Perched high above the western coast of Sicily, atop Mount Erice, lies a town that feels like a step back in time. Erice is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, medieval walls, and centuries-old churches, all enveloped in a mysterious mist that gives the town an almost enchanted feel. From the castles’ ramparts, you can take in sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Egadi Islands, while the irresistible aroma of freshly baked almond biscuits drifts from the local bakeries.
With a history spanning thousands of years, Erice has seen the influence of the Elymians, Romans, Normans, and Aragonese. Today, it offers a captivating mix of winding alleys, local delicacies, and some of the most breathtaking vistas in all of Sicily.
What should you absolutely not miss in this charming town? From ancient castles to the island’s finest pastry shop, keep reading to discover the must-see sights and hidden gems that make Erice so special.
Why is Erice Worth Visiting?
Erice is one of the most captivating places you can visit in Sicily. The moment you begin the winding drive up the mountain—or glide above the trees in the cable car—you know you’re on your way to somewhere truly special. Sitting 750 meters high on Mount Erice, this medieval hilltop town greets you with narrow cobbled lanes, centuries-old stone houses, and breathtaking views that stretch all the way to the glistening Tyrrhenian Sea and the Egadi Islands. Often, though, Erice is wrapped in a soft, mysterious mist, a silvery veil that makes the town feel hidden from the modern world—suspended in time.
The town’s story goes back thousands of years. The Elymians once built a sacred temple to Venus here, later transformed by the Romans into a grand shrine. In the centuries that followed, the Normans left their mark with majestic castles and elegant churches. Even today, wandering through Erice feels like stepping into a bygone era. You’ll find small workshops selling handwoven textiles and brightly painted Sicilian ceramics, while the sweet scent of almond pastries and warm Genovesi Ericine drifts from the old bakeries, tempting you at every turn.
But Erice isn’t just a living museum of Sicilian history—it’s also a hub of scientific curiosity. At the Ettore Majorana Centre for Scientific Culture, brilliant minds from across the globe gather to tackle some of the world’s most pressing questions. It’s this blend of ancient charm and cutting-edge thinking that makes Erice truly unique.
Add in its fairytale castles, peaceful piazzas, and mouthwatering local dishes, and you’ll quickly understand why Erice is a must-visit on any Sicilian itinerary.
Where is Erice in Sicily?
Erice is perched in western Sicily, high above the shimmering coastline of Trapani, at the very top of Mount Erice. Sitting 750 meters above sea level, this hilltop town feels almost like it’s floating above the island, quietly removed from the rush of the world below. From this lofty vantage point, you can gaze out over the Tyrrhenian Sea, spot the Egadi Islands on the horizon, and admire the patchwork of Trapani’s salt pans stretching out like a watercolor painting.
The surrounding region is one of Sicily’s most scenic corners, filled with places worth exploring. At the foot of the mountain lies Trapani, a port city known for its lively streets and easy ferry access to the Egadi Islands. While we didn’t find the old town particularly captivating, the salt flats—dotted with iconic windmills—are well worth a stop.
A short drive inland brings you to Segesta, where a magnificent Greek temple and an ancient theater rise proudly above the countryside, standing as timeless guardians of Sicily’s rich past. Craving some time in nature or a dip in the sea? Just under an hour’s drive away, the sparkling waters of San Vito Lo Capo await, along with the wild beauty of the Zingaro Nature Reserve. What began as a simple day trip turned into a three-night stay, as we found ourselves completely drawn in by the pristine beaches and rugged, untouched landscapes.
Things to Do in Erice
#1 The Medieval City
Erice is a place where time seems to pause. The moment you step through its ancient gates, you’re swept into another world. Narrow cobblestone streets wind past weathered stone houses, medieval courtyards, and crooked alleyways that invite you to slow down and wander without a plan. On clear days, the views from the city walls stretch across the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Egadi Islands shimmering in the distance. But more often, a thick mist settles over the town, wrapping it in a silvery hush and casting that signature mysterious charm Erice is so loved for.
This mountaintop town has been home to people for thousands of years. The Elymians were the first to settle here, followed by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Normans. Each left behind their mark—temples, castles, churches, and a labyrinth of narrow lanes that seem to whisper stories from the past. Today, you can still feel that history in every corner. You’ll stumble upon tiny craft shops tucked into stone buildings, bakeries overflowing with traditional Sicilian sweets, and lookout points where the whole world seems to stretch out at your feet.
#2 Castello di Venere (Venus Castle)
At the highest point of Erice, perched on the edge of a steep cliff, the imposing walls of Castello di Venere tower above the town. Built by the Normans in the 12th century, this castle occupies a site that has held sacred significance for centuries. It once housed a renowned temple dedicated to Venus Ericina, the goddess of love and fertility. Sailors from across the Mediterranean would journey here to make offerings, seeking protection for their voyages. Some accounts even claim that priestesses at this temple engaged in rituals that blurred the lines between sacred devotion and indulgence, giving the place an almost otherworldly allure.
Today, the ruins of the castle still exude a captivating grandeur. The thick stone walls, weather-beaten towers, and faded inscriptions all contribute to its timeless, medieval charm. But the true highlight? The view. From the castle’s battlements, you are treated to a breathtaking panorama, with sweeping vistas of Trapani and the sparkling Egadi Islands stretching before you. The castle is open to visitors daily, and while it can be reached via a short but steep walk through the town’s winding medieval streets, the experience is more than worth the effort.
