Erice Sicily: A Complete Travel Guide – The Top Things to Do, Restaurants to Eat, Best Guided Tours & More!
Perched dramatically on the summit of Mount Erice, more than 750 meters above sea level, the town of Erice offers one of the most enchanting experiences in all of Sicily. With its misty cobblestone lanes, honey-colored stone buildings, and sweeping views of the sea and countryside, Erice is a perfectly preserved medieval hilltop town that seems frozen in time.
If you’re planning a road trip through Sicily, make sure to carve out time for a day trip to Erice. I visited Erice from Trapani, and it ended up being one of the most enchanting stops of my entire Sicily road trip. From ancient castles and churches to traditional sweets, crafts, and panoramic gardens, Erice is a place to slow down, explore on foot, and immerse yourself in centuries of history and culture.
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Where Is Erice?
Erice is located in western Sicily, Italy, just a few kilometers inland from the coastal city of Trapani. Sitting at about 750 meters (2,460 feet) above sea level on Mount Erice, the town overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and the salt pans of Trapani below. Its elevated position means it enjoys cooler temperatures and spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and islands.
Getting to Erice is easy — you can take a bus, drive up winding mountain roads, or take the funicular cable car from Trapani, which offers a scenic ride that sets the mood before you even set foot in the old town.
Why Visit Erice Sicily?
Stepping into Erice Sicily Italy feels like walking into a living postcard. Its perfectly preserved medieval old town, stone streets, and sweeping sea views from 750 meters above sea level make it one of the most captivating places in all of Sicily. It’s no surprise that Erice is officially recognized as one of “I Borghi più belli d’Italia” – the most beautiful villages in Italy.
This hilltop town isn’t just pretty—it’s rich in culture, heritage, and culinary traditions. Whether you’re here for the history, the food, or the views, Sicily Erice promises a truly unforgettable experience.
A Brief History of Erice
Erice’s roots stretch back over 3,000 years. Founded by the ancient Elymians, it later became a spiritual center for the Phoenicians and Romans, who worshipped Venus here. The legendary Erice Castle, known as Castello di Venere, was built over the remains of a temple dedicated to the goddess. Over the centuries, the town was ruled by Arabs, Normans, and Spanish—all of whom left behind traces that still echo through its architecture and culture today.
Top Things to Do in Erice Sicily
Erice Trapani is a small town-village, which is completely walkable and can be visited in half a day. Here’s a list of the top things to do in Erice to make the most of your visit.
1. Explore Erice Old Town
The heart of Erice is its old town — a maze of narrow, cobbled streets framed by grey stone buildings and flower-filled balconies. The two main streets, Via Gian Filippo Guarnotti and Via Vittorio Emanuele, form the spine of the village and lead you past artisan shops, small churches, and hidden piazzas.
Begin your walk at Porta Trapani, one of the three medieval gates into the city (the others are Porta Carmine and Porta Spada), and make your way toward Piazza della Loggia, the town’s central square. This small but lively piazza is a good place to get your bearings before wandering further. The charm here is in getting lost — and found again — in the winding alleys.
2. Visit the Chiesa Madre (Duomo di Erice)
Just beyond Porta Trapani stands the imposing Chiesa Madre, or Duomo di Erice, dating back to the early 14th century. The cathedral’s fortress-like exterior hides a stunningly elegant interior, with white stone vaults, lace-like ceiling carvings, and a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere. A separate bell tower next to the church offers excellent photo opportunities of the surrounding rooftops and countryside.
3. Sample Sicilian Pastries at Pasticceria Maria Grammatico
Erice is famous for its sweets, and no stop is more essential than Pasticceria Maria Grammatico – the most famous Sicily’s pastry shop, located just off Via Vittorio Emanuele in Erice. Maria learned her craft in a convent, and her pastries are still made using traditional recipes passed down by the cloistered nuns.
Be sure to try her genovese, a soft pastry filled with lemon-scented custard; the belli e brutti, almond cookies that are as tasty as they are oddly shaped; and the cassata, Sicily’s beloved ricotta cake. The paradiso Siciliano, with almonds, citrus, and sugar, is a must for those wanting to taste something uniquely regional.
