Visit Erice: full guide

Are you planning a stay in Sicily? Then discover our complete guide to visit Erice, one of the island’s must-see villages!

Every year, thousands of tourists come to visit Erice, one of the most beautiful villages in Sicily. Overlooking the coastline between Trapani and Monte Cofano, it offers breathtaking views of the coast. This historic city is also known for its exceptional heritage.

Named after Eryx, legendary son of Aphrodite and Boutès, the village has been populated since Antiquity. Erice has seen civilizations and peoples scroll: Greek, Roman, Byzantine and then Norman and Aragonese. These influences are found in the constructions and buildings that make this beautiful village.

If you come to Sicily, and especially to Trapani, you have to come here. This falls, we have prepared a complete guide to visit the village!

What to do and see to Erice?

Entrance to Erice : La Porta Trapani

Located 750 metres above the sea, Erice totally overlooks the area. This is no wonder if the village is surrounded by ramparts and houses a beautiful castle. It was once a very popular place.

To begin your visit, you are recommended to return to the city by the imposing Porta Trapani. The latter is part of the ancient Phoenician defensive walls, built during Antiquity. Take the time to admire them before discovering the interior of the city.

The Duomo dell’Assunta

Once the simple stone enclosure door is crossed, you will discover a sublime small village with paved alleys, small historic houses and churches.

Thus, Erice’s first must-see monument is the Duomo dell’Assunta. Located on the left after the Porta Trapani, it is the mother church of the village. It was built in 1314 on the order of Frédéric III d’Aragon . The island of Sicily was then dominated by the Spanish.

We recommend that you enter the building and admire its sublime Gothic nave. Before you continue your visit to Erice, take the time to climb into his bell tower, located outside. There you will enjoy a superb view of the historic city.

Le Castello di Venere

Then, head to the highlight of the visit: the Castello di Venere. Before you reach the castle, you will pass through the charming gardens of Balio, Il Giardino del Balio in Italian. Also stop at Torre di Pepoli, a stone residence built in 1881 on the cliff. From its turret, you will enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the coast.

Then continue to the tip, where you will find the magnificent castle fort of Venus. This building was built by the Normans in the 12th century, above a Roman temple, Venere Ericina. Built on the cliff side, it offers a superb panorama across the Mediterranean coast, north of Erice. No doubt that you will keep an unforgettable memory of this exceptional panorama!

The Cordici Museum

After taking a full look at the Château de Venus, go back to the heart of the village to visit the Musée Cordici, another must-see to Erice. It includes all the ancient and artistic vestiges of the city. The visit is not long, but very interesting and instructive.

The Quartiere Spagnolo

Last place to visit in Erice: the Spanish district, located north of the village. Moreover, you have to pass in front of the Porta Carmine and the Spada Gate to discover the place. After a promontory, you will also enjoy exceptional views of the coast and sea below.

Surroundings

If you come to visit Erice, don't just discover this village. Enjoy your visit to the region to marvel at other must-sees:

• We recommend that you make a tour Trapani. You should notably visit Cathedral of Trapani and centro storico ;
• Take a tour too Museo Civico Torre di Lignyarchaeological museum that also offers beautiful views from the top of its tower;
• But especially, take the time to discover the Nature reserve of the Trapani and Paceco salt marshes ;
• For a bit of stuffing and beautiful swimming, you are also recommended two beaches located in Trapani: the Spiaggia delle Mura di Tramontana and Spiaggia di San Giuliano ;
• For wilder stretches of sand, also make a tour Baia di Cornino and Spiaggia Rio Forgialocated further northeast;
• Finally, don't miss joining the Monte Cofano and its natural reserve. Enjoy beautiful hikes, beaches and beautiful views there;
• You can also discover the site of Scurati Caves (Grotta Mangiapane), or go visit the famous Santuario di Maria Santissima di Custonaci. The latter is known for his painting of the Madonna.

Where to eat Erice?

By losing yourself in the old city of Erice, you will discover many places to restore. Three are worth the detour in particular, and we recommend them for lunch or dinner.

