13 Awesome Things to Do in Erice Sicily with Kids

Looking to visit Erice with kids? Wondering if it is a family-friendly location? We can help!

During our trip to Sicily, one of the places that was recommended to us by the locals was Erice.

This gorgeous medieval town was incredible! And with so many awesome things to do in Erice with kids, we would totally recommend adding it to your Sicily itinerary.

From exploring ancient castles to indulging in mouthwatering gelato and pastries, Erice has something for everyone.

Want to learn more? Andiamo!

How Do You Pronounce Erice?

So, before we talk about all the wonderful things to do in Erice with kids, we want to make sure that you actually know how to pronounce the name of this awesome place!

Erice is pronounced as “eh-REE-cheh.” The emphasis is on the second syllable. The letter first and last “e” sounds like the “e” in “bet.”

A Little About Erice

Located in the province of Trapani in northwestern Sicily, Erice is a gorgeous medieval town.

Known as the “City of a Hundred Churches,” Erice has a history dating back thousands of years.

This medieval town was once a sacred place dedicated to the goddess of fertility, Venus.

It later became a strategic fortress for various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Normans.

Today, Erice’s scenic hilltop town is a popular tourist attraction, offering jaw-dropping views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea.

Its cobbled streets, charming squares, and ancient stone buildings really are something to see.

Things to Do in Erice Sicily with Kids

From exploring medieval castles to savouring local delicacies, Erice offers an awesome range of experiences that will keep everyone entertained.

1. Castello di Venere (Castle of Venus)

A visit to the Castle of Venus is a must when exploring Erice. This historic fortress, perched high on a hill, dates back to the Norman period.

Originally built by the Phoenicians and later expanded by the Normans, the castle once served as a strategic stronghold.

However, what many people don’t realize, is that the castle was built over top of an ancient temple dedicated to Venus.

In fact, many of the foundations are still visible today.

Today, you can explore the castle’s well-preserved towers, courtyards, and ramparts.

We found that some of the best views of the city below are from the castle grounds.

2. Relax in the Shade of the Giardino del Balio (Garden of Balio)

Aside from the castles, one of the best places to explore in Erice is the gorgeous Garden of Balio, also known as Giardino del Balio.

This amazing garden offers a peaceful escape, with its shaded pathways and park benches. In fact, it’s the perfect place to relax or even take a leisurely stroll.

The gardens not only offer really nice views of Sicily but are also home to some hidden gems.

You will find a children’s playground, as well as several sculptures including the fountain of Venus.

You will also find a charming café tucked away in the gardens where you can take a break or enjoy a delicious lunch.

3. Explore the Cobblestone Streets

One of our favourite ways to experience Erice is just to wander the cobblestone streets.

The town is very pretty, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself stopping often to admire the medieval architecture, or take photos of the gorgeous doorways (insert eye-roll from my kids).

Erice - Kids standing under the archway entrance to the city

As you stroll along, you will come across several artisan shops filled with beautiful ceramics, intricate lacework, and traditional hand-woven baskets.

And of course, you will also pass many cafes and bakeries selling Erice’s iconic sweets.

Be sure to visit the main square, or ‘piazza’ as you make your way through town.

The Piazza della Loggia is where you will find several nice cafes, a few gift shops, as well as the Museo Comunale Antonio Cordici.

🚩 Insider Tip: Although the cobblestone roadways in Erice are beautiful, they may not be the easiest to walk on if you have mobility issues or are pushing a stroller. While the narrow streets are mainly pedestrian-only, some are quite steep and uneven.

4. Visit One of the Many Churches

Erice is home to a ton of beautiful churches that are worth exploring. Several are open throughout the day for visitors and are definitely worth a look inside.

And while Erice is often referred to as the ‘city with a hundred churches’, that may be a slight exaggeration.

However, for a city boasting a population of only 561, there are actually about 60 churches in Erice.

While some of the churches may be in ruins, others are quite beautiful to see.

From the grandeur of the church of San Giuliano with its bell tower, one of the oldest in the city, to the simplicity of some of the smaller chapels, each one has its own unique charm.

We went inside several of the churches during our visits, and I can honestly say, that each was beautiful in its own way.

5. Eat ALL the Frutta Martorana

When it comes to delicious treats in Erice, one thing you absolutely have to try is the Frutta Martorana. These little edible works of art are too beautiful to eat… well almost!

