Petrosino: Beaches, Vineyards and Sicilian Traditions

Petrosino brings together the coast, rural culture and lively traditions within a compact area. Along the coast are unspoilt beaches and former seafaring villages, while vineyards, historic bagli and festivals shape the character of the town. If you are looking for accommodation in Petrosino, you can therefore choose according to whether the sea, the town’s history or the rural surroundings should be the focus of your stay.

Coast, beaches and excursions at sea

Torrazza Beach has a broad, scenic bay with clear water. It is also a free public beach. The coast of Sibiliana is likewise a free public beach; it lies on the boundary between the municipalities of Petrosino and Marsala. Biscione was an old seafaring village and is now a holiday area. The coast of Biscione also offers several opportunities for diving, with descents to depths of 10 to 60 metres. The sea near Petrosino is also suitable for sailing excursions.

Churches, bagli and historical landmarks

The Church of Maria Santissima delle Grazie was built in 1745. Its patronal festival, the Festa della Patrona Maria SS. delle Grazie, is celebrated every year at the end of May with a procession of the simulacrum. The Chiesa di San Giuseppe is a 19th-century church. It has a neoclassical façade with long pilasters, a moulded cornice and a triangular pediment, and was originally planned as a private chapel for Marquis Spanò.

The bagli also tell the story of the area. Baglio Woodhouse was built by John Woodhouse in 1813. Its surviving original elements include the entrance portal and frescoes on the upper floor depicting grapevines. Baglio Spanò was built between 1873 and 1882 by Marquis Nicolò Spanò of Marsala. Baglio Spanò has a square layout and two interconnected courtyards.

Festivals and rural culture

The traditional Invito di San Giuseppe takes place every year on 19 March in front of the church in the district of the same name. In August, the Festa di chianura in the lanes of Chianu Parrini brings aspects of former farming and maritime life back to life with foreign and local folk groups. Two conical windmills built in the 19th century have been preserved in Petrosino as evidence of the area’s former grain-milling function.

The Museo della civiltà contadina is located in the local middle school of the Istituto Comprensivo “G. Nosengo”. It preserves tools and objects documenting techniques from agriculture, craft workshops and households. Petrosino’s vineyards offer another insight into the region’s culture. They include grape varieties such as Grillo and Catarratto, which are used to produce Marsala wine. The Sagra dell'uva e del vino takes place between September and October and includes wine tastings.

Coastal nature and further discoveries

Margi Spanò is one of the coastal marshes in the Petrosino area. The site is designated as both an SIC and a ZPS and is important for the passage of migratory birds. In this way, the coast complements its historical and maritime impressions with a natural area that has its own protected status.

More destinations at a glance: Rilievo, Tonnarella, San Vito Lo Capo, Parrinello, Castelluzzo, Pantelleria, Salaparuta, Custonaci.

Back to the main travel overview: Trapani.