Osteria di Venere

The Osteria di Venere is another establishment not to be missed if you come to Erice! Located in Via Roma, this restaurant offers delicious pasta dishes and fresh seafood. The welcome is warm, the excellent cuisine and the authentic atmosphere. For all these reasons, we can only recommend it to you!

Restaurant La Prima Dea

The restaurant La Prima Dea offers authentic cuisine, with Italian and Sicilian dishes executed perfectly! The property features a charming room and a beautiful shaded terrace. The price is very reasonable. In short, it is an ideal place for lunch or dinner when you come to visit Erice!

Gli Archi di San Carlo

Located in an old residence in Erice, this restaurant is certainly one of the best places to eat in Erice. You will enjoy local cuisine, typically Sicilian, with fresh and quality products. In addition to these delicious dishes, the restaurant Gli Archi has a beautiful wine cellar, with excellent bottles of local producers. Enjoy it!

How to go to Erice?

From Trapani

By car

Erice is less than 30 minutes' drive from Trapani city centre. The visit is therefore not a concern if you are in this city of Sicily.

By car, you can go down the main avenue to Via Antonio Miceli and then reach the main avenue route SP 31 which rises in the heights. You can also borrow it route SS187 , more practicable, until Valderice then follow Via Erice to the village. One. free parking is normally located near the historic city.

Funicular

On the edges of Trapani is also a funicular, the Funivia Trapani-Erice. You can reach it with the city buses and then borrow it to reach Erice. However, the funicular is often closed for maintenance on Monday. If the weather is bad, its service can also be interrupted.

The return trip costs 9€ per person. Opening hours are from 8:30 to 8:00 pm from Tuesday to Friday , from 9:30 to 20:30 for the weekend and holidays . Do not hesitate to consult the official website Funicular to learn more.

From Palermo

Are you planning a stay in Palermo and want to visit Erice? No worry, you can perfectly discover this beautiful Sicilian city and its breathtaking views. Two options are available to you to visit it easily: come with your car or book a day trip.

By car

If you have rented a vehicle or that you have yours, then know that the journey to Erice lasts less than two hours . You will go on this occasion all the coast to Castellammare del Golfo via the E90 . You will then have to sink into the land, following the roads SP47 , SS731 then SS187 until Valderice. Once this charming village reaches, you will only have to take Via Erice to your destination! You will normally find free parking at the foot of the historic city.

During a trip

If you don’t have a car, then you can still opt for a trip from Palermo to Erice. These activities frequently include Segesta and Trapani salt marshes, in addition to Erice. Accompanied by a guide, you will discover the main sites of western Sicily. The average price is €60 per person for a trip 8 a.m. .

Transport is usually done in air-conditioned minivan. You will not suffer the heat even in summer!

Where to stay in Erice?

Visiting Erice can be done in a day. You will then have time to lose yourself in its alleys, admire its monuments and enjoy its views. Loging to Erice is not an obligation to fully appreciate this historic Sicilian city. In addition, it is relatively isolated from the rest of the island: Erice stands on rocky heights, and is accessible by two winding roads, one to the east, one to the west.

If you want to discover several of the wonders of Sicily, it is better to come for a day only, on a excursion or by your own means.

However, if you plan a quieter and more relaxing stay away from Trapani for example, Erice is an ideal place to stay in the region. Replaced, nestled in the heights, it houses charming establishments where to lay its suitcases for a few nights.

Keep in mind that if you choose accommodation in Erice or its surroundings, you will need to have your own vehicle if possible. It is essential to enjoy the beaches and other attractions, located below the village of Erice.

For example, you can stay at the Hotel Elimo a 3-star hotel nestled in the heart of the historic city. The night in this hotel costs 64€ On average. The rooms are comfortable, the authentic atmosphere, and the hotel even has a charming restaurant. The Bella Vista B facingB is another ideal accommodation where to stay in Erice. The rooms are clean and comfortable, free breakfast. And you will enjoy a beautiful terrace with view, for 64€ per night also.

Here you have all the essential information to visit Erice in Sicily! You just have to pack and join her!