In autumn, the city of Marsala acquires a special charm, becoming the ideal destination for a relaxing moment, and much more. If you are looking for ideas for a short trip, the city offers many activities ranging from sport to culture while exploring picturesque places steeped in history.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Kitesurfing at the Stagnone

The unspoilt nature and rich biodiversity characteristic of the Stagnone Nature Reserve landscape make this a magical place, especially when autumn colours the clear stretches of water with typical autumn melancholy and when the sunset turns everything pink.

Everyone should get the chance to enjoy this scenery at least once in their lifetime!

On the arrival of the first cold spells, several species of birds stopover on their migratory journey: ducks, western marsh harriers, mallards, pochards, common teals and coots… A true paradise for bird watchers! For those who prefer more dynamic activities, how about kitesurfing? Whether you are an expert or a beginner curious to try it, the area offers various opportunities and courses.

But beware: they say that those who try kitesurfing at the Stagnone Nature Reserve will never be able to do without it again! So only do it if you are sure you can return to Marsala regularly to repeat the experience.

2. The salt itinerary

Salt is not only one of the major resources in the history of Marsala, but it is also the focus of a fascinating multi-sensory tourist experience: it has been named‘salt tourism’, whereby salt pans are real tourist destinations for travellers from all over the world.

Along this very impressive itinerary called the ‘salt route’, you will be able to admire picturesque windmills, pools of sea water that acquire wonderful pinkish hues and heaps of unprocessed salt, making for an incredibly beautiful scenery.

There are not only sunsets and panoramas, however. Marsala offers many interesting salt-related activities: for example, you can visit an ancient star-shaped mill, also known as a ‘Dutch’ mill, which uses wind power to grind salt and convey water and which, remarkably, is still in operation after several centuries! The mill houses a museum, a salt workshop and an immersive multimedia tour.

If you need to relax a little, instead, you can let yourselves be pampered with a salt-inspired wellness experience that will recharge your batteries.

3. Punic Marsala

The history of Marsala began in the 4th century BC, when survivors who fled the Phoenician colony of Mozia following the invasion by the tyrant of Syracuse, Dionysius I, took refuge on the coast. Initially, they called this place ‘Lebum’, which in Phoenician means ‘towards Africa’, and later ‘Lilybaion’, meaning ‘city looking towards Libya’.

According to some legends, the ancient name ‘Lilybaeum’ is, instead, linked to the name of a Princess of Mozia. Whatever the origin of the name, we know that it was used as far back as Roman times, since Cicero, who was a quaestor and respected lawyer here, wrote as follows in the 1st century BC: ‘Splendid city of Lilybaeum’.

In Marsala, much evidence can be found of the Punic era: an ancient ship sank following a battle fought in the surrounding waters during the First Punic War. It can now be visited at the Baglio Anselmi Archaeological Museumwhich hosts highly important archaeological finds and the remains of wonderful sculptures, including a bust of Venus and the famous Motya Charioteer or ‘Giovinetto’, preserved at the Whitaker Museum in Mozia.

However, perhaps the most remarkable vestige is the ‘tophet’, a burial place dedicated mainly to child sacrificial victims, during a ritual later abolished by the Greeks.

The ‘kothon’, a sacred pool fed by a freshwater spring located in Mozia is also of special interest. It has been a source of valuable archaeological information for many years. This place is not only important for its history: according to various studies conducted in this area, the temple complex containing the sacred pool reflects an astral map very similar to the Orion constellation, which can be seen during the winter solstice.

This area of Sicily provides many truly interesting Punic curiosities. The perfect time to discover them all is in autumn, when the summer heat has given way to cooler, more pleasant air.

4. Guided tour of the Florio wine cellars

Since 1833, we have breathed history here too. The Florio wine cellars await you for a multi-sensory experience that feels very much like a journey through time and space.

Here, Florio Marsala wines rest in the silent air cossetted by the tuff stone floor and the ‘forest of woods’, caressed by the slow passing of time and the salty breeze coming from the sea.

A visit to the Florio wine cellars takes you on a journey to discover the sensations and emotions of passing time: here, 5,500,000 litres of precious Marsala are aged in 1,400 wooden kegs and about 600 barrels and vats of different capacities.

Our journey could only end here, a must for wine lovers and wine tourists, aware that the knowledge of a territory and its history is also conveyed through its wines.

While nature colours leave in countless shades and the Marsala landscape offers an unforgettable autumnal scenery, the Florio wine cellars will welcome you with all the warmth of Sicilian hospitality.

Not only guided tours and unforgettable tastings, but also a fabulous location for your important events: the Florio wine cellars are a sophisticated choice for your meetings and the fairy-tale wedding you are planning.

So, are you ready to experience the best of Marsala this autumn?