Discover San Leonardo: Nature, Water and History

The Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala nature reserve, the island of Mozia, the salt pans and several options for activities on the water shape travel planning.

Natural Environment and Birdlife at the Stagnone

In the immediate surroundings, the Riserva Naturale Orientata Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala extends over 2,000 hectares between Punta San Teodoro and Capo Lilibeo. The protected area includes Isola Grande, also known as Isola Longa, as well as the three islets of Mozia, Santa Maria and Schola. Rare halophytes such as Halocnemum strobilaceum and Calendula maritima grow in this landscape. Birdlife is also a key aspect: the area is home to migratory birds such as curlews and glossy ibises. In the colder season, various species of ducks are also present, while herons search for food in the salt basins.

Water Sports, Boats and Walks

Windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing and sailing are offered in the immediate surroundings of the Stagnone. At the Ettore e Infersa saltworks, small boats, inflatable boats, catamarans and canoes can be rented. A round trip by boat to Isola Grande, also known as Isola Lunga, starts at the Molo delle Saline Ettore e Infersa; the crossing takes approximately 20 minutes, with departures every hour. Those who prefer to explore the landscape on foot can take part in a guided walk through the saltworks. These tours last one hour.

Mozia and San Leonardo as Cultural Destinations

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

Practical Information for Your Stay

The road in Contrada Ettore Infersa (Casello Bonetto) connects the Litoranea dello Stagnone with the provincial road SP21. In Contrada San Leonardo, there is a car park with two spaces reserved for M3-category buses. The Kite Hostel Stagnone is also located in Contrada San Leonardo, at Via Torre Lupa 119A; it is a hostel focused on kitesurfing.

Other Local Points of Interest

Parco Giochi di San Leonardo is a children's playground in the Contrada of the same name, next to a car park and near the “Verga” school complex. The Mulino delle Saline Ettore e Infersa is still in operation. For 2024, the cultural weekend “San Leonardo e Birgi in Festa”, featuring performances, cabaret and tastings of typical products, was announced in San Leonardo.

Other Places for Your Travel Planning

If you would like to compare San Leonardo with other destinations: Castelvetrano, Campobello Di Mazara, San Vito Lo Capo, Casa Santa, Karuscia, Poggioreale, Custonaci and Salaparuta.

For the higher-level travel overview: Trapani.