Visit Erice Sicily: Head to a Medieval Town

Planning your next escape? Put Erice on your radar. This magical hilltop town in western Sicily feels like it was made for wandering, cobbled streets, sweeping sea views, and enough pastry shops to keep you happily lost for hours. From sipping local wine with a view to watching the clouds roll over ancient rooftops, visiting Erice is the kind of moment that makes you forget about time. Add it to your list if you love charming old towns, good food, and a breeze that smells like history. And since you’re in Sicily, pair your visit with a wine tasting or two, this region is full of gems if you’re into Sicily wine tours & wineries. Just don’t be surprised if you stay longer than planned.

Visit Erice Sicily and the top things to do

Wander at the Castello di Venere

If there’s one place in Erice that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a legend, it’s the Castello di Venere. Perched dramatically on the cliff’s edge, this Norman castle sits on the ruins of an ancient temple once dedicated to Venus herself, talk about romantic vibes. The views? Unreal. You’ll spot the Egadi Islands floating on the Tyrrhenian Sea like they’re part of a postcard.

Explore Torretta Pepoli

Just below the castle, clinging to the cliff like something out of a dream, you’ll find Torretta Pepoli. Built in the 19th century by Count Pepoli (who clearly had an eye for drama and a love for views), this little tower is all about quiet charm and big panoramas. It’s part museum, part hideaway, and totally worth the stop. Grab a moment to soak in the silence, the sea, and the sense that Erice isn’t just a town, it’s a love letter to art and beauty.

Visit the Chiesa Madre

With its bold Gothic vibe and a separate bell tower that dares you to climb it, this 12th-century masterpiece anchors the town with serious style. Step inside for cool stone arches and a peaceful hush, then head up the tower for a bird’s-eye view that stretches from red-tiled rooftops to the sea.

Walk to Porta Trapani

Kick off your Erice adventure through Porta Trapani, the grand welcome into this hilltop wonder. It’s one of several historic gateways, along with Porta Carmine and Porta Spada, that once guarded the town through centuries of invasions and empires. Today, they’re perfect for setting the mood: a step through these stone arches feels like slipping into a medieval storybook. Ideal if you’re arriving on a day trip from Trapani, and even better if you’re into dramatic entrances.

Marvel at Chiesa di San Martino and San Rocco

If you plan to visit Erice Sicily, don’t miss the peaceful charm of the Chiesa di San Martino, tucked away from the main foot traffic. Around the corner, the Church of San Rocco quietly awaits, offering a dose of calm and timeless beauty. These lesser-known spots bring out Erice’s spiritual side and are perfect for travelers who love stepping into quiet places that feel like well-kept secrets.

Enjoy a panoramic view from the Balio Gardens

With postcard views that stretch from the sea to the mountains, this peaceful spot is perfect for a quiet stroll or a shady bench break. Follow the garden paths lined with sculptures and blooming Mediterranean plants, you’ll soon find yourself at the foot of the Pepoli Towers, with beauty at every turn.

Visit Erice Sicily and the top things to do around

Visit the Aegadian Islands

Just 25 minutes downhill from visit Erice Sicily, the port of Trapani opens the door to the dreamy Aegadian Islands. Hop on a ferry and head to Favignana, Levanzo, or Marettimo, each one a postcard of clear waters, sleepy streets, and slow island life. After exploring Erice’s lofty stone paths, this is your chance to trade castles for coves and dive into the relaxed rhythm of the Mediterranean. Perfect for a sun-soaked day trip or a breezy overnight escape.

Explore Trapani

Just a short ride from Erice, 8 miles, the Salt Pans of Trapani and Nubia unfold like a dream, glistening salt fields, traditional windmills, and glowing sunsets over the Tyrrhenian Sea. This magical landscape is more than photogenic, it’s a centuries-old symbol of local life. While you’re in the area, make time to explore the nearby Salt Museum and taste your way through Trapani wineries known for bold, sun-kissed Sicilian wines. It’s the kind of place where sea, salt, and vines come together effortlessly.

Visit Trapani Sicily to add depth and flavor to your journey, this coastal escape is a perfect pairing with your time in Erice.

A modern twist on a historic terroir

Casa Vinicola Fazio reinvents centuries of wine tradition in the windswept hills, 25 minutes from Erice. This family-run estate, rooted in Doc Erice territory, crafts wines that feel fresh and expressive, think fragrant Grillo whites, layered Nero d’Avola reds, and even sparkling creations that sparkle with personality. It’s tasting modern Sicilian viticulture meeting timeless land, all within view of dramatic western coasts.

Wander through Segesta

A scenic 40-minute drive from Erice drops you right into the pages of ancient legend at Segesta, home to a striking Doric temple standing proud against rolling hills, and a clifftop theater that still steals the show. This isn’t just another pile of old stones. It’s where myths of Troy brush up against real history, and where the Elymians, Greeks, and Romans each left their mark. Come for the ruins and stay for the views.

Drive to Marsala

Drive just 45 minutes southwest and you’ll land in Marsala, a sun-drenched coastal town that feels like a breath of warm, Sicilian sea air. Visit Marsala Sicily to discover more than just its legendary fortified wines—the town itself is full of character, with elegant piazzas, lively cafés, and golden-hued streets that invite you to slow down and soak it all in. Wine tasting in Marsala is definitely on the menu, but so is strolling the waterfront promenade, visiting artisan pastry shops, and diving into local history that dates back to Phoenician times.

Marsala’s cozy insider’s wine spot

Tenute Maltese is a small, family estate that turns wine tasting into a warm, unforgettable experience. Nestled in Alcamo’s DOC region, the winery pours both celebrated native varieties and international stars like Merlot and Pinot Noir, all shaped by western Sicily’s hills and sunshine. Book in and expect heartfelt hospitality, a tour through ancient cellars, and a glass poured with passion, not just grapes.

Relax at San Vito Lo Capo

About an hour northeast of Erice, San Vito Lo Capo brings a whole different vibe to your western Sicily adventure. Think soft golden sand, crystal-clear water, and seafood so fresh it might still be telling stories. This beach town is where locals go to kick back, grab a plate of fish couscous, and watch the world drift by from a sunny terrace. If your legs are tired from climbing cobbled streets in Erice, this is your soft landing, barefoot, sun-soaked, and possibly full of cannoli. Bonus: if you time it right, you’ll land smack in the middle of the famous Cous Cous Fest, where flavors from across the Mediterranean come together with music, culture, and big beach energy.

Good to know before visiting Erice