Understand
[edit]Erice rises like a storybook town from the summit of Monte Erice, its stone lanes and tiled rooftops often wrapped in clouds. Though the wider municipality extends downhill to include coastal districts, it's the mountaintop historic centre that captures most imaginations. The elevation brings cooler temperatures, ethereal light, and unforgettable vistas — not to mention a deep sense of time layered into every wall and chapel. Visitors come for its architecture, yes, but just as often for the atmosphere: a place where Sicily’s history, nature, and mythology all seem to converge.
History
[edit]Erice was founded by the Elymians in the 6th or 5th century BCE, making it one of Sicily's oldest settlements that is still inhabited today. They began constructing the defensive walls that still partially encircle the town, now known as the Elymian-Punic Walls (Mura Ciclopiche Elimo-Puniche). In antiquity, the town was known as Eryx (Eρυξ in Greek) and became an important religious centre. After the Roman conquest of Sicily, it drew pilgrims from across the Mediterranean to its hilltop Temple of Venus Erycina, a sanctuary associated with fertility, love, and navigation.
The town’s present-day layout and atmosphere developed during the Middle Ages, particularly under Norman rule. The Normans built a fortress on the site of the ancient temple — now known as the Castle of Venus (Castello di Venere) — and a fortified gateway known as the Balio Towers (Torri del Balio), which once served as a town hall. The Royal Mother Church (Chiesa Matrice) was commissioned by King Frederick III of Sicily in the early 14th century and was connected to the castle via a processional route, today called Via Albertina degli Abati.
This period also saw the construction of many of the palaces (palazzi), churches, and monasteries that still define Erice’s skyline today.
Geography and climate
[edit]Erice is about 100 km west of Palermo, and its historic centre sits atop Monte Erice at an elevation of around 750 m (2,460 ft), dramatically higher than Trapani. The wider municipality extends from the mountain slopes down to the Tyrrhenian Sea, encompassing a mix of mountainous, hilly, and flat coastal terrain. This varied topography gives rise to distinct local microclimates.
Due to its elevation, the historic centre of Erice enjoys a cooler and damper climate than the surrounding lowlands. It experiences a Mediterranean climate overall, but summers are milder and evenings often cool — even in July and August, it’s wise to bring a sweater. Winters are cooler and wetter, with fog frequently blanketing the town, especially in the mornings. This fog, combined with the medieval architecture and high-altitude setting, creates a moody and atmospheric environment that many visitors find memorable.
The difference in elevation is most dramatically experienced via the winding road or cable car that connects Trapani with Erice — a journey that spans both physical and climatic zones in under 15 minutes.
Culture
[edit]Erice balances deep-rooted religious traditions with a growing calendar of cultural, scientific, and sporting events. The town’s elevation and historic setting add atmosphere to everything from candlelit processions to outdoor concerts.
The year’s most iconic event is the Misteri di Erice, a Good Friday procession where sculpted scenes of the Passion are carried through the streets by local guilds in traditional dress. In late August, the Festa di Maria Santissima di Custonaci honors the town’s patron saint with music, parades, and a ritual “handing over of the golden keys” to the Madonna. During EricèNatale, the town dresses up for the holidays with Christmas markets, nativity scenes, and New Year’s Eve celebrations in Piazza della Loggia.
Erice is also home to the Ettore Majorana Centre for Scientific Culture, a globally respected institution that hosts summer schools and lectures in fields from physics to climate science — many of them held in restored monasteries inside the old town.
Summer brings Ericestate, a season-long programme of concerts, theatre, exhibitions, and food-and-wine events. Outdoor performances often take place in small piazzas and church courtyards. Meanwhile, active visitors might catch the Erice Climb, a national hillclimb car race from Valderice, or take part in the Erice Trail, a springtime trail running event.
Visitor information
[edit]1 Erice Tourist Information Centre (Ufficio Informazioni Turistiche di Erice), Viale Conte Pepoli (at the cable car and bus drop-off area near Porta Trapani, just before entering the historic centre), ☏ +39 0923 869388, [email protected]. Daily 09:00–13:00, 15:00–18:00 (seasonal; may vary). Main info hub for maps, brochures, walking routes, and the Erice Card/church tickets. Staff usually speak English. The smaller office inside the medieval centre is not reliably open — this is the best place to start your visit. Free.
You can also explore Erice in advance through the city's official photographic virtual tour.
