BUDGET airline Ryanair is launching a new airport base near two Italian cities next year.
The airline will be opening a new base at Trapani-Marsala Airport in Italy, in January, which includes a new route from London.
Ryanair is launching a new airport base in Sicily, Italy[/caption]
There will be 23 routes, including 11 new destinations[/caption]
To celebrate the opening of the new base, Ryanair has launched a three day flash sale with flights as little as €21.99 (£19.20).
The airport is located between two Sicilian cities – Trapani and Marsala – hence the name.
Trapani is located north of the airport, around 20km away and Marsala is located to the south, 14km away.
The coastal city of Trapani sits on the western tip of Sicily and has something for everyone to explore.
For history lovers, the city’s historic centre is littered with winding streets ideal for strolls to discover Baroque palaces and churches with breathtaking architecture.
The port is equally as historic, with a long promenade boasting views of the crystal Sicilian sea.
After wandering around the port, head to the ruins of Torre di Ligny – a tower built to defend Trapani against raids.
For something more unusual, head to the city’s pink-toned salt pans, known as Riserva Naturale Orientata delle Saline di Trapani e Paceco.
The reserve features ancient salt-harvesting windmills, and if you are lucky, you might be able to spot some migratory birds.
One recent visitor said: “The walk around the salt pans as the sun was setting was magical.”
There are also some spots close to the city worth exploring such as the medieval hilltop town of Erice, which can be reached via cable car.
Or use the city as a starting point before heading off to the Egadi Islands, with clear waters and stunning, sprawling beaches.
One of the Egadi Islands, named Favignana, is a favoured spot for swimming with lots of coves.
Thanks to its coastal location, Trapani has a lot of fresh seafood spots, with traditional dishes including couscous alla trapanese, which includes couscous steamed over a rich, seafood broth.
One top spot, rated the best on TripAdvisor, is Al Vicoletto – known for its intimate setting and fair prices.
Trapani is know for being a historic, coastal city with fresh, local seafood[/caption]
Dishes include grilled amberjack and stewed lampuga, with prices per dish starting from around €15 (£13.09).
One recent visitor said: “Beyond all expectations, we have been coming to Trapani for several years and we had missed this gastronomic corner of Trapani.”
The city also has many places to stay, including beach-side apartments from £52 per night.
You could also head to Marsala, another historic city with lots to explore.
The coastal spot is a great location for wine lovers, with world-renowned fortified wine.
In fact, the city and surrounding landscape is home to numerous spots to explore historic cellars to taste different wines.
Trapani is also home to a reserve with pink-tone salt pans[/caption]
Many of the salt pans have windmills that you can spot as well[/caption]
You can also head to Stagnone Lagoon Nature Reserve, where there are a number of salt pans and windmills.
The £148.8million investment in the new base follows the Sicilian government’s decision to get rid of the municipal tax at smaller airports.
Ryanair has supported the decision as well as urged other authorities to include the tax cut at larger airports such as Palermo and Catania.
If this were to happen, the airline has expressed that it could lead to millions more passengers, more aircraft and thousands of new jobs.
A man has also recently shared how he pays just 8p for three-night holiday to Italy including flights and hotel.
Plus, the brilliant five-star Italian campsite with beautiful beaches, affordable restaurants and activities for the whole family.
The city is located around 20km from the airport[/caption]
