Discover Xitta

Xitta combines the history of a fortified village with a plain shaped by deposits from the Baiata and Lenzi torrents. Nearby is the “Saline di Trapani e Paceco” nature reserve. This gives you several themes to consider when planning your trip: local history, landscape and seasonal wildlife watching. If you are looking for a hotel in Xitta, these themes can help guide your choice: consider whether you would rather focus on the village’s historical traces or on the wildlife-watching opportunities in the salt pans.

History between village, church and archive

In the first decades of the 16th century, Xitta was a fortified village; the old village was protected by four squat towers. The Tower of Xitta was built on a pointed arch and is partly preserved. A pointed arch comes to a point at the top, unlike a round arch. Check the tower’s current condition before visiting in person.

Farmers settled around the parish church of San Lorenzo di Xitta. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the church was surrounded by plots of land belonging to citizens of Trapani and a large estate belonging to the Order of Malta. The founding village of San Lorenzo Xitta was later abandoned.

The historic parish archive of San Lorenzo Levita–Xitta holds records dating from the first half of the 17th century to the first half of the 20th century. In addition, the digital diocesan archive is intended to provide remote access to the indexes of baptisms, marriages and deaths, as well as the registry records of the parish of San Lorenzo Levita in Xitta. The historical timeframes differ: the fortified village’s history dates back to the early 16th century, while the archive records begin later and extend to the first half of the 20th century.

The plain and the salt-pan landscape

Xitta lies on a plain that formed over centuries from deposits carried by the Baiata and Lenzi torrents, extending the coastline out towards the sea. For travellers interested in the landscape, this geological background adds a perspective on changes to the land over time to the local history.

The “Saline di Trapani e Paceco” nature reserve is near Xitta and extends across the municipal areas of Trapani, Paceco and Misiliscemi. Salt harvesting can be observed in the salt pans from July to September, on booked excursions or from the roads along the edge of the salt pans. As access areas may change seasonally, check the current conditions in advance.

Seasonal wildlife watching and getting around

February to April and September to December are considered more favourable periods for observing resting migratory birds. The timeframes overlap only in September: salt harvesting takes place during the stated period in July and August, while October to December are among the more favourable times for observing resting migratory birds. The seasonal highlights therefore differ depending on whether you are interested in salt harvesting or birdwatching.

ATM line 27 connects Xitta and Villa Rosina. The line designation may change, so check the current route and timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Castellammare Del Golfo, Salemi, Sasi, Partanna, Marsala, Buseto Palizzolo, Baglio Todaro, Marinella

Go to the main travel overview: Trapani.