Get in
[edit]Erice can be reached by road, cable car, or public transport from nearby Trapani, and is also accessible via air through two regional airports.
By air
[edit]The closest airport is Trapani–Birgi Airport (Vincenzo Florio Airport), about 30 km south of Erice, served by domestic and some international low-cost carriers. Palermo Airport (Falcone–Borsellino) is around 90 km away and has broader international connections. Both airports have bus or rail connections to Trapani.
By sea
[edit]Ferries and hydrofoils arrive in Trapani Port from the Aegadian Islands, Pantelleria, and Tunis. Trapani’s port also serves cruise ships and offers connections into Erice by bus, taxi, or cable car.
By rail
[edit]Erice does not have a train station, but nearby Trapani is served by regional trains operated by Trenitalia. From Trapani, there are direct services to nearby towns such as Marsala, Mazara del Vallo, and Castelvetrano. A longer but scenic route connects Trapani to Palermo, with stops in towns like Alcamo; travel time to Palermo is around 4–5 hours due to the indirect line and current infrastructure.
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A more efficient rail connection is under development, as of 2025. A new station at Trapani–Birgi Airport will reconnect the Palermo–Trapani railway line, which has been undergoing electrification and modernisation. Once complete, this will reduce travel time between Trapani, the airport, and Palermo to under 2 hours. To reach Erice from Trapani station, travellers can take a local bus or a short taxi ride to the cable car station in Casa Santa.
By car
[edit]From Trapani, Erice is connected by provincial roads SP31 and SP3. The drive to the historic centre is steep and winding but scenic, with panoramic views of the coast. From Palermo, the A29 motorway connects to Trapani in about 1.5 hours, with Erice reachable shortly after. There are two parking areas, one close to Porta Trapani and the other adjacent to the Church of John the Baptist (Chiesa di Giovanni Battista)
By cable car
[edit]
A scenic cable car (funivia) links the lower district of Erice called Casa Santa to the historic centre in about 10 minutes. The station is at Via Capua in Trapani. It operates daily, though schedules may vary by season or weather conditions.
2 Trapani–Erice Cable Car (Funivia Trapani-Erice), Via Capua, Trapani (Casa Santa), ☏ +39 0923 569306. Generally 08:00–20:00 (shorter hours in winter); closed in strong winds. Fast and scenic way to reach the historic centre. Free parking at the lower station. €5.50 one way, €9 return (discounts for residents, groups, and children).
By bus
[edit]AST and local Trapani municipal buses operate between Trapani and Erice (Casa Santa and the hilltop centre). Buses to the historic centre are less frequent than those to the lower districts. Travel time varies but typically takes 30–40 minutes. Check local schedules in advance, especially outside summer months.
Accessibility
[edit]While the cable car makes reaching the upper town easier, the historic centre remains challenging for visitors with mobility issues. Streets are steep, narrow, and paved with uneven stone. Efforts to improve accessibility include limited electric vehicle services and some smoother routes around major landmarks, but terrain can still be difficult.
See
[edit]Erice is a treasure trove of historical architecture, sacred sites, and sweeping viewpoints. From ancient Elymian walls and medieval castles to ornate churches and peaceful gardens, the town offers a remarkably dense concentration of cultural and scenic landmarks — all within walking distance. Whether you’re tracing the route of a centuries-old procession or climbing a bell tower for a coastal panorama, the compact hilltop setting makes it easy to explore at your own pace.
Landmarks
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- 1 Castle of Venus (Castello di Venere), Via del Castello. Apr–May & Oct: 10:00-18:00; Jun-Sep: 10:00-19:00 (Aug until 20:00). 12th-century Norman castle built over the ancient Temple of Venus Erycina. Offers theatrical cliff‑top views of coast and countryside. €4; included in the Erice Card.
- 2 Elymian-Punic Walls (Mura Ciclopiche Elimo-Puniche), Runs between Porta Spada and Porta Trapani. Accessible at all times. Ancient cyclopean walls built from the 8th century BCE by the Elymians and later expanded by Punic and medieval builders. Free.
- 3 Balio Towers (Torri del Balio), Viale Conte Pepoli. Exterior open; towers included in Erice Card ticket. Group of medieval towers that once formed the civic and administrative heart of Erice. Built during Norman and later Aragonese rule, they guarded access to a drawbridge leading to the Castle of Venus. The towers housed jurors and royal officials, including the bajulo, a medieval magistrate who administered royal justice and taxation. Today they overlook the Balio Gardens and form a dramatic approach to the castle. Included with Erice Card.
