Morphology & Ecology of the Salt Pans

The Trapani salt pans are the result of a long natural process. During the Quaternary period, the sea advanced and retreated several times, depositing sand and clay. This created a flat and regular landscape, ideal for the formation of the salt pans.

Later, movements of the Earth's crust uplifted the coastline, creating marine terraces that still shape the landscape today and encouraged the development of the salt pans.

The rocks of the area

Among the most important geological elements are the organogenic calcarenites, marine sedimentary rocks made of calcareous fragments such as shells and algae, cemented over time by calcite.

Often incorrectly called “tuff”, these rocks are recognizable by their golden-yellow color, porous structure, and the presence of many fossils.

The Egadi Islands

In front of the salt pans lie the Egadi Islands: Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo. This archipelago is an emerged extension of the continental shelf of north-western Sicily and shares the same geological origin as the coastal territory.

European migratory routes

The salt pans are located along important migratory routes linking Africa with Western, Balkan and Eastern Europe. For this reason, they provide a valuable habitat for many animal species, especially migratory birds.

Today this landscape is the result of a unique balance between nature, sea, geology and human presence.