Erice: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening

Photo by Bjorn S .. The medieval village of Erice is a locality near Trapani, where you can rediscover the flavor of the past, walking through narrow streets and admiring the view of the sea from above. Erice was inhabited by Phoenicians, Normans, Arabs, Romans and their passage is visible on the buildings and monuments that fill the village.
A weekend is more than enough to enjoy the small and large beauties of this village! Here is a guide to Erice for you : what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening.

What to see in Erice

1 – Castello di Venere
Photo by Angelica Bianco. One of the most impressive buildingsof Erice and certainly the Castle of Venus, located on Mount Erice and so called because it was erected near an ancient open-air temple , originally dedicated to the goddess of fertility, Astarte for the Phoenicians and then Venus for the Romans. The fortress was built in stone by the Normans between the 11th and 12th centuries, and among the materials used there are also some remains of the temple.
In addition to admiring the remains of the fortress, from this high point of the village it is possible to enjoy a unique view of the Mediterranean Sea , the promontory of Cofano and the Sparacio and Inici mountains.

• How to get there: Largo Castello; 10 min walk from the center, to get there you can follow a trekking route or use the funicular – Get directions
• Hours: from April to October 10: 00-18: 00, from July to September 10: 00-19: 00, August 10: 00-20: 00
• Ticket price: full € 4.00, reduced € 2.00

2 – Torretta Pepoli
Photo by Angelica Bianco. La Torretta Pepoli is an eclectic building located at the foot of the Venus Castle, inside the Balio Gardens. It is a structure commissioned by Count Agostino Pepoli , who during the end of the 19th century decided to give life to a place destined for culture , in whose walls to host illustrious personalities of the time. Torretta Pepoli presents elements in Liberty style, and contains various geometric figures, from the access door consisting of a crenellated cylinder, through to cubes and parallelepipeds, all co-present but linked in a harmonious and balanced way.
The Tower has some differences with respect to the origin, but many are the materials used for the restoration and probably also present at the beginning, such as Carrara marble, Favignana tuff and oak. The splendid building can be visited since 2014, when it was entitled Observatory of Peace and Mediterranean Lighthouse.

• How to get there: 7 min walk from the center – Get directions
• Hours: from April to October 10: 00-18: 00, from July to September 10: 00-19: 00, August 10: 00-20: 00
• Ticket price: full € 4.00, reduced € 2.00

3 – I Giardini del Balio
Photo by trolvag. Another fascinating place built at the end of the 19th century by Count Pepoli. The Balio Gardens surround the area where the Venere Castle is located , and were built in the English style. They are dotted with large flower beds surrounded by large hedges, and among the luxuriant vegetation that can be admired there are holm oaks, almond trees, cypresses and pines.
The atmosphere that you breathe immersed in this vivid but elegant nature and an atmosphere of peace and serenity , in which the visitor can relax and contemplate the beauties that surround him, even having little time available. To better accommodate tourists and to ensure all comforts, the gardens currently also host cloisters and several bars.

• How to get there: Via S. Francesco; 6 min walk from the center – Get directions
• Hours: always accessible
• Ticket cost: free

4 – Duomo di Erice
Photo by Angelica Bianco. The Cathedral of Erice and the Mother Church dedicated to Maria Assunta , whose origins probably date back to the 4th century AD, during the Empire of Constantine. At that time the inhabitants of Erice began to practice Christian worship, so it seems that a church was built here using some remains of the ancient Roman temple dedicated to Venus.
Later this place welcomed Frederick II of Aragon, when he had to leave Palermodue to the conflicts with the Angevins for dominance over Sicily. Federico II here I find a safe and comfortable location, therefore, with the conclusion of the war in his favor, he wanted to leave a symbol of recognition in Erice, having the building of the Duomo built alongside a Tower, inside which you can climb up to 110 steps and admire the whole panorama of Erice. Over time the Church underwent several reconstructions, enriching itself with artistic details and influences, both under the Spanish and under the Bourbons.

• How to get there: Via Vito Carvini, 6 min walk from the center of Erice – Get directions
• Hours: from April to October 10: 00-18: 00, from July to September 10: 00-19: 00, August 10: 00-20: 00
• Ticket price: full € 2.50, reduced € 1.50

5 – “Antonio Cordici” Municipal Museum
Located in the Town Hall, in the beating heart of Erice, the Cordici Museum is the place to discover the glorious past of this charming village . The name derives from the historian Antonio Cordici, who in the course of the 16th century took care of privately collecting various ethno-anthropological artifacts and assets relating to Erice.
Among the precious works kept in its walls you can admire the famous Head of Venus, the goddess venerated since ancient times by the inhabitants of Erice, three majolica panels, the particular ceramic production of pottery, the Flight into Egypt, consisting of characters made of wax plastics, the Annunciation, the sculpture by Antonello Gagini, dating back to ‘400, hundreds of paintings by Alberto Augugliaro and many other finds and works of great value.