- 4 Pepoli Turret (Torretta Pepoli), Below Balio Gardens. 10:00–17:00 (seasonal; check site). Neo-Gothic retreat built around 1870 by Count Agostino Pepoli on a rocky spur beneath the Balio Gardens. Designed in Moorish revival style with ceramic tiles and Favignana stone, it once hosted intellectuals and artists. Now home to a small museum and “Peace Observatory” with dramatic views. Free or small donation.
Churches
[edit]- 5 Royal Mother Church (Chiesa Matrice o Real Duomo), Piazza Matrice. 10:00–18:00. 14th-century mother church commissioned by Frederick III with a bell tower climb and Gothic–Renaissance chapels inside. Included with Erice Church Pass.
- 6 Church of Saint Julian (Chiesa di San Giuliano), Via San Giuliano. 10:00–18:00. Founded by Roger I and rebuilt in the 1600s; site of public meetings and processions. Included with Erice Church Pass.
- 7 Church of Saint Ursula (Chiesa di Sant'Orsola), Via Sant’Orsola. 10:00–18:00. 15th-century dual-nave church housing the Misteri statues for Good Friday processions. Included with Erice Church Pass.
- 8 Church of Saint Martin (Chiesa di San Martino), Via San Martino. 10:00–18:00. Rebuilt 17th-century confraternity church with Renaissance and Rococo interiors. Included with Erice Church Pass.
- 9 Church of Saint John the Baptist (Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista), Via San Giovanni. 10:00–18:00. Gothic-style church with marble works by the Gagini school and the largest nave in Erice. Included with Erice Church Pass.
- 10 Monastery of the Most Holy Saviour (Monastero del Santissimo Salvatore), Via Salvatore. Exterior visible; no regular access. Ruin of a Benedictine monastery built over a medieval noble residence. Free.
- 11 Church of Saint Albert (Chiesa di Sant'Alberto dei Bianchi), Via Sant'Alberto. By request. Oval-plan 16th-century church with stuccoes and altars, formerly run by a charitable brotherhood. Included with Erice Church Pass.
- 12 Church of Saint Isidore (Chiesa di Sant'Isidoro), Via Sant’Isidoro. 10:00–18:00. Small sanctuary by the birthplace of Blessed Luigi Rabatà; once served local farmers. Included with Erice Church Pass.
- 13 Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot (Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Abate), Near Spanish Quarter. 10:00–18:00. Historic coastal-view church with Byzantine frescoes and unique Tuscan columns. Included with Erice Church Pass.
- 14 Oratory of the Most Holy Sacrament (Oratorio del SS. Sacramento), Next to San Cataldo. 10:00–18:00. Elegant 18th-century oratory once used for retreats and receptions by local elites. Included with Erice Church Pass.
Museums and exhibitions
[edit]- 15 Cordici Museum (Polo Museale A. Cordici), Piazza della Loggia. 10:00–18:00; audio tours in 5 languages. Housed in a former Franciscan convent. Displays Elymian and Roman artifacts, sacred art, and 19th– to 20th-century Italian modernism. €6 (adult).
- 16 Spanish Quarter (Quartiere Spagnolo), Behind Chiesa di Sant’Antonio. Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct: daily 10:00–18:00; Jul–Aug: 10:00–19:00; Nov–Mar: weekends/by request. 17th‑century unfinished Spanish garrison, now repurposed as part of the Cordici Museum. Home to permanent displays on traditional crafts, local marine life & tuna‑fishing culture (Erice terra di mare), plus ethnographic collections (Arti e mestieri). Stunning views from its elevated terrace, showcasing both heritage and landscape. €4 (solo) / €12 integrated Erice Card; reduced €2/€6.
- 17 Erice in Miniature (Erice in Miniatura), Via Dr. Vultaggio, 12 (Palazzo Sales). Apr–Oct: daily 10:00–18:00; Nov–Mar: weekends/by reservation. Intricately crafted 1:100 scale model of historic Erice, built over two years using traditional materials. Captivates all ages with detailed street scenes and life-like lighting and mechanisms. Included in integrated Erice Card; standalone ticket approx €2.
- 18 Paul A.M. Dirac Museum (Convent of San Domenico), Via San Domenico. Open during conferences or by appointment. Part of the Ettore Majorana Centre, this site houses the Paul A.M. Dirac Museum and several lecture halls named after Nobel laureates. The surrounding complex is the former Dominican convent of San Domenico (founded 1486), rich in guild and academic history, now repurposed as a cultural and scientific venue. Free (some events ticketed).
