Erice is a hidden gem on the island of Sicily and is not far from Trapani and Palermo, making it an ideal destination for those enjoying a Sicily cruise. Erice’s past is intertwined with myth and legend, and the small town was once inhabited by the Trojans of Homer and Virgil, the Arabs and the Normans, meaning there are plenty of historic sights to enjoy.
How to Get to Erice
From Trapani
The best way to reach Erice from Trapani is to take the cableway, which takes just 10 minutes and offers panoramic views on the way up of Trapani and the Egadi Islands. Tickets cost around €7.
However, the cableway is occasionally closed and, if that is the case, we recommend taking the AST bus from Trapani railway station to Erice – it takes around 40 minutes.
From Palermo
Your best option for reaching Erice from Palermo is to take the bus from Palermo Centrale Train Station to Trapani Train Station, and then take the AST bus to Erice from there.
There is a train connecting Palermo and Trapani, however, it runs rather infrequently so it is generally better to take the bus.
Main Attractions in Erice
Erice is rich in historic attractions and architecture, with the must-sees including:
- Castello di Venere: An ancient castle built in a Norman style, affording stunning views of Sicily. Today, only the watchtower remains.
- Duomo: Erice’s Cathedral dates back to the 14th century and features a stunning and intricate interior, with detailed carvings and marble columns.
- Polo Museale A. Cordici: This museum in the historic centre celebrates Erice’s history, with sections dedicated to archaeology and prehistoric artifacts.
- Porta di Trapani: You enter the historic centre of Erice through this ancient arch, which is surrounded by large stone walls that date back to the Norman period – we also recommend seeking out Porta del Varmine and Porta Spada to appreciate the different arch styles.
- Giardino del Balio: These idyllic gardens sit on the outskirts of Erice but are well worth a visit if you’re eager to find a peaceful spot where you can take the time to fully appreciate the beautiful natural surroundings.
What to Buy
Aside from the glorious historic architecture, Erice is also famous for three other things: sweets, rugs and ceramics, making it the perfect spot to pick up unique gifts for friends and family. What we love about Erice is that these professions have been preserved throughout the years, with families passing down the tradition of each craft, meaning that the craftmanship and passion have really been preserved, which is reflected in the quality of the products.
What to Eat
One of Erice’s most famous delicacies is Ms Grammatico’s almond paste, which is a must-try if you are visiting Erice. Every day, Ms Grammatico prepares fresh almond paste and incorporates it into the most wonderful desserts and cakes, such as cassata (a type of Sicilian sponge cake), as well as the iconic Genovese alla crema cakes.
If you have a sweet tooth, one of the best sweets we have tried in Erice is Bocconcini di Erice (marzipan made with jam and liqueur), but we also can’t get enough of the Mustaccioli biscuits, which are made in the local monastery and are flavoured with anise.