• How to get there: Vico San Rocco, 1; in the center of Erice – Get directions
• Hours: from April to October 10: 00-18: 00, from July to September 10: 00-19: 00, August 10: 00-20: 00
• Ticket price: full € 4.00, reduced € 2.00

6 – Church of Sant’Orsola
In the surroundings of the village, surrounded by greenery, there is the Church of Sant’Orsola, a small religious building whose construction dates back to the 15th century, with a Renaissance and Gothic aspect. Its particular position brings out all the natural beauty of Erice, with Mount Cofano as a backdrop and the sea completing an idyllic picture.
It is a church with rather simple exteriors and linear profiles , which leaves you amazed by the interiors, rich in Renaissance works and remains of medieval frescoes, relating to the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, which stood right in this place. The floor is also made with parts in majolica, while among the works that can be admired there are the statue of Santa Maria, valuable sculptures by Antonino Gagini, son of the well-known sculptor Antonello, of which, however, it presents the statue of San Giovanni Evangelista, dating back to the early 1500s.

• How to get there: a 13-minute walk from the center of Erice, near Porta Spada – Get directions
• Hours: 10: 00-17: 00
• Ticket cost: free

7 – Spanish Quarter
Photo by Dedda71. The Spanish Quarter is a military structure built in the 17th century. Its purpose was to house the soldiers guarding Erice , but suddenly the works stopped. The site was restored only in recent times and today hosts two exhibitions : “Arts and crafts of the past”, a small exhibition of equipment from the past, such as plows, shovels and millstones and “Erice terra di mare”, the multimedia museum that tells the work of the tonnara, in a form suitable for both adults and children.
Going to this place also means being able to enjoy a magnificent view: from this point of Erice you can admire not only the Gulf of Botagia, but also the profile of San Vito lo Capo (weather conditions permitting).

• How to get there: Via Piscina Apollinis; 14 min walk from the center – Get directions
• Hours: from April to October 10: 00-18: 00, from July to September 10: 00-19: 00, August 10: 00-20: 00
• Ticket price: full € 4.00, reduced € 2.00

8 – The Cyclopean Walls
Photo by Bjorn S .. Walking through Erice you cannot fail to notice the imposing Cyclopean Walls, that is the walls made up of enormous boulders arranged from Porta Trapani to Porta Spada . They were built by the people of the Elmi, in the period from VII to VI century BC with the aim of defending the city, right in its most vulnerable point. With the Phoenicians, subsequently, the defensive structure was further expanded and strengthened and still today engravings relating to the Phoenician alphabet are visible, near Porta Carmine. In the past, there were also sighting towers
along the Cyclopean Walls , while stairs and openings that were to allow the passage of inhabitants and goods can still be visited today.

• How to get there: from Pota Trapani to Porta Spada – Get directions
• Hours: always accessible
• Ticket cost: free

9 – Casa Santa
Casa Santa is a fraction of Erice, located just 13 km. The location overlooks the sea and therefore is an ideal destination to reach to spend a few hours on the beach . Among the most organized and well-known bathing establishments there is Lido San Giuliano, where you can relax under an umbrella and eat at the tables of the adjacent restaurant, and Isla Bianca, in the immediate vicinity, with free showers and a bar. In the immediate vicinity there are also stretches of free beach.
Also worth visiting at Casa Santa are the ruins of the Tonnara di San Giuliano in Punta Tipa, dating back to 1600, the first industrial settlement of tuna in this part of Sicily.

• How to get there: 28 minutes by car from Erice – Get directions
• Hours: always accessible
• Ticket cost: Free

10 – Erice Adventure Park
This is an amusement park designed for both children and adults . The park is located about 4 km from the center of Erice and was born from the commitment of some biologists who love nature and trekking. Inside you can choose to venture into a series of paths, in which to test your skills in a context of total safety. The main routes are: Children and Junior, suitable for children, which offer routes from 100 cm from the ground up to 4 m; and Top, the one indicated for children and adults, with higher physical activity levels and routes to be tackled even at more than 10 m from the ground.
In addition, in the Erice Adventure Park there are many activities to be carried out: and has a picnic area, bar, an area of ​​50 square meters that can be used as a location for parties, paths that can be traveled on foot or by mountain bike, and many other sports and recreational activities, such as archery.