- 19 Agro-Forestry Museum of San Matteo (Museo Agro-Forestale San Matteo), Contrada San Matteo, about 4 km southeast of the summit. Check seasonal opening (often closed in winter). Housed in a historic baglio — a traditional Sicilian farmhouse complex built around a central courtyard — the museum explores rural life, forestry, and local agricultural practices on Monte Erice. A quiet and educational stop for nature and cultural heritage enthusiasts. Free or small donation.
Do
[edit]Erice offers more than just historic charm — it’s also a gateway to outdoor adventure. Well-marked hiking trails wind through pine forests and past ancient ruins, offering glimpses of rural life and panoramic coastal views. For a change of pace, head downhill to San Giuliano Beach, where soft sand and calm waters await. Whether you’re up for a brisk mountain walk or a lazy afternoon by the sea, Erice makes it easy to enjoy nature on your own terms.
Parks and viewpoints
[edit]- 1 Balio Gardens (Giardino del Balio), Viale Conte Pepoli. Open daily. Landmark public gardens at the summit of Monte Erice, offering panoramic views over the coast, Trapani, and the Aegadian Islands. Once the pastureland of Norman-era administrators, the gardens were transformed in the 1870s by Count Agostino Pepoli, who restored the adjoining Balio Towers and created a landscaped retreat with terraces, shaded paths, fountains, and exotic plants. Today part of the Grandi Giardini Italiani network, the Balio Gardens blend historical resonance with tranquil beauty and serve as a scenic gateway to the nearby Castle of Venus. Free.
- 2 Erice Adventure Park (Parco Avventura Erice), Contrada Martogna (near SP31). Seasonal opening; booking recommended. One of the largest adventure parks in the Trapani province, offering five aerial rope courses (including beginner and challenging routes), zip lines, and climbing elements.A continuous safety line system keeps participants securely attached throughout the course, even on higher-level trails. Also features a picnic and relaxation area (with optional BBQ kits), an archery range with basic instruction, and shaded woodland spaces for private events and birthdays. Ideal for families, school groups, and active tourists. From ~€14 for adventure sessions; group/event packages available.
Historic and nature walks
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- 3 CAI 601 – Saint Anna Trail (Sentiero di Sant'Anna), Starts near Porta Trapani, ends at Sant'Anna Sanctuary near the lower cableway station. Always open. Descends 5.5-km through woodland and past picnic areas, ending at the Sant’Anna Sanctuary near the lower cable car station. Free.
- 4 CAI 602 – Three Churches Trail (Sentiero Porta Castellammare–Tre Chiese), Starts at Porta Castellammare, loops east past rural chapels and viewpoints. Always open. A 4.5-km loop exploring wildflower meadows, panoramic overlooks, and small rural chapels east of the town. Free.
- 5 CAI 603 – Pepoli Turret Trail (Sentiero Torretta Pepoli), Starts at Balio Gardens, loops through Bosco dei Runzi and returns near Pepoli Turret. Always open. This 2.7-km shaded path winds through the Bosco dei Runzi with vistas of the Castle of Venus. Great for birdwatching and photography. Free.
- 6 CAI 604 – San Matteo Forestry Trail (Sentiero Demanio Forestale San Matteo), Starts just near the upper cable station, ends at the Agro-Forestry Museum of San Matteo. Always open. A 6.9-km trail from the cathedral down to the Forestry Museum. Passes pine forests, agro-pastoral landscapes, and historic ruins with educational signage. Free.
Beach
[edit]- 7 Saint Julian Beach (Spiaggia di San Giuliano), Viale delle Sirene, Casa Santa. Open 24 hours. Long sandy beach in the coastal district of Casa Santa. Popular in summer with locals and visitors. Offers calm waters, beach clubs, pedal-boat rentals, and a cycling path off the promenade. Sunsets over the Egadi Islands can be spectacular. Free.
Sport
[edit]- 8 Provincial Sports Stadium (Stadio Polisportivo Provinciale), Via Guglielmo Marconi, Casa Santa. Catch a local football match at this 7,000-seat stadium, home to Trapani Calcio. Italians are passionate about the sport, and attending a game is a lively way to experience Sicilian fan culture. The stadium also hosts other regional events and athletic meets.
