Marsala

The Basics

Built on the site of an ancient Roman shipping port, Marsala (aka the City of Wine or Città del Vino) is now more of a resort town than a commercial center, and travelers flock to its excellent museums, sumptuous churches, and lovely waterfront. A guided walking tour of Marsala’s historic center is a fun way to take in the city’s top sights—you might even get to taste some of the area’s prestigious wine.

Many tours and shore excursions to Marsala also include other highlights of western Sicily, such as the medieval town of Erice, the ruins of Segesta, and the salt flats of Trapani.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Marsala’s lanes and squares are accessible to wheelchairs, but some of the historic churches and archaeological sites may not be.

• Kids will enjoy a break along Marsala’s waterfront, a popular place for wind- and kitesurfing.

How to Get There

Perched on the coast of western Sicily, Marsala is connected by train to Trapani and Palermo. The easiest way to visit is with a guided tour or shore excursion that includes transportation, so you can see a number of towns and sights without having to coordinate complicated public transit schedules.

When to Get There

Marsala is most lively in the summer, when the center and beaches are bustling with visitors. Summer temperatures in Sicily can soar, and most businesses and attractions close during the hottest midday hours—do your sightseeing in the morning or late afternoon.

Marsala’s Signature Wine

Marsala is commonly made in a fortified version similar to port, sherry, and Madeira. Fortified wines are cut with distilled liqueurs to render them more stable and less likely to turn into vinegar during shipping; Marsala is fortified using a fractional blending process in which small amounts of aged wine are blended into younger wines to raise the alcohol content. Nonfortified Marsala is available in and around Marsala only—ask the locals where to find it.

What is Marsala best known for?

Marsala is famous throughout the world for its eponymous dessert wine. The sweet concoction originates in this Sicilian port city, but there’s a lot more to Marsala than its ancient viticulture traditions. Located on Sicily’s western coast, Marsala is also known for its Baroque architecture, nearby Phoenician ruins, and World War II history.

What is there to do in Marsala?

Stroll through Marsala’s tangle of streets in the historic center. Don’t miss Porta Nuova, which marks the entrance to Marsala’s Old Town, and the charming Piazza della Repubblica, home to a Norman-era church, the Chiesa Madre. Head to the Baglio Anselmi Archaeological Museum to see the remains of a Punic battleship.

Can I swim in Marsala?

Yes. The entire coast surrounding Marsala is filled with swimmable beaches and sandy coves. You’ll find both free beaches—open to the public free of charge—and stabilimenti, which charge rental fees for umbrellas and chairs. One popular option is the Punta Tramontana di Marsala, known for its white sand and transparent water.

What does Marsala mean in English?

Marsala is an Arabic expression meaning “Port of Allah,” a testament to the Islamic influence that left its mark on Sicily. The island maintains a syncretic culture, and Sicilians consider themselves unique from mainland Italians. San Vito lo Capo, an hour’s drive from Marsala, even hosts a couscous festival.

Is Marsala expensive to visit?

That depends. Like most places in Sicily, Marsala offers a range of prices, from high-end to budget-friendly. You can eat in a swanky osteria or grab an arancino, a popular street food snack, from a takeaway counter. And don’t forget, walking through the picturesque and pedestrian-friendly Baroque center will cost you nothing.

What are the best ways to enjoy Marsala wine?

While Marsala is best known as a dessert wine, it is commonly enjoyed in Sicily as a pre-dinner aperitivo and a post-meal digestivo. Many restaurants in town offer unique food and wine pairings. For the ultimate wine-lovers experience, book a tasting and cellar tour at a local winery.

What day trips are there from Marsala?

Stagnone Nature Reserve is about a 20-minute drive north of Marsala’s historical center, almost halfway to Trapani (the nearest airport to Marsala). The unique ecosystem consists of salt pants and four islands, while the nearby archaeological site of Mozia contains ruins from the oldest Phoenician settlement in the Mediterranean.