4. Buy Handmade Erice Rugs
One of the most distinctive souvenirs you can bring home from Erice is a handmade rug. The tradition of weaving rugs here goes back centuries, and some artisans still use traditional wooden looms and natural dyes. These handwoven pieces often display geometric patterns and muted earth tones, reflecting the local style. Look for small workshops tucked along the side streets — many are family-run and happy to explain the process.
5. Visit the Castello di Venere
Rising at the edge of the town with sheer cliffs dropping away below, the Castello di Venere (Castle of Venus) occupies the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess of love. The Norman-era castle ruins offer not just a sense of myth and history, but also some of the most spectacular views in western Sicily. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Egadi Islands, the salt flats of Trapani, beaches of San Vito Lo Capo, and even Tunisia!
6. Stop by Toretta Pepoli
Just beneath the castle, nestled into the rock, is the Toretta Pepoli, a tiny 19th-century turret that looks like it belongs in a fairytale. Built by Count Agostino Pepoli, it now serves as a small museum and cultural site. Even if it’s closed during your visit, the location alone — perched above the valley — is worth the short walk for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning vistas.
7. Make a break and relax in the Giardino del Balio
Adjacent to the castle, the Giardino del Balio offers a quiet, shady escape with neatly kept gardens, ancient trees, and stone benches perfect for taking in the view. This is one of the best spots in Erice for photos, especially at sunset when the sky softens and the landscape below glows with color.
8. Visit Museo Comunale Antonio Cordici
If you’re curious about the deeper history of Erice, stop into the Museo Comunale Antonio Cordici, located in a former noble residence. The museum houses a small but notable collection of archaeological finds, religious art, and historical artifacts — including a 4th-century BC marble head of Aphrodite. It’s a fascinating stop for history lovers.
9. Enjoy Traditional Sicilian Cuisine
Erice is an excellent place to enjoy a slow lunch of traditional Sicilian fare. The local specialty is couscous trapanese (couscous di pesce), a dish influenced by North African traditions and made with steamed semolina, aromatic broth, and tender fish or seafood. It is rich and flavorful!
Try Ristorante Monte San Giuliano or La Prima Dea, both known for their authentic preparation of local dishes, charming interiors, and relaxed atmosphere. Pair your meal with a crisp Sicilian white wine for the full experience.
10. Take in the Best Views
Erice is all about the views. For some of the best, head to the Giardino del Balio, climb up to the Torre di Federico, or stand at the edge of the Spanish Rock (Rocca Spagnola). From these points, you’ll see sweeping vistas of the Trapani coast, the salt pans, the Egadi Islands, and sometimes even Mount Etna in the distance. Bring your camera — and a sense of awe.
11. Shop for Authentic Sicilian Ceramics
Erice is also home to a number of ceramic studios specializing in colorful, hand-painted Sicilian pottery. For high-quality ceramics, visit La Maiolica – Ceramiche Artistiche, known for its traditional patterns and vibrant glazes, or Maison Altieri, my favorite ceramics shop in Erice. These pieces make wonderful gifts or home décor, and they carry the spirit of Sicily with them.
12. Explore the Spanish Quarter
Just outside the old town lies the Spanish Quarter, built in the 17th century to house Spanish soldiers. Today, it’s a quieter, lesser-visited area, but still full of charm. The quarter retains its old-world feel with crumbling stone walls, open courtyards, and far fewer tourists. It’s a good place for a quiet stroll, especially in the golden afternoon light.
13. Sample Local Wines on the Strada del Vino
Erice lies along the Strada del Vino (the Wine Route of Erice DOC) that connects 3 main wineries in the area: the Trapani Winery, Erice Winery, and Primavera Winery. Wineries offer tastings and pairings with local cheeses and olives. The route starts in Trapani, goes through Erice, the Segesta hills, Scopello, and ends in San Vito Lo Capo. You can sample local varieties like Grillo, Inzolia, and Nero d’Avola in the wineries, and sleep in Bed and Breakfasts along the route.
