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Trapani, on the east coast of Sicily, is designed to make the heart beat a little faster. Like everything Italian, there is a fundamental sense of romance here, from the antiquated architecture to the breath-taking coastlines. Even the local cuisine, including rich, creamy pastries and exquisitely seasoned, seafood dishes, manage to evoke a sense of wonderment and of life being full embraced. For those who like to explore, there are monuments and archaeological sites galore and even a spattering of windmills dotted throughout the fertile countryside to browse. Traditional holiday makers can revel in the glorious beaches, superb shopping and swanky eateries that proliferate this Italian Shangri-La.

Situated 20km south west of the historic centre is Trapani-Birgi Airport, also known as Vincenzo Florio Airport after the Sicilian wine industrialist and automobile enthusiast. This is the main point of entry for people into this region and over half a million people pass through its gates each year. Flights to Trapani Airport from the UK go from Birmingham Airport and Luton Airport, and from Dublin Airport in Ireland, and are provided by the low cost airline Ryanair.

There are several different options for onward travel but by far the most popular is Trapani Airport car hire. The four main Trapani car hire firms based at the airport are Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt. All have their own specific deals and makes of car on offer. For example Avis offer the luxurious Aston Martin within their Prestigious range, while Europcar really take luxury one step further by offering a chauffeur-driven service. Items such as insurance and petrol charges may not be included in the quoted price so it is wise to check when making the booking.

There is a distinct advantage to having your own transport in this region as there are so many places to visit. Most are easily accessible within an hour of Trapani, including the wonderful Zingaro nature reserve, the unmissable beach of San Vito Lo Capo and the bustling city of Marsala, home to the sumptuous and flavorsome fortified wine of the same name. It is even possible to explore the whole island given enough time, the right spirit and a map of Sicily.

As always, the ubiquitous taxis are on hand to ferry people to their accommodation and are based outside Trapani Airport Arrivals. They have a journey time of around 20 minutes into the city centre and cost approximately €30. Alternatively there is always the option to pre-book a Trapani Airport transfer or a seat on a Trapani Shuttle Bus. This has a tendency to set the holiday off on the right foot because a driver is sent to collect passengers as they come through arrivals and swoosh them straight off to a waiting vehicle, without the need for scrambling around or queueing in the heat. While there is no train station here, the Trapani buses run from the airport to the main one in town, as well to other destinations further afield such as Agrigento, Marsala and Palermo.

One of the main attractions to this part of Italy is the Sicily weather. Not only does the weather in Trapani afford long, hot summers with temperatures averaging 26ºC in peak season, but the brief and mild winters mean that the area can be enjoyed all year long. Whether reclining by the pool at one of the many fabulous Trapani hotels or delving head first into the abundance of things to do in Trapani, this joyful region of Sicily is a paradise waiting to be discovered.

By: Michelle Elkins

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