Selinunte Travel Guide

Plan your ultimate trip to Selinunte, explore must-see attractions, outdoor activities, local food, culture, and customs. Get to know transportation options and logistics, safety and health information, and nearby destinations to visit.


Selinunte is a charming town located in the Trapani province of Sicily, Italy. It’s a hidden gem in Europe where you can explore a mix of Greek and Roman architecture while taking in breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. In this comprehensive travel guide of Selinunte, we’ll take a look at its attractions, outdoor activities, cultural and local experiences, local food, and where to stay and buy souvenirs.

Introduction to Selinunte

Selinunte derives from the ancient Greek word “Selinon” meaning wild celery. It’s a small archaeological site believed to have been founded in 628 BC by Greek colonists from Megara Hyblaea.

The town was abandoned in the 4th century AD, following attacks from Carthage forces. This provided a chance for the site to be preserved, and in 1986, it was declared a UNESCO world heritage site.

Today, the ruins are recognized as one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Visitors come to Selinunte to witness the impressive temple layout, ancient city walls, and stunning sea views from the Acropolis.

List of Places to Visit in Selinunte

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Acropolis of Selinunte
  • The Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone
  • Selinunte Archaeological Park
  • The Selinous Antiquarium

Natural Attractions of Selinunte: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Riserva Naturale Orientata Foce Del Fiume Belice e Dune Limitrofe
  • Marinella di Selinunte Beach
  • Cave di Cusa

Hiking/Biking Routes of Selinunte

Selinunte is an excellent place for adventure lovers, with plenty of hiking and biking trails ready to be conquered by foot or on wheels. Give yourself time to explore the natural scenery surrounding the town.

Best Things to Do in Selinunte: Activities and Tours

  • Selinunte Bike Tour
  • Cooking Class in Selinunte
  • Day trip to Mozia and Marsala with wine tasting

Week-Long Itinerary for Selinunte

Day 1-2: Visit the archaeological park, the Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone, and explore the town’s historical monuments.

Day 3-4: Hike or bike through the Riserva Naturale Orientata Foce Del Fiume Belice e Dune Limitrofe and beach time at Marinella di Selinunte Beach.

Day 5-6: Learn more about local food by taking a cooking class and then head for a day trip to Mozia and Marsala for the wine tasting experience.

Day 7: Do some souvenir shopping in town, visit the Cave di Cusa or spend a lazy day on the beach.

Food and Drink Scene of Selinunte

Must-Try Dishes

  • panelle (chickpea fritters)
  • arancine: (stuffed rice balls)
  • caponata (a fragrant and sweet-and-sour eggplant stew)
  • pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardine sauce)

Local Beverages

  • wines: Cantine Grotte, Ceuso and Donna Fugata are some of the best wine producers in the area, and you can take a tour to learn more about wine production.
  • liquors: Amaro, a herbal liquor, is a local specialty.

Where to Stay in Selinunte: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

In Selinunte, you can choose to stay in hotels, hostels, or guesthouses. Here are some of the town’s best accommodations:

  • Hotel Club Valtur Selinunte
  • B&B Baglio Degli Angeli
  • Visir resort & spa

What to Buy in Selinunte: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Bottarga: a local delicacy made of salted and dried tuna roe.
  • Ceramics: In the local shops, you can find beautiful ceramics such as plates, bowls, and vases.
  • Jewelry: From local artisans, you can get fantastic gold and silver jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Selinunte

The Selinunte community is a warm and hospitable one, where family, food, and religion are at the heart of daily life. The town’s residents take pride in their history and traditions, and visitors are always welcome to learn more about them.

Best Time to Visit Selinunte

The best time to visit Selinunte is between May and September when the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is inviting. The town can become crowded during peak season, so plan accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Selinunte

Do:

  • Be respectful of the town’s historical monuments and archaeological site.
  • Try the local food and wines.
  • Learn some Italian phrases to communicate with locals.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the dress code in churches or religious buildings.
  • Litter on the beaches or in public spaces.
  • Be too loud or disruptive during siesta hours (1-4 pm).

Safety and Health

Safety in Selinunte

Selinunte is a safe place to visit, but visitors should take the same precautions as in any other unknown place. Use common sense, and keep an eye on your belongings.

Health in Selinunte

The town has a medical center where you can receive emergency treatment, but it’s best to bring any necessary medications from home.

Getting to Selinunte: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Selinunte

  • Trapani-Birgi Airport is the closest airport to Selinunte, approximately 67 km away.
  • Palermo Airport is around 98 km from Selinunte.

Bus Stations Near Selinunte

There is a bus station in Selinunte, which connects the town to other cities in the region.

Other Options

Renting a car is an excellent way to explore the surrounding region.

How to Get Around in Selinunte

The best way to get around Selinunte is on foot or by bike. If you want to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car or hiring a driver is the best option.

Where to Go Next from Selinunte: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are a few fun and interesting places to visit near Selinunte, such as:

  • Erice
  • Segesta
  • Marsala

Conclusion

Selinunte is a unique and beautiful place packed with history, culture, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re interested in digging into its ancient past, tasting local delicacies, hiking the natural landmarks, or relaxing on the beach, this town will not disappoint. Plan your trip well by using this comprehensive travel guide, and discover the magic of Selinunte for yourself!

Archeologic park Selinunte Archeologic park Selinunte Map Archeologic park Selinunte Map Archeologic park Selinunte Temple E Temple E Temple F Temple F Temple G Temple G Temple E Temple E Temple F Temple F Temple G Temple G Temple A Temple A Temple C Temple C Temple D Temple D Temple N (West hill) Temple N (West hill) Sanctuary of Demeter Malophoros (West hill) Sanctuary of Demeter Malophoros (West hill) Sanctuary of Zeus Meilichios Sanctuary of Zeus Meilichios Cave di Cusa Cave di Cusa