• How to get there: Casa Santa, 18 minutes by car from Erice. A shuttle is available to book from the Park’s official website – Get directions
• Hours: Wed-Mon 10:30 am until two hours before sunset. Closed on Tuesday.
• Ticket price: Junior route € 3.00 (30 min), € 4.00 (1 h), € 6.00 (2 h); Ricci route € 11.00 (2 h); Hare Path + Archery € 18.00 (2 h); Buzzard trail € 14.00 (2 h 30 min), Fox trail € 21.00 (2 h 30 min)

One day itinerary in Erice
Start your day at the Pasticceria della Signora Grammatico , a true institution in Erice and custodian of the original recipe for almond desserts. Then visit the nearby Cathedral of Erice . Now go towards the center of the village and stop to visit the A. Cordici Museum Complex , full of a collection that tells the story of Erice’s past.
For lunch, sit at the tables of Il Casale Ericino where you can taste some typical Sicilian dishes (€ 28.00).
A few minutes from the restaurant is the Erice in Miniatura, that is a Sicilian-style nativity scene in which the characters and environments are made in a realistic way and with attention to the smallest details, it is worth taking a look at. Now you just have to go towards the Balio Gardens , which will lead you to discover the eclectic Torretta Pepoli and the imposing Castle of Venus , from which you can also enjoy the wonderful panorama of Erice.

One day itinerary at a glance

1. Breakfast at Pasticceria Maria Grammatico – Get directions
2. Erice Cathedral – opening hours: from April to October 10: 00-18: 00, from July to September 10: 00-19: 00, August 10: 00-20: 00 – ticket price: full € 2.50, reduced € 1.50
3. Polo Museale A. Cordici – opening hours: from April to October 10: 00-18: 00, from July to September 10: 00-19: 00, August 10: 00-20: 00 – ticket price: full € 4.00, reduced € 2.00
4. Lunch at Il Casale Ericino – Get directions
5. Erice in Miniatura – opening hours: every day 10: 00-19: 30 – ticket price: full € 4.00, reduced € 2.00
6. Giardini del Balio – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
7. Torretta Pepoli – opening hours: from April to October 10: 00-18: 00, from July to September 10: 00-19: 00, August 10: 00-20: 00 – ticket cost € 4.00, reduced € 2.00
8. Castello di Venere – opening hours: from April to October 10: 00-18: 00, from July to September 10: 00-19: 00, August 10: 00-20: 00 – ticket cost € 4.00, reduced € 2, 00

Where to eat in Erice

1. La Prima Dea : traditional dishes with a touch of innovation in a suggestive location
   Average price per person: € 25.00
   Address and contacts: via Vittorio Emanuele, 17 (Get directions) / tel: 0923869223
2. The Arches of San Carlo : traditional dishes served in the stone rooms belonging to a former convent
   Average price per person: € 30.00
   Address and contacts: via San Carlo, 10 (Get directions) / tel: 3392346579
3. Risorante Caffe San Rocco : rustic-style restaurant with traditional dishes
   Average price per person: € 30.00
   Address and contacts: via Gian Filippo Guarnotti, 23 (Get directions) / tel: 0923869337
4. Il Rifugio di Enea : dinners, aperitifs and after dinner all absolutely respecting tradition
   Average price per person: € 15.00
   Address and contacts: Via Vittorio Emanuele, 28 (Get directions) / tel: 0923869142
5. Postal 17 : excellent traditional dishes, high quality fixed menu
   Average price per person: € 20.00
   Address and contacts: Piazza Antonino Grammatico, 8/10 (Get directions) / tel: 0923869352

What to do in the evening: nightlife areas and the best clubs
In Erice there are no real night clubs or discos where you can spend the night dancing. The small village certainly hosts places suitable for aperitifs, with music and excellent local food to be tasted in suggestive locations, but for fun and to keep the small hours you need to move a little, for example towards the area of ​​Trapani and Mazara del Vallo.

• Il Duca Wine Bar : a place specialized in tasting local wines and cheeses / Address: via Tomm Guarrasi, 13 (Get directions)
• Lallabis : a place suitable for aperitifs, with live music in an elegant and classy location / Address: Viale Conte Pepoli, 11 (Get directions)
• Caloma Club : place to eat and dance until late at night, located on the Trapani pier / Address: via Avvocato Giuseppe Palmieri, 10 (Get directions)
• VIRUS La Birreria : Irish pub with a large assortment of beers and spirits 6km from Erice / Address: Via Alessandro Manzoni, 66 / A, Trapani (Get directions)
• The Rose’n Crown : Typical Irish food and drink pub! A historic pearl 12km from Erice / Address: Via Palermo, 82, Trapani (Get directions)

Plan your stay in Erice: info and useful tips

• How to get there: reachable on board the cable car that leaves from Trapani (10 min, round trip € 9.00), by car from Trapani (13 km, 25 min) or from Palermo (112 km, 1 h and 37 min). The nearest airports are the “Florio” of Trapani Birgi and the “Falcone / Borsellino” of Palermo
• How to get around : the small village of Erice can be covered entirely on foot
• Where to park : Erice parking, public parking near the historic center (€ 1.50 / h – Get directions). Alternatively, near the cable car, near Porta Trapani, there is a Free Parking
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 35.00 per room – see the offers
• What to see in the surrounding area : Trapani (12.7 km), the seaside resort of Casa Santa (12.9 km), the Riserva dello Zingaro (31.8 km) and San Vito Lo Capo (32.5 km)