- 9 Sports Garden (Giardino dello Sport), Via del Cipresso, Casa Santa (near Saint Julian Beach). One of the largest outdoor sports parks in southern Italy, covering over 35,000 m². Offers facilities for football (5-a-side and 7-a-side), padel, tennis, basketball (including 3×3 playground), volleyball, handball, and a sea-view fitness zone. Includes indoor courts, changing rooms, refreshment kiosks, and a large playground. Great for both locals and visiting athletes.
Eat
[edit]Erice combines traditional Sicilian flavours with distinctive local products shaped by its mountain setting and rural heritage. From homemade cheeses and olive oil to family-run trattorias and beachside restaurants, the area offers a wide variety of eating experiences.
Local products
[edit]Cheese
[edit]Erice and its surrounding highlands are known for traditional sheep and goat cheeses made by small-scale producers. One of the most distinctive is Ericino, a P.A.T.-recognised mixed-milk cheese made from cow’s and sheep’s milk, typically aged and eaten with bread or in rustic dishes. Other local cheeses include tuma, a soft, unsalted sheep’s milk cheese eaten fresh, and ricotta infornata (baked ricotta), with a golden crust and creamy centre. These cheeses are often sold at village markets, festivals, or directly from mountain farms and agriturismi.
Olives and olive oil
[edit]Several farms in the Erice municipal area produce olives and extra virgin olive oil using traditional methods. The most prominent local cultivars include Nocellara del Belice, known for its dual-purpose use as both a table olive and oil producer, and Biancolilla, which yields a light, aromatic oil.
- 1 Terre del Monte Vultaggio, Contrada Calvaruso, Erice (TP). Small family-run estate specialising in organic extra‑virgin olive oil, produced on the lower slopes of Monte Erice. Offers guided mill tours, olive‑oil tastings, and retail sales. Ideal for experiencing local terroir and production methods. Booking advised.
Restaurants
[edit]Historic centre
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- 2 Osteria di Venere, Via Vittorio Emanuele. Elegant osteria known for its beautifully made bread baked daily in-house. Seasonal Sicilian cuisine with attention to detail and presentation.
- 3 Monte San Giuliano (Ristorante Monte San Giuliano), Vicolo San Rocco, 7, ☏ +39 0923 869595, [email protected]. Traditional Sicilian cuisine served in a rustic setting with a summer terrace. Known for its couscous and almond-based desserts.
- 4 La Prima Dea, Via Vittorio Emanuele, 17, ☏ +39 0923 869223, [email protected]. 12:00–15:00, 18:30–23:00 daily; closed 11 Nov–20 Dec. Elegant local restaurant offering traditional Erice-style dishes and seasonal specialties. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
- 5 La Pentolaccia, Via G.F. Guarnotti, 17, ☏ +39 0923 869099, [email protected]. A small and cozy eatery with local favourites, including fresh pasta and regional antipasti. Friendly service and good value.
Beachfront
[edit]- 6 Nais Beach Club (Beach Bar and Restaurant), Via Dante Alighieri, 26, Lido San Giuliano. Trendy beach club offering Mediterranean dishes, cocktails, and sunbeds by day, transforming into a lively party spot at night. Located on San Giuliano Beach just below Erice.
Drink
[edit]While Erice’s historic centre is generally quiet after dark, the wider area—including the coastal district of Casa Santa and the Saint Julian beachfront—offers a growing range of bars, wine lounges, and lively beach clubs. During summer, various venues host live music, DJs, and open-air events that appeal to both locals and visitors.
Wine route
[edit]In antiquity, Erice ruled over the surrounding mountains and valleys, and noble families traditionally kept estates on the fertile lower slopes. Today, these hills are part of the officially recognised Erice DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), one of Sicily’s 13 wine routes. The area is known for its clay-limestone soils, Mediterranean climate, and striking temperature shifts between day and night—ideal conditions for cultivating both native and international grape varieties. Nero d’Avola, Grillo, Catarratto, Inzolia, Zibibbo, Syrah, and Chardonnay are among the best-known cultivars grown here.
For more on visiting local wineries and tasting experiences, see the Erice DOC wine route section of the Trapani province guide.
Cocktail and lounge bars
[edit]- 1 Domas Blanca Lounge Bar (Bar & Concept Boutique), Via Vittorio Emanuele. A stylish garden cocktail bar and boutique concept store offering curated fashion and artisan goods. Known for its elegant décor, refined cocktails, and relaxed, design-forward atmosphere.
