Xitta between salt pans and village history

Xitta combines a long-standing village history with the distinctive landscape of the salt pans. The village lies on a plain that formed over centuries through deposits from the Baiata and Lenzi torrents, extending the coastline towards the sea. The “Saline di Trapani e Paceco” nature reserve is also located in the vicinity of Xitta and extends across the municipal areas of Trapani, Paceco and Misiliscemi.

Salt Pans, Salt Harvesting and Migratory Birds

The salt pans offer different reasons to visit. From July to September, you can observe salt harvesting in the area around Xitta. Booked excursions are available for this purpose, as are the roads along the edges of the salt pans. If you are particularly interested in birds, the nature reserve allows you to observe resting migratory birds. The more favorable periods are considered to be February to April and September to December. The seasonal focuses therefore differ clearly: salt production is at the center of attention in summer, while other periods are more suitable for birdwatching.

Traces of Old Xitta

Xitta was a fortified village in the first decades of the 16th century. The old village was protected by four squat towers. The Tower of Xitta was built on a pointed arch and is still partially preserved. The founding village of San Lorenzo Xitta was later abandoned. Farmers settled around the parish church of San Lorenzo di Xitta; in the 14th and 15th centuries, the church was surrounded by properties belonging to citizens of Trapani and a large estate of the Order of Malta.

The historical parish archive of San Lorenzo Levita–Xitta contains records dating from the first half of the 17th to the first half of the 20th century. The digital diocesan archive is intended to provide remote access to the indexes of baptisms, marriages and deaths, as well as the parish registration records of San Lorenzo Levita in Xitta.

Living Tradition in Xitta

Another facet of the village was revealed by the medieval Living Nativity scene. In its fifth edition, the birth of Jesus was depicted in medieval scenes featuring merchants, craftspeople, an inn, various tastings and a fisherman. The event ended with a procession of the musicians and flag bearers of “Real Trinacria”, as well as a performance featuring the lighting of the tower and a grand light finale. This information refers to the event that took place and is not an indication of a current date.

Getting Your Bearings During Your Stay

For getting around locally, ATM bus line 27 is relevant: it connects Xitta and Villa Rosina. When choosing a hotel or other accommodation in Xitta, you can tailor the focus of your stay to your preferred themes—for example, the village’s history, the salt pans or observing resting migratory birds.

If you would also like to research other destinations, you can find more places here: Poggioreale, San Vito Lo Capo, Ballata, San Leonardo, San Ciro - Ulmi - Filci, Selinunte, Locogrande and Marettimo.

For the broader travel overview: Trapani.