape is dominated by mountains of white salt and evaporation tanks which, during sunsets, are tinged with warm colours, creating scenarios of unforgettable beauty.

The Island of Mothia: an archaeological treasure

In the center of the Stagnone lagoon is the island of Mothia, a small strip of land that houses priceless archaeological treasures.

The island of Mothia (or Mozia) is instead a very ancient Phoenician / Punic colony located on the island of Pantaleo in the Stagnone Nature Reserve of Marsala and belongs to the Whitaker Foundation, archaeologist and heir of an English family who had moved to Sicily and producers of Marsala.

Visiting the island of Mothia means taking a dive into history. You can walk along the ancient streets, explore the ruins and admire the famous "Youth of Motya", a statue of rare beauty preserved in the island's small museum.

Unique experiences in the Saline Stagnone

A visit to the Stagnone di Marsala would not be complete without immersive experiences that allow you to fully understand the local culture and traditions. Tourists can take guided tours that illustrate the salt harvesting and processing process. During these tours, it is also possible to witness the evocative "night harvest" of salt, where the piles of salt light up the night like small icebergs in a dark sea.

The salt marshes also offer an ideal habitat for many species of birds, including pink flamingos which can be observed in certain seasons of the year. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find the Saline di Marsala a perfect place for their activity.

The town of Marsala

Despite being a city of simple habits and customs, it contains a set of very different cultures, inherent in the Marsala tradition.

Its historic center offers churches, squares, monuments, museums and archaeological excavations that allow us to see the same city in years gone by.

Starting from the beautiful Porta Nuova , we immerse ourselves in the "Cassaro", with Piazza della Repubblica which houses the Norman Cathedral, built in 1176. Continuing along via Garibaldi it is possible to reach the current fish market square which houses the fish market and which at sunset it turns into one of the busiest venues for nightlife. Finally, the Baglio Anselmi Archaeological Museum houses the remains of ancient ships and many other historical finds.

The excursion program is defined as follows:

1. 1

   Meeting in Trapani in Via Ammiraglio Staiti 73 at 08.50 am Meeting in San Vito lo Capo in via Duca degli Abruzzi 60 at 8.50 am

2. 2

   Departure for the Marsala Salt Pans at 9.00 am

3. 3

   Arrival at the “Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala” oriented nature reserve at approximately 10.00 am (from San Vito Lo Capo) or 09:30 am (from Trapani) nd historical place for boarding for Mozia with free visit of the site, and possible, if you like, take a boat tour of the island of Mozia by purchasing an extra ticket on site.

4. 4

   Meeting with the driver at 12.00 am and transfer to the historic center of Marsala

5. 5

   Arrival at the historic center of Marsala at 12.20 am and start of the free visit.

6. 6

   Meeting with the driver at 03.30 pm (for the return to San Vito Lo Capo) and 04:00 pm (for the return to Trapani) minibus ride to Marsala and return.

7. 7

   Arrival at destination scheduled for 05.00 pm and end of excursio

The fee includes transport in very comfortable minibuses round trip, professional and qualified driver, parking, fuel and VAT. It does not include meals and drinks, entrance tickets, internal services at the Stagnone di Mozia park.

The “Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala” oriented nature reserve is a protected natural area located near Marsala which also includes the salt pans. This coastal lagoon is famous for its beauty and ecological importance which have made it the ideal habitat for many protected species including migratory birds. The Island of Mozia is a hidden gem in the heart of the Stagnone Nature Reserve.

In Marsala we recommend visiting one of the most iconic places, namely the Mother Church, Porta Garibaldi, the Church of Purgatory, the Piazza della Repubblica also known as Piazza della Loggia.

Upon request, a visit with tasting to the Florio or Pellegrino cellars is also possible (subject to availability of the cellars) subject to an extra ticket to be purchased on site.

Your excursion from San Vito lo Capo to Marsala and Mothia awaits you!