Best lakes around Paceco include unique and ecologically significant aquatic environments. The region, located in Sicily, features diverse water bodies ranging from active salt pans to natural karst lakes and artificial basins. These areas are notable for their natural beauty, historical significance, and rich biodiversity. Visitors can explore landscapes shaped by centuries-old traditions and crucial wetland ecosystems.
Last updated: August 11, 2026
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The way from Trapani to the Nubia Salt Museum is unsightly and long on foot along the main road. I recommend going there by car and looking at the salt pans on site.
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A wonderful reclamation road that runs along the southern slope of Montagna Grande, starting from provincial road 44 and winding its way to the shores of Lago Rubino. Isolated and with little traffic, it is advisable to travel it in company and/or with everything you need to get by on your own.
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Majestic giants the windmills. Architectural symbol of the Trapani area. Already at the time of the Normans in the 12th century, Frederick II understood the commercial importance of the place and imposed the state monopoly on the production of salt, used for the preservation of food. After the Normans, it was the turn of the Aragonese, who privatized the salt pans. Subsequently the Spanish boosted the economy of the area, promoting Trapani as the most important European center for the production of salt. Until the 1960s, the windmills imposed themselves on the panorama of the Trapani salt pans. Majestic giants, with large arms with continuous and graceful movement, challenged the strong winds always present in the city of Trapani and managed under their push to create that indispensable mechanism to lift and move the water necessary for the production of sea salt.
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Clear waters, uncontaminated nature, strips of land rich in history and archaeological remains, active salt marshes, shallow waters, which can also be traveled on foot in some places, characterize the Stagnone Islands Oriented Nature Reserve, one of the first to be established in Sicily (1984 ); it protects the Stagnone lagoon, a body of water, bordered by the open sea by the Isola Grande, with three small islands in its interior, Mozia, Santa Maria and Schola. At the edges of the canals of the salt pans there are halophytic plants, including suaeda maritima, salicornia, salsola soda, limonium, inula, limoniastrum. Since July, the Stagnone has hosted autumn migratory birds: curlews and glossy ibis; with the cold the ducks arrive, with the marsh harrier waiting for them in ambush, pochards, teals, coots, mallards, pintails and garganeys. Superb and haughty herons look for food among the tanks of the salt pans.
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Salt pans of Trapani and Paceco The salt pans of Trapani and Paceco represent a remnant of Nature taken away from urban expansion 26 years ago thanks to the establishment of the Reserve; in addition to being among the last remaining productive salt pans in Sicily, they are also a treasure trove of biodiversity, in which production activities and nature conservation coexist. Here is concentrated a great naturalistic heritage recognized as a Special Protection Area (ITA010028) and Special Conservation Area (ITA010007), IBA and Ramsar Site, but also an area of high landscape, architectural and ethno-anthropological value. Source: wwfsalineditrapani.it/
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Lake Rubino is an artificial lake that allows farmers in the area to irrigate their land.
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Lake Rubino is on the route of the first stage of the "Sicily Divide". For more information: https://sicilydivide.it/
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The region around Paceco offers diverse aquatic environments. You can explore the Saline di Trapani e Paceco Nature Reserve, which features active salt pans, traditional windmills, and is a crucial wetland ecosystem. Another significant area is the Preola and Gorghi Tondi Natural Reserve, characterized by its unique karst lakes. For a scenic artificial lake, visit Lake Rubino.
The wetlands around Paceco are biodiversity hotspots, especially for birds. The Saline di Trapani e Paceco Nature Reserve is a vital habitat and stopover for over 208 species, including flamingos, white herons, and black stilts. The Preola and Gorghi Tondi Natural Reserve also serves as a crucial shelter for migratory and domestic bird species like wild ducks, herons, and various birds of prey.
Yes, the Saline di Trapani e Paceco Nature Reserve is rich in history. It showcases centuries-old salt harvesting traditions with numerous basins and traditional windmills, some dating back to the 17th century. An old mill, Casa Salaria, houses the Salt Museum, where you can learn about the history of salt production. You can find more information about this unique area at Salt Pans and Windmills of the Stagnone Lagoon Nature Reserve.
For birdwatching, spring and autumn are particularly recommended for both the Saline di Trapani e Paceco Nature Reserve and the Preola and Gorghi Tondi Natural Reserve, as these are peak migration periods. The salt harvest at the Saline typically runs from July to September, offering a unique cultural experience. Sunsets over the salt flats are breathtaking year-round.
Yes, both the Saline di Trapani e Paceco Nature Reserve and the Preola and Gorghi Tondi Natural Reserve offer family-friendly experiences. The Saline provides opportunities for birdwatching and learning about salt production at the Salt Museum. The Preola and Gorghi Tondi reserve has equipped paths and observatories for easy bird observation, with one path to Gorgo Basso accessible to people with disabilities, making it suitable for various family members.
Absolutely. The area around Paceco offers several routes for outdoor activities. For instance, the Ardigna Reclamation Road and Lake Rubino is a trail suitable for dynamic hikers and cyclists, offering panoramic views along the southern slope of Montagna Grande. You can find more hiking routes in the region by visiting the Hiking around Paceco guide.
For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are several routes in the broader Paceco area. Options include challenging trails like the 'Under the Tree Canopy loop from Paceco' or more moderate ones such as the 'Madonna’s Well loop from Paceco'. You can explore these and other MTB trails in the MTB Trails around Paceco guide.
Yes, there are running trails available. While not directly adjacent to every lake, the region offers various running routes. For example, you can find moderate trails like the 'Trapani Fast Ferry Terminal loop from Trapani' or the 'View of the Aeolian Islands – Ligny Tower loop from Trapani'. More options are detailed in the Running Trails around Paceco guide.
While specific public transport details for each reserve can vary, the Saline di Trapani e Paceco Nature Reserve is located between Trapani and the small village of Paceco, making it relatively accessible. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most current information on reaching the reserves.
Visitors particularly appreciate the unique blend of industrial archaeology, natural beauty, and significant biodiversity. The stunning and ever-changing hues of the salt pans, especially at sunset, are a major draw. The exceptional opportunities for birdwatching, the tranquility of the karst lakes, and the scenic views offered by places like Lake Rubino are frequently highlighted.
Yes, guided tours are often available for the Saline di Trapani e Paceco Nature Reserve. These tours, sometimes free, are typically offered by WWF guides and focus on aspects like migratory waterfowl or the salt harvest, which occurs from July to September. For more information on visiting the salt pans, you can check resources like visitsicily.info.


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