#3 Torretta Pepoli
A little further down the mountain, just below the towering Castello di Venere, sits Torretta Pepoli. Built in the 14th century by the influential Pepoli family as a private residence, this castle presents a striking contrast to the formidable and rugged Castello di Venere. Torretta Pepoli is more like a graceful villa, with slender towers and a light, almost whimsical facade that seems straight out of a fairytale.
In the 20th century, the castle was fully restored and transformed into a cultural center. Today, it hosts a variety of exhibitions and events that delve into the history of Erice, Sicilian traditions, and even the realm of science. But even if you’re not planning to visit the museum, it’s well worth pausing to take in the stunning surroundings. Perched on the cliff’s edge, Torretta Pepoli is one of the most photogenic spots in the town, offering sweeping views that will leave you breathless. To reach it, follow a scenic walking path that winds along the city walls, with each turn revealing even more spectacular vistas.
#4 The Historic City Walls
Perched high atop the mountain, Erice stands like a timeless fortress, encircled by thick city walls that have defended the town for centuries. These ancient walls are a mosaic of architectural styles, each added by a different civilization throughout history: the Elymians began their construction in the 8th century BC, followed by the Phoenicians who strengthened them, the Romans who made their own alterations, and the Normans who shaped the walls into their present form. The layers of stone are still clearly visible today, each one telling the story of a different era.
The walls stretch around nearly the entire town, following the jagged contours of the mountain. There are three main gateways: Porta Trapani, the principal entrance, as well as Porta Carmine and Porta Spada. A scenic walking path runs along the walls, offering breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. The experience is especially magical at sunset, when the stones glow golden in the fading light, the sky transforms into soft shades of pink, and the first twinkling lights of Trapani flicker below. Walking along the city walls is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting experiences in Erice.
#5 The Balio Gardens
Tucked away in the historic heart of Erice, just beside the Castello di Venere, you’ll find the Balio Gardens—an enchanting green haven with shaded pathways, towering trees, and benches that offer some of the best views in the town. This peaceful retreat is the perfect spot to pause and catch your breath after wandering the labyrinthine medieval streets. The vistas here are truly breathtaking, with the Castello di Venere looming majestically on one side, and the endless expanse of the Tyrrhenian Sea stretching out on the other, dotted with the faint outlines of the Egadi Islands on the horizon.
The name “Balio” pays tribute to the medieval bailiff who once made this his home. In the 19th century, Count Agostino Pepoli reimagined the gardens, shaping them into the romantic park they are today, complete with winding paths, vibrant flowers, and terraced viewpoints. The old lanterns, the stately trees, and the soft rustling of the wind along the ancient city walls lend the gardens a special, almost timeless atmosphere—making it feel like you’ve stepped into another era.
#6 Pasticceria Maria Grammatico
If there’s one thing that truly puts Erice on the map, it’s Pasticceria Maria Grammatico. This charming bakery is where you’ll find the finest Sicilian sweets, and honestly, it’s nearly impossible to leave without picking up something delicious. The star of the show? Genovesi Ericine—delicate, golden pastries filled with velvety pastry cream, then dusted with a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar.
Maria Grammatico’s story is as sweet as the treats she makes. Raised in a convent in Erice, she grew up surrounded by nuns who had been perfecting their craft of traditional Sicilian desserts for centuries. She learned their time-honored recipes and, in the 1960s, opened her own bakery. Since then, her name has become synonymous with excellence. Alongside the Genovesi, you’ll also find irresistibly crispy cannoli, melt-in-your-mouth almond cookies, and colorful cassata, all crafted with the finest local ingredients.
Nestled in the heart of the town, the bakery offers a few cozy seating spots where you can enjoy an espresso while savoring the authentic flavors of Sicily. After maneuvering the cobbled streets with two little ones and a stroller, this was the perfect pit stop. And let me tell you, the experience was more than just satisfying—it was nothing short of perfection!
#7 Chiesa Madre
As you step into Erice, just beside Porta Trapani, the Chiesa Madre towers above the town, standing proudly at the heart of the skyline. At first glance, it resembles more of a fortress than a church, with its thick, imposing walls and battlements that could easily be plucked from a castle. This is no accident: in the 14th century, King Frederick III of Aragon commissioned the church’s construction, using stones from the nearby Castello di Venere. During times of danger, it was not only a place of prayer but also a sanctuary.
Once you step inside, you’re greeted by an entirely different atmosphere. The interior is neo-Gothic, exuding an almost magical charm with its towering columns, pointed arches, and a ceiling embellished with elaborate designs. The soft light streaming through the narrow windows heightens the sense of mystery and wonder. Beside the church stands a separate bell tower, once a Norman watchtower. For a modest fee, you can climb to the top and are met with a panoramic view that will stay with you long after you leave: the rooftops of Erice, the vast coastline stretching out below, and the Egadi Islands faintly visible on the horizon.
#8 The Cable Car from Trapani
Why navigate winding mountain roads when you can glide effortlessly to the top in just ten minutes? The Funivia di Erice, the iconic cable car linking Trapani and Erice, is undoubtedly the most stunning way to reach this charming hilltop town. As you rise from sea level to 750 meters above, the view below is nothing short of spectacular: the sun-dappled salt pans of Trapani sparkle in the distance, the Egadi Islands appear to float on the horizon, and behind you, the medieval silhouette of Erice gradually takes shape.
Built in the 1960s, this cable car has become a beloved attraction for visitors. It departs from the Casa Santa district in Trapani and transports passengers directly to Porta Trapani, the main gateway into Erice. During peak season, the cable car runs every few minutes, though it may be temporarily halted in the event of strong winds. For those looking to avoid the twisty mountain roads, this ride not only offers the quickest route but also delivers an unforgettable, panoramic experience as you ascend to the top.
