San Leonardo: Nature, Islands and Culture

San Leonardo brings together nature, island history and days by the water. In the surrounding area, the Riserva Naturale Orientata Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala nature reserve covers more than 2,000 hectares between Punta San Teodoro and Capo Lilibeo. It includes Isola Grande, also known as Isola Longa, as well as the small islands of Mozia, Santa Maria and Schola.

Stagnone: Islands and Nature

Rare halophytes, or salt-tolerant plants, found in the surrounding area include Halocnemum strobilaceum and Calendula maritima. The protected area is also home to migratory birds such as curlews and glossy ibises. Various species of ducks arrive during the colder months, while herons search for food in the salt ponds. The landscape therefore offers a wide range of opportunities for observing nature.

Water and Orientation

Windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing and sailing are available in the surrounding area of the Stagnone. At the Ettore e Infersa salt pans, small boats, inflatable boats, catamarans and canoes can be rented. From the Molo delle Saline Ettore e Infersa, a return boat trip to Isola Grande, also known as Isola Lunga, is available. The crossing takes about 20 minutes, with departures every hour.

Roads and parking options are also relevant for getting around locally. In Contrada San Leonardo, there is a car park with two spaces reserved for M3-category buses. The road in Contrada Ettore Infersa, also known as Casello Bonetto, connects the Litoranea dello Stagnone with the SP21 provincial road. Contrada San Leonardo is also home to the Kite Hostel Stagnone, focused on kite sports, at Via Torre Lupa 119A.

History around Mozia

The Chiesa San Leonardo is located at Contrada Ettore Infersa 142 in Marsala. The church contains a life-size statue created and installed there by the Società Italiana Arte Sacra di Roma. Mozia was founded at the end of the 8th century BC and developed into one of the wealthiest Phoenician colonies in the Mediterranean. The Whitaker Museum on Mozia displays mainly finds from the ancient Phoenician city and provides educational materials on the history and civilisation of the Phoenicians. San Leonardo is associated with a Via Crucis.

Salt Pans, Family and Daily Rhythm

The Mulino delle Saline Ettore e Infersa is still in operation in the surrounding area. Guided one-hour walks through the salt pans are also available. For trips with children, there is the Parco Giochi di San Leonardo in the Contrada of the same name, next to a car park and close to the Verga school complex. In 2024, the San Leonardo e Birgi in Festa cultural weekend San Leonardo e Birgi in Festa was announced, featuring performances, cabaret and tastings of typical products.

Choose a Holiday Apartment in San Leonardo Based on Your Holiday Pace

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in San Leonardo, you can focus your stay on these specific themes: water and boat trips, observing nature, Phoenician history, religious themes or a daily schedule with children. This keeps your choice of accommodation aligned with the holiday pace you prefer for your trip.

Other destinations to include in your planning are Scauri, Petrosino, Erice, Tre Croci, Salemi, Marsala, Castellammare Del Golfo and Fulgatore.

For the higher-level travel overview: Trapani.