Buy
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Shops in Erice tend to focus on local specialties: almond pastries, handmade marzipan, ceramics, woven textiles, and gourmet foods. A few boutiques mix fashion and home décor with Sicilian flair. Most are located along the main streets near Porta Trapani and Piazza della Loggia. Tasting is often encouraged in gourmet shops, and some stores double as cafés or wine bars.
- 1 La Sicilia in Bocca (Gourmet food and wine shop), Via Vittorio Emanuele. Charming gourmet shop offering tastings of Sicilian wine, cheeses, sweets, and preserves. Known for warm hospitality and a well-curated selection of local specialties. Always open and welcoming.
- 2 Domas Blanca Boutique (Fashion and artisan goods), Via Vittorio Emanuele. Concept boutique attached to the Domas Blanca lounge bar. Offers stylish clothing, accessories, and handmade home goods in a refined setting. See also listing under Drink.
- 3 Pasticceria Maria Grammatico (Maria Grammatico pastry shop), Via Vittorio Emanuele. Legendary pastry shop run by Maria Grammatico, one of the most famous pastry chefs in western Sicily. Taught by cloistered nuns, she now serves queues of visitors eager for her traditional almond sweets and genovese.
Sleep
[edit]Most accommodations in Erice are located within the medieval upper town, offering atmospheric stays in converted monasteries, stone residences, and boutique hotels. These lodgings often feature historic architecture, cloistered courtyards, and views of the sea or mountains. A few larger resorts and beach hotels are available in the coastal district of Casa Santa and along San Giuliano Beach for those preferring sea-level access and modern facilities.
- 1 Hotel Il Carmine Dimora Storica, Piazza del Carmine. Charming hotel housed in a 15th‑century Carmelite monastery next to the Church of the Annunziata. Features a peaceful cloister courtyard and retains many original architectural details. Located near Porta Carmine and the Elymian-Punic Walls.
- 2 Residence San Martino, Via San Martino. Charming residence with individually decorated rooms arranged around a peaceful internal courtyard. Combines modern comforts with historic character in a central location near shops and churches.
- 3 Hotel Elimo, Via Vittorio Emanuele, 73. Classic hilltop hotel in a central location with panoramic views, an on-site restaurant, and helpful staff.
- 4 Venere di Erice Resort & Spa, Contrada Santa Croce. Modern resort just outside the historic centre with panoramic coastal views, swimming pool, and wellness spa. A comfortable base for exploring the region.
- 5 Baia dei Mulini Resort & Spa (Hotel Baia dei Mulini), Lungomare Dante Alighieri, Lido di Erice, ☏ +39 0923 841111. Beachfront hotel on San Giuliano Beach offering rooms with sea views, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, restaurant, and direct beach access. Family-friendly.
Cope
[edit]3 Erice Tourist Information Centre, Viale Conte Pepoli (near Porta Trapani), ☏ +39 0923 869388. Main info point for maps, brochures, and local advice. Staff usually speak English and other languages. Best starting point for exploring Erice.
4 Civic Hospital of Erice (Ospedale Sant'Antonio Abate), Via Cosenza, 118, Casa Santa, ☏ +39 0923 809111. Main public hospital serving Erice and surrounding areas. Emergency services available.
General emergency number (Emergency Services), ☏ 112. Pan-European emergency number for police, fire, and medical help.
Police (Carabinieri), ☏ 113. For emergencies and reporting crimes.
Fire Department, ☏ 115. For fires and civil emergencies.
Go next
[edit]- Trapani – Just below Erice, this coastal city offers bustling markets, Baroque churches, and a lively seafront. It’s also the gateway to the Aegadian Islands.
- Aegadian Islands – A short hydrofoil ride from Trapani takes you to Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo — pristine islands ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and laid-back exploration.
- Segesta – About 30 km east, this archaeological site features a remarkably preserved Doric temple and a hilltop amphitheatre with dramatic views.
- Mozia (Mozia Island) – Located in the Stagnone Lagoon near Marsala, this island was once a Phoenician stronghold. Today it’s an open-air museum of ancient ruins and natural beauty.
- Gibellina – A bold experiment in postmodern urbanism, this town was rebuilt after the 1968 earthquake and is now a living gallery of land art, sculpture, and contemporary architecture.
- Custonaci – Known for its marble quarries and religious festivals, this small town near Erice is a base for exploring Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, offering excellent hiking and sea views.