The port of Trapani, first known as Drepana, then Drepanon, was inhabited by the Sicani and the Elymi becoming a prosperous Phoenician trading centre by the 8th century BC.

In the 16th century, it received privileges under Emperor Charles V of Spain, who also strengthened the town walls.

Other rivers include the torrential Modione, Mazaro, the Fiume, the Salemi and the Sossius, the latter of which flows into the Mediterranean Sea at the resort of Berbaro.

Natural lakes include the Gorghi Tondi and Preola, in the comune of Mazara del Vallo, and the Lago di Venere in Pantelleria.

The lagoon consists of four islands: Isola Longa Santa Maria, San Pantaleo and Schola.