On the westernmost tip of Sicily, facing the aegadian Island, Marsala is a traditional city with a huge history leading to the unification of Italy in the ‘800. History, culture and love for food in Marsala melt in the perfect mix for a deep mediterranean feeling. Characterized by one of the most famous sweet red wines in the world named “Marsala”, after the city. It is worth to visit one of the many family managed wine cellars.

It is said that Woodhouse, after discovering the taste of Marsala wine brought it to UK presenting it as a great product. The British were stunned by the quality of Marsala wine, so that they support his production making it a billionair business, with countless wineries that exported wine in all the world (Woodhouse, Ingham, Florio are among the most famous families producing this wine)

A city that descends from the Carthaginians (formerly calledLilybaeum) occupied by many civilization up to the Arabs, who gave the city the name Mars-Allah:”the harbor of God”. The historical moment for which it is most remembered is the landing of the Thousand led by Garibaldi in Sicily. To this last one were dedicated the names of streets, squares, city access doors but also restaurants, bars and wine cellars.

History, culture and love for the sea and the Mediterranean food are mixed perfectly in the city of Marsala. Walking through the streets of the downtown you will come across restaurants trying the good couscous and the “sformato”, the Marsala typical focaccia with cheese and spinach, all followed by a ricotta cheese filled cannoli accompanied by a glass of dry or amber Marsala. There is nothing better than discovering the city by walking slowly through the downtown streets lined with shops and artists’ workshops ofceramics and majolica (www.ceramicheartistichedipasquale.it). Just around the corner of Porta Garibaldi is the fish market, opened from early in the morning until lunch time where you can buy directly from the hands of the fishermen themselves. The market becomes a nice night life area from 21:00 p.m when the fish shops live place to most shiny and colorful bars and pubs around the fish market fountain.

Visit one of the many wineries in the city, they offer the opportunity to learn something about the art of winemaking and do short tasting courses not only of Marsala but also of other products including the first sort of champagne made in Sicily (www.carusoeminini.it)

A few km away from the city is the beautiful nature reserve of theStagnone, a lagoon of salty water, characterized by the saline where salt is process before ending up on the tables of all over the world. This place gives its best at sunset making it one of the most relaxing and romantic experience that you can experience but beware of mosquitoes. The red and violet colors of the setting sun reflecting on the water and the windmills operated by countless years, will make it a simply unique experience.

From the landing of the Stagnone it is easy to reach by a small ferry the island of Mozia. Spend here an afternoon immersed in the nature of this natural reserve.