What & Where to Eat in Erice
In Erice Sicily, food is as much a part of the experience as the history and views. Be sure to try couscous di pesce, a local specialty made with slow-steamed couscous and fragrant fish broth—try it at La Prima Dea. For something rich and distinctly Sicilian, the pesce spada con pistachio pesto (swordfish with pistachio pesto) at Ristorante Monte San Giuliano are not to be missed. Don’t skip the sweets—Maria Grammatico’s genovese, filled with warm custard, is legendary, and her cassata and almond cookies are equally irresistible. To accompany it all, sip a glass of local Erice DOC wine, especially a crisp Grillo or bold Nero d’Avola, which most Erice restaurants proudly serve. Whatever you eat, dining in Erice is truly a taste of tradition and a highlight of any visit.
How to Get to Erice
Getting to Erice is easy — you can take a bus, drive up winding mountain roads, or take the funicular cable car from Trapani, which offers a scenic ride that sets the mood before you even set foot in the old town.
Trapani to Erice by Cable Car
The most scenic and popular way to reach Erice is via the Erice Sicily cable car (known locally as the Funivia Erice), which runs from Trapani to Erice. The ride takes about 10 minutes and offers sweeping views of the coast. A one-way ticket for the Trapani-Erice cable car costs €6.50, while a round-trip ticket is €11.
Here is the location of Funivia Erice.
By Car
You can drive up the winding road to Erice and park just outside the town walls. It’s convenient if you’re exploring western Sicily by car.
You can park at the Porta Trapani lot, which is right outside the town gate—perfect for walking into Erice. The parking price from Mar 15 to Nov 15 is €1 for 30 minutes, €2 for the first hour, €1 for each subsequent hour, and €10 per day. However, in winter (Nov 16–Mar 14) is free parking all day.
There are free lots outside the Centro Storico, like along Via Fardella (Villa Margherita), Via della Libertà, and Via Trapani. These free parking lots are just beyond the walls (~10–20 min). These lots are unregulated and often a bit of a stroll, but no charge.
By Bus
There are regular buses from Trapani to Erice, especially in the high season. The journey takes about 30–40 minutes. A one-way bus ticket from Trapani to Erice costs €2.90, while a round-trip ticket costs €4.80.
Best Tours to Erice Sicily
Want to take the stress out of planning? These guided tours are excellent options:
- Erice Walking Tour & Local Products Tasting from Trapani
- Ultimate Day Trip to Erice, Scopello, Castellammare, and Saline Reserve from Trapani
- Private Day Trip to Segesta, Erice, and Trapani from Palermo
- Tour to Erice and Segesta from Palermo
- Sicilian Retreat: Erice & Marsala Tour with Lunch from Palermo
How Much Time Do You Need in Erice?
You can explore the highlights of Erice Sicily in a half day, but staying overnight lets you experience the town’s serene magic after the day-trippers leave. I recommend spending at least 4–6 hours if you’re coming just for the day. I also recommend visiting Erice in the afternoon to avoid daily tours that come to Erice in the morning.
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Erice Sicily
In case you decide to stay in Erice, here are some great accommodation options. Whether you’re after luxury or simplicity, accommodation in Erice Sicily caters to all budgets.
- Luxury: Hotel Elimo – Elegant rooms, fantastic views, and a tranquil atmosphere.
- Midrange: Erice Pietre Antiche – Beautiful apartments set in a historic building in the old town.
- Budget: Il Carmine Dimora Storica – A restored monastery offering peace and character at an affordable price.
Best Time to Visit Erice
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are ideal. The weather is pleasant, the town is less crowded, and the skies are generally clear—perfect for soaking in the views. Summer can be foggy and busy, but even the mist adds a dreamy, mysterious atmosphere to Erice Sicily.
Is Erice Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Erice Sicily is one of the most atmospheric and rewarding destinations in western Sicily. With its rich history, delicious food, scenic views, and medieval charm, it’s a place that feels both timeless and unforgettable.
What to Do Near Erice
Once you’ve explored Sicily Erice, consider these nearby attractions:
- Trapani – A coastal city with vibrant food culture and easy access to the Egadi Islands. Read more 17 Unmissable Things to Do in Trapani, Sicily
- Segesta – Home to one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in Sicily. Read more: Visiting Segesta, Sicily
- Marsala – Famous for its wine and charming old town.
- Zingaro Nature Reserve – Ideal for hikers and beach lovers.
- Scopello and Castellammare del Golfo – Gorgeous seaside villages perfect for a post-Erice escape.
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