Marsala and Erice: Olive Oil, Salt and Wine from Palermo
Follow the Salt Way Road through ancient lagoons, celebrated wineries, and a medieval hilltop town in western Sicily.
This Marsala and Erice day tour from Palermo traces the western edge of Sicily, where salt marshes, vine-covered plains, and a walled Elymian city reveal a region shaped by centuries of Mediterranean trade and craft.
The journey begins along the Salt Way Road, skirting the Nature Reserve of the Stagnone. This shallow, intensely saline lagoon has been worked for centuries, and its landscape of mirror-flat water, narrow earthen levees, and white windmills remains largely unchanged. Across the water, the island of Mothia — once connected to the mainland by a paved causeway — stands as evidence of the Phoenician civilization that once thrived here.
The process of harvesting sea salt in this corner of Sicily relies on a time-tested method of fractional evaporation. Water moves through a sequence of basins, gradually concentrating under the sun until pure salt crystals form. This approach naturally reduces unwanted compounds such as calcium sulphate, producing a clean, mineral-rich product still valued across Italy.
The afternoon shifts from the flat coastline to the heights of Erice, a medieval town perched above Trapani. Settled originally by the Elymians and long associated with the cult of Venus, the town retains its ancient street plan and stone architecture. It is equally well known for its artisan pastry tradition, particularly marzipan confections and almond-based sweets that have been made here for generations.
Tour Highlights
Drive the historic Salt Way Road alongside the Stagnone Nature Reserve and observe traditional salt harvesting in action.
Take in the rare lagoon landscape of shallow saline water, ancient windmills, and the offshore island of Mothia.
Visit a local winery in the Marsala region and discover why this fortified wine became a staple of international trade.
Enjoy a light lunch at a farmhouse olive oil producer with tasting of estate oil and mixed local products.
Explore the medieval streets of Erice, founded by the Elymians and historically linked to the goddess Venus.
Stop at an Erice pastry shop to taste marzipan, almond, and pistachio sweets made by local artisans.
Itinerary
The tour departs from Palermo and heads west toward the coast of Trapani province. The drive to the Stagnone Nature Reserve takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes.
Travel along the Salt Way Road beside the lagoon, stopping to explore the saltworks and learn how sea salt is harvested through traditional fractional evaporation. The view across the water to the island of Mothia and the enclosing Isola Longa is a defining feature of this stretch of coastline.
Visit a local winery in the Marsala grape-growing region to learn about the production of both dry and fortified Marsala wine. Afterwards, sit down at a farmhouse olive oil producer for a light lunch paired with estate oil and local specialties.
In the afternoon, travel up to Erice, the walled Elymian city set on a rocky promontory above Trapani. Walk through the ancient centre and visit a traditional pastry shop to sample marzipan and other local confections.
The group departs Erice and returns to Palermo in approximately one hour. Drop-off is at the hotel.
What Is Included
Included
- Round-trip transport from Palermo by private vehicle
- Professional guide throughout the day
- Guided visit to the Stagnone Nature Reserve and saltworks
- Winery visit with Marsala wine tasting
- Light lunch at a local farmhouse olive oil producer
- Olive oil tasting and mixed local product tasting
- Guided walk through Erice historic centre
- Stop at a local pastry shop in Erice
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Additional food and beverages beyond those specified
- Entrance fees to museums or monuments not listed
- Gratuities for the guide or driver
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Tour
Spaces on this full-day tour are limited. Secure your spot and experience the salt marshes, wines, and medieval streets of western Sicily in a single day from Palermo.
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