Carnivals of Valderice, Paceco and Mazara del Vallo: emotional itineraries of 1, 3, 5 and 7 days

A journey through colors, music and Sicilian traditions, where every day becomes a celebration.

Enjoy the experience stress-free with TDS Transfer: private NCC transfers to reach events, historic centers and evening returns in total comfort.

Carnivals of Valderice, Paceco and Mazara del Vallo

Three very different events within the same area: Valderice (floats and town-wide celebrations), Paceco (popular format with street food and entertainment), Mazara del Vallo (urban carnival with lively neighborhoods).

The winning travel idea is simple: a comfortable base + private transfers during peak hours (late afternoon and evening), when parking and traffic become challenging.

Why choose a transfer (instead of driving)

You arrive close to the event areas, without searching for parking.
You can manage evening returns safely.
Optimized itineraries: carnival, historic center and traditional dinner on the same day.

TDS Transfer is ideal if:

you land at Trapani-Birgi or arrive from Palermo;
you travel as a couple, family or group;
you want a driver who manages outbound, waiting time and return (round trip).

Recommended bases

Trapani city center: perfect for evenings and dining out.
Erice / Valderice: ideal to fully experience Valderice.
Mazara del Vallo: excellent for evenings and daytime excursions.

1-day itinerary

Goal: one main carnival + a cultural or food experience.

Morning: Trapani or Erice.
Lunch: street food or a traditional trattoria.
Afternoon/evening: Valderice, Paceco or Mazara depending on the program.

3-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, Erice at sunset, dinner in Trapani.
Day 2: Valderice Carnival, return with private driver.
Day 3: Mazara del Vallo, Kasbah and evening carnival.

5-day itinerary

Trapani, Erice, Valderice.
Egadi Islands.
Paceco Salt Pans and carnival parade.
Mazara del Vallo and return.

7-day itinerary

Trapani and Erice.
Valderice, Paceco and Mazara del Vallo.
Segesta and Marsala.
Relax and departure.

10 must-see places nearby

Medieval Erice
Historic center of Trapani
Trapani and Paceco Salt Pans
Zingaro Nature Reserve
Mazara del Vallo – Kasbah
Segesta – Temple and Theatre
Egadi Islands
Marsala and its wineries
San Vito Lo Capo
Custonaci and Grotta Mangiapane

On www.tdstransfer.it you can arrange personalized tourist transfers to experience the Sicilian Carnival in total relaxation.

What to eat during Carnival

Street food

Arancine
Pane e panelle, bread with spleen
Sicilian sfincione
Fried calzones
Ricotta cassatelle

Traditional specialties

Busiate pasta with Trapani pesto
Fish cous cous
Fresh fish
Swordfish rolls
Sarde a beccafico

Carnival desserts

Chiacchiere
Pignolata
Sicilian cannoli
Erice-style genovesi pastries

Local drinks

Marsala wine
Artisanal rosolio liqueur
Passito wine

Useful FAQs

The best period is between early and mid-February.
It is possible to combine multiple carnivals in the same trip.
Trapani, Erice and Valderice are the best bases.
NCC transfer is the most convenient option.
Also suitable for families.
Advance booking is recommended.
Events may be postponed in case of bad weather.
Arrive 60–90 minutes early.
Carnival and culture are easily combined.
TDS Transfer also operates in the evening and at night.