Located about 40 minutes from the Sicilian capital city of Palermo, Trabia is a coastal village of ~10,000 people. Trabia’s claim to fame is that it was the birthplace of spaghetti pasta. Founded in the 11th century, it is now known for its olive and citrus trees and coastline. While Trabia is very quiet in the winter, during the summer it is filled with tourists and immigrants returning to visit their families. Whether you’re passing through town or visiting your relatives, here’s how to spend the perfect day in Trabia.
Start with breakfast at one of the “bars” in town
If you’ve often frequented Italy, you’ll know “il bar” isn’t so much of a “let’s grab a beer/cocktail” place, and more of a spot to congregate for a cup of coffee and cornetto. If there’s something this small town has a lot of, it’s coffee joints. They’re places for locals to congregate over un caffè. Start your morning with breakfast al bar.
My personal go-to? A cornetto with a cappuccino. Looking for something a little more traditional? Opt for a “brioche con gelato.”
A few recommended spots:
- Bar Anni 90 di Lo Cascio Giuseppe: Corso Giuseppe la Masa, 47, 90019 Trabia PA, Italy
- Bar Claudia: Corso Giuseppe la Masa, 208, 90019 Trabia PA, Italy
- Kairos: Piazzale Ungheria, 3, 90019 Trabia PA, Italy
Looking for more Sicily food recommendations? Check out our article here.
Explore the tiny streets and check out the Cappella del Calvario
After breakfast on “il corso” (officially known as Corso Giuseppe la Masa), you can easily continue your day in Trabia with a short walk down the residential streets to the Cappella del Calvario. (In English, Calvary Chapel). Built in 1830, the chapel sits on quartz sandstone and has a large cross on the inside with 3 lights to represent the Trinity. Fun fact: back in the day, women used to clean their cookware on the sandstone rocks.
- Location: Via Calvario, 50, 90019 Trabia PA, Italy
- Tip: If you visit on Good Friday during Holy Week, you’ll find a procession of people singing songs related to the Passion of Christ.
This little spot is near and dear to my heart – my Nonna grew up right in front of it, and as a child, we’d often pass through to visit it. The chapel is a quaint little spot and the neighborhood still feels like old-world Sicily. I even spotted this adorable vintage Fiat 500 on our last trip!
Head to the waterfront to visit the Cappelletta di Santa Rosalia
The Cappelletta di Santa Rosalia, also known as the Santa Rosalia Chapel, seriously deserves a space in the Atlas Obscura with its perfect example of the spontaneous art movement in Sicily. Built at the end of the 1800s/early 1900s by Salvatore Gurgiolo, this teeny tiny chapel is tucked away on the seashore and is made of stalactites and small stones from the sea. Gurgiolo actually collected each pebble with the help of local fishermen. If you walk your way around, you’ll also notice paintings and mosaics.
- Location: Via Molara, 90019 Trabia PA, Italy
- Tip: While visiting, don’t miss the “Statua del Pescatore”- This statue pays homage to the historic fishermen of Trabia.
Take a walk at the Tonnara and spot the Castello Lanza Branciforte in the distance
After your visit to the Santa Rosalia Chapel, head over to check out another slice of history in the area. The Castle of Prince Lanza Branciforte and its Tonnara (where fishermen used to fish/store tuna) is a pillar of the town. The castle has been around since 1153 when it was a fortress. In the 15th century, the fortress became a castle.
While you can’t visit the castle (it is an event venue), you can view it from the shore of the Tonnara down the street. And while the Tonnara is now mainly a hotel, you can still take a walk, check out the smaller fishermen’s boats and enjoy the coastline. And if you have a connection with a local fisherman, the best view of the castello is from the water!
- Location: Largo Tonnara, SS113, 90019 Trabia PA, Italy
- Tip: The beach in front of the Tonnara is public property and you can set up your beach blanket there if you’d like! But note: it is a pebbled beach.
Spend the afternoon at the Lido Vetrana
Spend the rest of your day in Trabia at the Lido Vetrana. This iconic spot is a hotel, private beach, and pizzeria. Grab lunch at the restaurant overlooking the water before hanging out at the beach. I recommend visiting this spot on a weekday as the weekends get incredibly chaotic.
- Location: Via Litoranea Via Litoranea Piani 73, 90019 Trabia PA, Italy
- Tip: This spot gets incredibly crowded in peak summer. To grab a spot at the beach, head there early in the morning!
- Recommended eats: Paesanella pizza, rianatta pizza, spaghetti alle vongole
Looking for more things to do in Sicily?
How to Spend 3 Hours in Palermo
20 Things to Know When You Visit Sicily for The First Time
Tips for Visiting Scala dei Turchi
