The name Erice derives from Erix, a mythological character who was the son of Aphrodite and Bute, and who was killed by Hercules.
Erice is one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and its centre is located on the top of Mount Erice. The name of the village derives from Erix, a mythological character who was the son of Aphrodite and Bute, and who was killed by Hercules. This village is very suggestive and charming thanks to lots of fascinating monuments. Norman Castle is known as the Castle of Venus, and dominates the area near Erice. It contains incredible architectural elements from Roman, Medieval and Norman periods that document the course of its history. Another important castle you shouldn’t miss is the Pepoli Castle, that today is a lively space that hosts various cultural events. Built in 1872 the Balio Garden is located around the Castle of Venus; it has an English style, noted for its many pines, cypresses, ash trees and almond trees. From the Balio Garden you can admire a breathtaking view of the salt pans of Trapani, the Egadi archipelago and the coasts of Marsala.
Walking through the narrow streets of the village you can find many stores filled with beautiful handcrafted souvenirs such as the popular ceramics produced according to ancient tradition and the traditional handmade carpets made from coloured cotton strips.
The most famous local foods you have to taste are the Bocconcini (marzipan sweets with jam and cedar liqueur), the genovese alla crema (sweet pastry with icing sugar) and the mustaccioli (biscuits made in a convent of cloistered).
People live here:
28.356
Typical food:
Bocconcini
Genovese alla crema
Mustaccioli
Attractions:
Baglio Adragna, 19th century
Case Giliberti, 19th century
How to get there:
By Car:
From Palermo
Follow E90 and A29dir/E933 to Trapani. Take Strada Provinciale Torrebianca and SP3 to Via Antonio Cordici
From Trapani
Get on Strada Provinciale 31/SP31. Continue on SP3. Take Via Vito Carvini to Via Antonio Cordice.
By Bus:
From Trapani
AST bus line (40 mins) tickets from €2,70 or you can choose the ropeway, tickets from €5,50 or €9,00 day and return.
Accommodations:
Hotel Elimo 3 *
Hotel San Domenico 3 *
http://www.hotel-sandomenico.it/web/intro.asp
Hotel Tirreno 3 *
Resort I Mulini 4 *
Hotel Baia dei Mulini 4 *
http://www.hotelbaiadeimulini.com/
Hotel Convento Erice 3 *
Apartments Erice Pietre Antiche
http://www.ericepietreantiche.it/
Hotel Il Carmine 1 *
Hotel Moderno 3 *
http://www.hotelmodernoerice.it/index.php
Residence Casa Vacanze Erice
http://www.casevacanzeerice.it/
Hotel San Giovanni 2 *
http://www.hotelsangiovannierice.it/
Approdo Hotel3 *
Via Enea, 91016 Pizzolungo TP
Ph. 0039 0923 571555
Hotel La Pineta 3 *
Viale Nunzio Nasi, 91016 Erice, Sicilia, Italia
Ph. 0039 0923 860127
Hotel Edelweiss 2 *
Piazza San Domenico, 91016 Erice TP
Ph. 0039 0923 869420
Restaurants:
Gli Archi di San Carlo
Via San Carlo, 10, 91016 Erice, Sicilia, Italia
Mobile: +39 393392346579
Pasticceria San Carlo http://www.pasticceriasancarlo.it/#_=_
Maria Grammatico
http://www.mariagrammatico.it/index.php/it/#_=_
Antica pasticceria del convento
via Guarnotti, Erice, Sicilia, Italia
Ph. + 39 0923869777
Virus La Birreria
Via Manzoni 66/A, 91016 Erice, Sicilia, Italia
Mobile: +39 329 8118937
Miramonte
7, v. Lenzi, Erice, Sicilia, Italia
Bistrot da Gaspare Urso
https://www.facebook.com/Bistrot-da-Gaspare-Urso-442052275867674/timeline/#_=_
Trattoria Vista Mare
https://www.facebook.com/Trattoria-VISTA-MARE-490867014350392/timeline/#_=_
Monte San Giuliano
http://www.montesangiuliano.it/#_=_
Ristorante Borgo Lenzi
http://ristoranteborgolenzi.it/it/#_=_
Boca Pizzeria
https://www.facebook.com/BOCAPizzeraTrapani#_=_
Ristorante La Pentolaccia
http://www.ristorantelapentolaccia.it/#_=_
La Prima Dea
Osteria di venere
Via Roma, 91016 Erice, Sicilia, Italia
Ph. +39 0923869362
Caffè ristorante San rocco
Via guarnotta, 23, Erice, Sicilia, Italia
Ph. +39 0923-86-93-37
Caffe Maria
http://caffe-maria-erice.it/#_=_
Antica salumeria quartara
Via Alessandro Manzoni 112, 91016 Casa Santa, Erice, Sicilia, Italia
Ph. +39 0923539200
Beaches:
the village has stunning beaches