Mozia, the Stagnone Lagoon and surroundings: what to see and eat in 1, 3, 5 and 7 days
Phoenician archaeology, historic salt pans, and unique landscapes of western Sicily
Recommended itineraries with NCC transfers and private tours by TDS Transfer
Mozia (Motya), the Stagnone Lagoon and surroundings: what to see in 1, 3, 5 and 7 days
Complete guide to archaeology, sea, salt pans and Sicilian flavors with TDS Transfer
The area of Mozia (Motya) and the Stagnone Lagoon of Marsala is one of the most evocative destinations in western Sicily. A place where Phoenician history, unique landscapes, shallow crystal-clear waters, windmills, and spectacular sunsets come together. Thanks to TDS Transfer NCC services and private tours, you can visit the area comfortably, without the stress of parking, rigid schedules, or complex transfers.
Why visit Mozia and the Stagnone Lagoon
- A unique Phoenician archaeological island in the Mediterranean
- Protected natural lagoon, ideal for relaxation and photography
- Historic salt pans and windmills
- Perfect balance of culture, nature, and sea
- Excellent base for exploring Marsala and western Sicily
What to see in 1 day in Mozia and the Stagnone Lagoon
Ideal for: a day trip or a stop during a western Sicily tour.
Morning
- Boat transfer to the Island of Mozia (private boat or local service)
- Mozia archaeological area
- Whitaker Museum
- House of the Mosaics
- Tophet and Phoenician walls
- Scenic walk around the island
Lunch
- Return to the mainland
- Lagoon-view lunch with traditional cuisine
Afternoon
- Stagnone salt pans
- Windmills
- Photographic walk along the lagoon
Sunset
- Sunset over the Stagnone Lagoon, one of the most beautiful in Sicily
TDS Transfer tip: direct transfer from Trapani, Marsala, or Trapani–Birgi Airport with flexible return.
What to see in 3 days between Mozia, the Stagnone Lagoon and Marsala
Ideal for: slow tourism combining culture, sea, and gastronomy.
Day 1 – Mozia and the Stagnone Lagoon
- Island of Mozia
- Salt pans and windmills
- Sunset over the Stagnone
Day 2 – Marsala
- Historic center
- Archaeological museum
- Historic Marsala wine cellars (wine tasting)
- Seafront at sunset
Day 3 – Relax and nature
- Stagnone Lagoon
- Kitesurfing or nature walk
- Aperitif with views of the Egadi Islands
TDS Transfer recommends: a dedicated driver to connect Mozia, Marsala, and the Stagnone stress-free.
What to see in 5 days between the Stagnone Lagoon and western Sicily
Ideal for: a complete journey combining sea, history, and villages.
Day 1 – Mozia and the salt pans
Day 2 – Marsala and wineries
Day 3 – Trapani and Erice
- Historic center of Trapani
- Medieval village of Erice
- Panoramic views over the Egadi Islands
Day 4 – Segesta
- Doric temple
- Greek theater
Day 5 – Scopello or the Zingaro Nature Reserve
- Village of Scopello
- Sea stacks
- Or coves and natural trails in the Zingaro Nature Reserve
What to see in 7 days between Mozia, the sea, and major highlights
Ideal for: travelers seeking a complete experience, without rushing.
Days 1–5
Follow the 5-day itinerary.
Day 6 – Egadi Islands
- Favignana or Levanzo (day trip)
Day 7 – Relax or alternative Marsala experience
- Beach day
- Food and wine shopping
- Final sunset over the Stagnone
TDS Transfer offers: personalized weekly tours with a local driver.
Top 10 things to see in Mozia, the Stagnone Lagoon, and surroundings
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Island of Mozia (Mothia)
The heart of the area: an ancient Phoenician colony with unique archaeological remains set in the lagoon.
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Whitaker Museum (Mozia)
Home to the famous Youth of Mozia, a masterpiece of Greek art, along with Phoenician and Punic artifacts.
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Phoenician Cothon
An ancient sacred harbor carved into the rock, one of the island’s most important archaeological symbols.
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Mozia Necropolis
Funerary area revealing the rituals and culture of the Phoenician civilization.
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Stagnone salt pans
An iconic landscape with windmills, salt basins, and spectacular sunset colors.
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Isola Lunga
The largest island in the Stagnone, visible along the route; today a nature reserve and historic hospitality site.
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Stagnone Lagoon
A protected natural reserve, famous for shallow waters, birdwatching, and kitesurfing.
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Sunset over the Stagnone
One of Sicily’s most beautiful sunsets, with pink and purple reflections over the salt pans.
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Marsala (historic center)
Just minutes away: Cathedral, Piazza della Repubblica, Porta Garibaldi, and the seafront.
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Marsala wineries
Tours and tastings of Marsala wine at historic wineries such as Florio, Pellegrino, or De Bartoli.
Top 10 things to eat in Mozia, Marsala, and surroundings
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Fish couscous
A signature dish of the Trapani area, made with hand-rolled semolina and local fish broth.
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Busiate with Trapani-style pesto
Traditional pasta with tomato, almond, basil, and garlic pesto.
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Bluefin tuna
Fresh or preserved in oil, a staple of coastal cuisine (tartare, grilled, or Carlofortina-style).
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Pane cunzato
Rustic bread seasoned with olive oil, tomato, anchovies, local cheeses, and oregano.
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Mediterranean fried fish
Calamari, shrimp, and fresh mixed fish, crispy and aromatic.
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Tuna bottarga
A local delicacy, often served shaved over pasta dishes or appetizers.
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Sicilian cheeses
Sicilian pecorino, primo sale, and fresh or baked ricotta.
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Cassatedde (or cassatelle)
Fried pastries filled with ricotta, typical of the Trapani area.
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Marsala wine
To be enjoyed dry or sweet, perfect with desserts or cheeses.
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Almond desserts
Almond pastries and artisanal cookies, a must at the end of a meal.
When to visit Mozia and the Stagnone Lagoon
- Spring and autumn: ideal climate, perfect light, fewer crowds
- Summer: sea, kitesurfing, and sunsets (morning visits recommended)
Getting around: the TDS Transfer advantage
The Stagnone area is not always easy to reach by public transport. With TDS Transfer, you can:
- easily reach Mozia, the Stagnone, and Marsala
- avoid parking issues and connections
- combine multiple stops in a single day
- customize itineraries and schedules
Discover transfers and private tours at www.tdstransfer.it
Useful information recommended by TDS
- Sicilian Region – Official portal
Institutional information on natural areas, itineraries, and tourist services. - Visit Marsala – Local tourism
Official tourist guide to Marsala: attractions, events, and visitor resources. - Visit Sicily – Official tourism portal
Regional tourism overview with sections dedicated to itineraries, archaeological sites, beaches, and villages. - Mozia – Wikipedia
Encyclopedic page with history, archaeology, and general information about the Phoenician island. - ORBS – Protected Areas of the Sicilian Region
Institutional page on protected areas in Sicily, including the Stagnone Lagoon.