7 Best Things to do in Erice, Sicily

Things to do in Erice, Sicily

We visited Erice on a day trip, perched atop a hill, and it has some of the most incredible views overlooking the region and the sea below. At times, the entire town looks as if it were floating in between the clouds! The town is steeped in tales of conquest and long-gone powers, but there’s much more to it than just history.

1. Castello di Venere

Located at the highest point on the mountain, overlooking the city of Trapani and the surrounding region, stands the Castello di Venere. From this stunning castle, we saw some of the best views in town, looking out over diverse landscapes, villages, and the expansive sea. Open: All week from 10 AM to 6 PM, 4 EUR entrance fee.

Getting there:

1. Walk towards the castle along the town walls, which stretch from Porta Trapani all the way to the furthest point of Erice.
2. There’s the shaded Garden of Balio just in front, which is a sneak peek of the upcoming vistas. From here, it’s only a 5 minutes up to the Castello.
3. Explore the 12th-century grounds and open walls built on top of the rock, dive into the town’s stories, and soak up the views over the green hills.

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2. Torretta Pepoli

Nestled a little further down the mountain and slightly overshadowed by the magnificent Venere, you’ll find the picturesque Torretta Pepoli. This little castle on a rock dates back to the late 19th century and was a haven for scholars, artists, and musicians who’d come and bask in the tranquility of the mountain. 

It’s still a meeting place for diverse cultures and religions, making it one of the best things to do in Erice, Sicily. Getting there: walk down a steep path between the rocky cliffsides and luscious trees.

3. Garden of Balio

Just in front of Erice’s Castle of Venus, we explored the enchanting Garden of Balio. With lots of shade and benches, this lovely park is the perfect location to take cover from the midday sun.

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We brought a picnic, sat down under the trees, and listened to the sounds of the birds and fountains. There’s also Caffè del Balio, where you can enjoy a coffee while soaking up all the incredible views.

In the park, you’ll also find the Balio Towers, which were a part of the Norman castle’s defense. Originally, they connected to the castle via a drawbridge and served as a military outpost.

4. Real Duomo di Erice

Erice, though small, is home to an astonishing number of 60 churches and cathedrals. Among them is the Gothic-style Real Chiesa Madre, dating back to the 1300s. Adorned with decorative frescoes, mosaics, fonts, and famous artwork, we found it one of the most remarkable to visit. 

The building stands near Porta Trapani along Corso Vittorio Emanuele and was constructed from materials salvaged from the ancient Temple of Venus. Tickets: Sold in the neighboring Torre di Federico and cost 6 EUR, covering entrance to the cathedral, the bell tower, and two other Erice churches.

5. Porta Trapani

Porta Trapani is the first sight we saw in Erice, Sicily, as it serves as the entrance gate to the hilltop town. It’s a grand stone-arched gateway, and centuries old!

Although Erice is no longer surrounded by a wall and now has multiple access points, Porta Trapani makes up the main entrance. If you’re traveling up to Erice by car or with the cable car, you’ll definitely pass by here to get into the city.

6. Stop at a Pasticceria 

Erice is renowned for its delicious almond pastries, proudly displayed in the windows of various pasticcerie. These are incredible treats! We bought a few while exploring the town’s medieval alleyways, full of little souvenir shops. Relax, savor a drink and something sweet, and take in the panoramic views from one of the cafes. 

One pastry shop that you can’t miss, however, is Pasticceria Maria Grammatico. Here, you’ll find many traditional sweets, including the famous Genoese almond pastries, fruits, and much more. This pasticceria is incredibly popular in Erice.

The name ‘Genoese’ comes from the pastry’s resemblance to the hats worn by Genoese sailors, a nod to the strong trade ties between Trapani and Genoa. 

7. Enjoy the Views 

As it sits high atop a mountain, Erice offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views, stretching from Trapani and the salt marshes to as far as the Egadi Islands. On a clear day, you can sometimes even spot the coast of Tunisia in the distance! We loved soaking up the scenery from the Castle of Venus or while walking along the ancient walls.

Where to Stay

We visited Erice on a day trip from Trapani, but it’s worth spending the night in this cute hilltop town. There are several accommodations, like cliffside apartments and boutique hotels, to choose from in Erice.

Our favorite hotels in Erice 😴

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Bella Vista b&b

Erice

Residence Erice Pietre Antiche

Erice

Hotel Elimo

Erice

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Traveling by car? Make sure to confirm the parking situation with your hotel beforehand. Erice is a ZTL (zona traffico limitato) area, and though there are free and paid parking spots, it’s unlikely you’ll be driving directly to your accommodation.

How many days in Erice? We think Erice is the perfect day trip destination. We saw all the sights in a few hours. However, for a more immersive experience you can also choose to stay.

Best Restaurants and Cafes in Erice

The food in Erice is delicious, like many places in Sicily, Italy. We lovd Couscous alla Trapanese (a Sicilian twist on the North African staple) and Busiate Trapanesi, a hand-rolled pasta served with a rich and hearty sauce.

Pair that with a local Sicilian wine and finish off with an almond pastry, the town’s specialty. Some of our favorite restaurants in Erice are:

Good to know: Many restaurants in Sicily don’t open before 7 PM. Never assume a restaurant is open just because of the opening times on Google Maps. It’s best to check in person or call the restaurant to confirm.

How to Visit Erice, Sicily

To get to the medieval old town of Erice, you’ll have to make your way to the Sicilian city of Trapani. From there, there are a few different options to journey up the mountain.

By train or bus: Trains are available throughout the island and are a comfortable way to get around. From Trapani, you can hop on the local bus that drives up to Erice in about 45 minutes. Browse your train or bus tickets online.

By car: We visited Erice on our Sicily road trip. It’s up a winding mountain road, about 30 minutes from Trapani. We parked next to Porta Trapani as Erice itself is a ZTL zone.

By cable car (funivia): The best and most exciting way to visit Erice. From the foot of the mountain in Trapani (here’s the location), it’s a 10-minute journey up. Tickets cost 5.50 EUR (single), or 9 EUR (return), but are also included in a Trapani Card. Browse the timetable for the cable car here.

Getting Around

The town is shaped like a triangle, featuring steep lanes that wind up and around it from the Porta Trapani entrance. Most of the town is pedestrianized, so we explored on foot.

How Much Does Erice Cost?

Erice is a relatively affordable destination on Sicily’s island, with your biggest expense being accommodation. Prices also depend on the time of year you visit the town, with higher costs during the summer months.

Best Time to Visit Erice, Sicily

We visited Erice during our mid-march visit and went late in the afternoon, when there are no crowds and the landscape turns into a beautiful golden hue. In the summer, the town can get pretty busy.

• Best time of day: Early morning or late afternoon.
• Tip: Due to its elevated position, the town will occasionally be shrouded in fog, known to locals as ‘the kisses of Venus’. Just remember that when visiting the town on a Sicily road trip.