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Exploring Trapani by Hire Car

Trapani is arguably one of the most impressive cities in Sicily, and not just because of its cultural past.

Trapani was already known as a place in pre-Christian times, but then under the name “Drepanon” (Greek), or “Drepanum” (Latin).

Powerful Baroque-era palazzi, a 16th-century basilica with a campanile, and charming museums make Sicily’s seventh-largest city a diverse holiday destination.

And also in the surrounding countryside slumber many picturesque places, which can be reached easily by hire car. For arrival, pick-up and travel we have compiled a few tips.

Receiving the hire car

Most visitors to Trapani pick up their hire car at Palermo Airport. There, the hire car centre is located just outside the terminal and is well signposted. However, you should make sure that your rental company also has its station directly in the hire car center. There are also providers whose station is only close to the terminal. In this case, you will be brought to the provider by a shuttle. Often, however, these shuttles are completely overloaded and you have to wait a very long time before you can receive the hire car.

Taking the right hire car

As the roads in Sicily are often quite turbulent, we recommend going for a smaller and more manoeuvrable car. This will get you to your destination even on narrow village streets.

Hire car prices

You usually don’t have to dig too deep into your pockets to book a hire car in Trapani. The cheapest way to get a hire car is to book well in advance and use our handy price comparison tool.

hire car price comparison Trapani

Insurance

Many drivers in Sicily maintain a robust driving style. There is quickly a small accident happened. You are on the safe side if you have taken out comprehensive insurance without excess for your hire car. With the liability you should pay attention to the deductible. It should already be one million euros, so that you are protected if several vehicles or people are damaged in an accident.

age limit

When renting the vehicle, be aware of any age limit. Almost all rental companies only rent to drivers who are at least 21 years old. And most charge extra for drivers under 25.

Accessories

If you need accessories, such as a sat nav, you should let your rental company know in good time. This is the only way you can be sure that the item you want will be available when you pick up your vehicle.

Language barrier

It can happen to you in Sicily that you sit in the rental station opposite an employee who does not speak good English. In any case, save the phone number of the Italian headquarters of your rental company in the mobile phone. Then you can ask for help by phone in case of emergency.

Free kilometers

Sicily is a huge island. To be able to experience as much as possible with your hire car during your vacation, you should book a car that allows you to drive unlimited kilometres without having to pay extra.

Customer Review Hire Car

Apart from minor issues, most customers are satisfied with the hire car stations. Some complain that many cars are quite scratched and dented. If this is the case, have any noticeable damage recorded in a damage report. Then you can prove with return of the car that a criticized dent was already present with the vehicle assumption. Many customers also complain about the already mentioned lengthy shuttle service to the stations.

Safety hire car

In Sicily, you can usually assume that you will receive a roadworthy vehicle. However, as exceptions prove the rule here too, you should test all the lights before your first drive and do a brake test while still in the hire car car park.

Bail

Rent from rental companies that only block the deposit due on your credit card. If you get to a provider who actually collects the amount, you sometimes have to wait a long time before the amount is transferred back after returning the vehicle.

Sights in Trapani

Basilica Santuario di Maria Santissima Annunziata: Madonna awaits
At the Basilica Santuario di Maria Santissima Annunziata the city stroll could begin. Originally built from 1315 to 1332, it was rebuilt after being destroyed in 1760. Visitors are particularly enthralled by the marble statue of the Madonna and Child that you’ll find inside.

Museo Regionale Populi: Charming Coral Carvings
Next on your sightseeing itinerary could be the Museo Regionale Populi. Here, an extensive collection of coral carvings awaits you. Coral processing used to be one of the town’s main sources of income. However, with coral reefs now subject to the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, Trapani’s inhabitants now tend to focus on salt production and fishing.

Cathedral: magnificent ceiling fresco
After the museum visit, you’ll have the opportunity to take a closer look at the city’s mighty cathedral. It was built in the 17th century, but the richly decorated Baroque facade dates from the 18th century. Inside, don’t miss taking a look upstairs. Then you will see the magnificent ceiling fresco, which gives the church a special magic.

Palazzo Senatorio: Baroque splendour
Very close to the cathedral lies another gem from the Baroque era, the Palazzo Senatorio. In 1672 the foundation stone for this building was laid. Also very worthwhile is a visit to the Chiesa del Purgatorio with its wooden figures reenacting the Passion of Christ. These sculptures are carried through the city in a solemn procession during the Easter holidays.

Via Garibaldi: On a souvenir hunt
A stroll down Via Garibaldi could round off your city break. The pedestrian zone of the city is lined with well-kept Mediterranean buildings and baroque palazzi. Many small shops offer the opportunity to buy pretty souvenirs.

Finding the good restaurant

There is no shortage of good restaurants in Trapani. You can get typical Sicilian dishes at the Cantina Siciliana. This pretty trattoria has been around since 1958 and is also very popular with the locals.

Discover a good hotel

Most tourists are drawn to the Sicilian beaches, and the choice of hotels in Trapani is limited. We recommend the Ai Lumi Bed & Breakfast. You stay in an old palazzo in the heart of the old town and are looked after by friendly staff. All rooms are individually and stylishly furnished and have amenities such as air-conditioning or WiFi.

A worthwhile destination in the area

Direct the hire car to Erice. The town is just 12 kilometres away and can be reached in less than half an hour. A picturesque old town awaits you in Erice, which will take you back in time to the Middle Ages.
Visit the 13th-century fort.

You will have spectacular views of the surrounding area and down to Trapani from there; as Erice sits at an altitude of 751 metres. Afterwards, you can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, order a cool drink in a bar and think about which exciting destinations around Trapani you want to discover next with your hire car.

Suggestion of a round trip

Palermo: Pulsating Capital
A first trip with your hire car could lead you first to Palermo. You will be there in an hour and a half. In Palermo, a vibrant island capital with important cultural monuments and lively markets awaits you. A particular highlight is the Ballaró market where you can buy just about anything from giant swordfish to live goats.

Bagheria: Witness to glorious times
The next stop is Bagheria. From Palermo you need a driving time of half an hour. In Bagheria there are still numerous villas from the time when the wealthy inhabitants of Palermo used the place as a recreational destination. In the meantime, many villas have fallen into disrepair, but the glamorous past can still be sensed.

Trapani: Healing Springs
Before you drive back to Trapani with your hire car, you should make a stop in Terme Segestane. In one and a half hours you are there and can recover in the warm healing water from the strains of the journey. Now you only have a good half-hour journey ahead of you before you can park the hire car back in Trapani.

conclusion

Trapani is a worthwhile destination for a trip by hire car. Many interesting places are nearby and can be easily reached by car. And with our practical price comparison, you will always find a good deal and a vehicle that suits you.

Hire car Trapani