In Marsala, the famous Saline Ettore and Infersa enchant not only for the sunset, but above all for the experiences of Isola Lunga, one of the islands of the Stagnone Nature Reserve, reachable by boat, including the incredible spa in the salt pools and an original photo safari.
Just think that there are those who go there just to watch the sunset.
When, instead, the pure magic begins a little further on, on Isola Lunga, the largest of the 4 islands of the “Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala” Nature Reserve, in addition to Mothia, Santa Maria, and Schola which includes, in the pre-reserve area, also the famous Saline Ettore and Infersa.
The history of the salt pans has been closely linked to the cultural epic of Sicily and the civilizations of the Mediterranean, as salt was a precious “white gold” for all peoples. Pliny the Elder speaks of its cultivation already in Roman times in Italy, also mentioning Trapani.
Anyone who really wants to talk about salt pans must come here, to the west of Sicily… old, very old salt pans, founded by the Phoenicians.
(Voltaire, end of the 18th century)
The recovery of the wonderful Ettore and Infersa Salt Pans, completely restored in a conservative manner, is due to Giacomo D’Alì Staiti and his wife Adele Occhipinti who with passion have created within them nature trails and various experiences related to the world of salt, including the Sunset Bar Mamma Caura, the Salt Museum and Shop, and the Salt Resort located on Isola Lunga.
From the pier located in front of Mamma Caura, you can, in fact, reach the Salt Resort, a natural paradise made of salt reachable with a crossing of about 20 minutes on special lagoon boats. You sail inside the very shallow waters of the Stagnone of Marsala, passing by the islands of Mothia and Schola and, at the dock of the Island, you will be welcomed by the Saline staff with an original photo safari vehicle.
Salt is no longer produced on the island, although the hydraulic circuit is kept functioning, and inside the old production buildings a fascinating “saliturismo” has arisen, a salt resort, with a restaurant, bar, rooms and a beach from which you can see an unforgettable sunset, without overdoing it with hyperbole.
In fact, on Isola Lunga there are the shallowest salt pans, those, therefore, that at sunset are colored with the brightest reds and pinks, often made even more magical by the flamingos that stop here for long periods.
Continuing the tour, you reach the pools with waters of different and increasing salt concentrations, the real gem of the experience. In addition to staying afloat effortlessly (like in the Dead Sea), the bath offers the opportunity to enjoy all the beneficial power of high concentrations of salt, such as the anti-inflammatory and rehydration of the hydrolipidic film of the skin.
Recommending to do the experience in the afternoon, you can then book an aperitif or dinner in the resort, waiting for the boat that takes everyone back at 10:30 pm.
Or, for an even more tailored experience, you can stay at the nearby Almar Giardino di Costanza Resort & Spa and book their incredible exclusive experiences that begin in the resort’s spa, Almablu Spa. With over 2,700 square meters, it is the largest and most spectacular in Sicily and is inspired by the beneficial properties of salt.
After a morning at the spa and a break at the resort’s Pool Bar, you can book a private transfer and boat that will take you to the Ettore and Infersa Salt Pans and then to Isola Lunga to continue the incredible day discovering the world of salt (in the Useful Info section you will find the different modular experiences that can be booked).
Truly a unique experience in the world, again, without hyperbole.
The Secret
During the photo safari on Isola Lunga, today almost uninhabited, you might also happen to see the remains of the castle and the wine cellar of Baron Adragna di Altavilla who lived here, together with about 500 inhabitants, in what was once a real village.
Almar Giardino di Costanza Resort & Spa
Useful Info
Saline Ettore e Infersa
Contrada Ettore Infersa
91025 Marsala, Trapani
Tel. +39 0923 733003
Entrance to Isola Lunga and salt pans spa: 27 euro for adults, 14 euro for children
Public boat to Isola Lunga from SEI Imbarcadero: 8 euro for adults, 4 euro for children
Isola Lunga salt pans spa + aperitif at the Isola Lunga Salt Resort: 52 euro for adults, 29 euro for children
Safari Isola Lunga: 20 euro for adults, 14 euro for children
Almar Giardino di Costanza Resort & Spa
Via Salemi 100
91026 Mazara del Vallo, Trapani
Tel. +39 0923 675001
Exclusive packages Almar Giardino di Costanza
Rooms: from 240 euro with breakfast included
Day spa: from Mon to Thurs 59 euro per person, from Fri to Sun 69 euro per person
Salt pans Ettore e Infersa experience (tailor-made): for 2 people from 150 euro each which can include a visit to the salt mill, museum guided tour, salt pans spa and salt tasting, private boat return to Isola Lunga
