Salt Pan

The salt pans of Trapani and Paceco (Italian: Riserva naturale orientata Saline di Trapani e Paceco) are a historic salt-producing landscape and protected wetland in the province of Trapani, western Sicily. Situated between the city of Trapani and the town of Paceco, the area consists of a network of coastal evaporation ponds, canals, and traditional windmills used for sea-salt extraction over many centuries. Although salt production continues on a reduced scale, the site is also recognised for its ecological importance: the shallow basins provide habitat for numerous migratory and resident bird species and form one of the most significant wetland systems on the island. Established as a nature reserve in 1995 and managed by WWF Italy, the area covers approximately 1,000 hectares and is noted for its distinctive cultural landscape, combining industrial heritage with natural values.