A Race With A View

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Jutting out along Sicily's northwestern coastline, sun-drenched Trapani has the strong winds and wide-open sea views that make it an ideal host for the America's Cup qualifying races, which take place Sept. 28 to Oct. 9. The competition, which dates back to 1851, has grown in global popularity, with teams from Italy, New Zealand and 2003 winners Switzerland battling for the title of sailing's best.

The Trapani preraces are part of a restructured lineup of annual contests that lead to the finals in Valencia, Spain, in 2007. Trapani's historic port is spruced up for the event with wine bars and VIP tents, while the peculiar sight of windmills and salt flats add a quirky touch to an otherwise Latin coastline. But if you fancy a day trip, hit the road for some truly special scenery.

Just 14 km inland from Trapani is the medieval town of Erice. Perched more than 700 m atop a steep incline, the town is seemingly suspended like a fairy-tale fiefdom above the endless flatlands below. The winding cobblestone streets make for a nice place to get lost (and easily found), and the well-preserved 12th century Norman castle, above, is a must-see. But it's the downward views that truly give the hillside hamlet an otherworldly aura.

Look south and you'll see Sicily's rugged interior; up north there's the San Vito lo Capo peninsula; to the east, there's the road to Palermo; and to the west, the Trapani coastline and the Egadi islands beyond. And if your binoculars are strong enough, you may even spot your favorite America's Cup team slicing through the Med's blue waters.