Crafted by skilled artisans, these marzipan fruits are meticulously shaped and hand-painted to resemble the real thing.

From vibrant oranges to luscious peaches or strawberries, every piece is a masterpiece.

Of course, the best part is, that they taste as good as they look! Each bite is a burst of almond goodness, subtly sweet and satisfying.

🍑 Insider Tip: Many of the shops in town offer this delicacy, but the place you need to buy them from is Pasticceria Maria Grammatico. We purchased all of our treats from this shop, on the recommendation of a local, and they were INCREDIBLE!

Maria Grammatico, a resilient woman from Erice, Sicily, overcame a challenging childhood in the post-WWII era.

Placed in a convent at a young age, Maria discovered her passion for making marzipan and almond-based pastries.

Observing the nuns’ techniques and armed with their traditions, Maria eventually opened her own pastry shop, La Pasticceria di Maria Grammatico, in Erice.

Today, her shop is filled with an awesome array of pastries in all shapes and sizes.

The shop is also run with the same dedication to quality and local ingredients that Maria learned from the nuns.

6. Admire the Jaw-Dropping Views

Prepare to have your breath taken away, literally, as you admire the jaw-dropping views in Erice!

Perched 750 m above sea level and towering over the west of Sicily, Erice is the perfect place to get a birds-eye view of the island.

Whether you’re standing along the ancient walls or gazing out from a hillside vantage point, the vistas are nothing short of amazing.

If you are lucky enough to have a clear day, you can see the salt pans of Trapani and beyond to the Egadi Islands.

And be sure to walk around town to some of the different lookout points, as the views range from the city below to the coastline.

But just a heads up, it gets REALLY windy in Erice! We had to take our sunhats off while admiring the views, for fear of them blowing off our heads!

7. Take the Perfect Instagrammable Photo

Looking to capture that perfect photo for the ‘Gram? You’re in luck! This gorgeous town is a haven for stunning photo opportunities.

With its charming cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, colourful doorways, and stunning views, Erice offers countless opportunities for picture-perfect moments.

As I mentioned earlier, the doorways and churches in this town are just incredible. This is where I was able to get my best photos.

8. Find the Perfect Souvenir

When it comes to finding the perfect souvenir in Erice, you won’t be disappointed!

This charming town is filled with unique shops and boutiques offering an awesome variety of treasures.

From intricately designed ceramics to handmade jewelry, you’ll find a variety of one-of-a-kind pieces to choose from.

In fact, our kids love to collect pressed pennies when we travel. And to our absolute surprise, we actually found a couple of pressed coin machines right in the main Piazzo!

Don’t forget to explore the food shops too, where you can pick up some delicious local specialties like Sicilian pastries, olive oil, or a bottle of Marsala wine.

9. Learn About History in the Museo Comunale Antonio Cordici

Learn all about the fascinating history of Erice by visiting the Museo Comunale Antonio Cordici.

Housed within a charming medieval building, this museum is filled with artifacts and exhibits that showcase the town’s history.

From ancient coins and pottery to intricate artworks and religious relics, the museum offers a peak into the town’s past.

10. Ride the Cable Car

The cable car in Erice is a must-try experience that will, ahem, elevate your visit to new heights! 🤣

Since its inauguration in 1957, this iconic transportation system has been carrying passengers on a scenic ride from the valley to the hilltop town of Erice.

With a total ascent of approximately 750 meters (2,460 feet), the cable car offers a convenient way to reach Erice. And the views during the ride are pretty epic too!

11. Admire the Architecture

Erice is home to some stunning buildings and structures. You can’t help but admire the architecture as you make your way through this quaint little town.

From the incredible examples of medieval, Gothic, and Baroque architecture to the intricate details of the churches, you could spend hours just admiring the buildings in town.

And while the elaborate facades, towering spires, and beautifully adorned church interiors were awesome to see, my favourite thing to look at was the doorways (I’m pretty sure I mentioned that right?).

Many of the buildings were adorned with ornate balconies, arches, and decorative motifs that were just exquisite!

It’s pretty safe to say, that I could put together a whole album on just the doorways I photographed in Erice. And in the time it took for me to take all these photos, my kids were able to perfect their eye-roll! 🙄

12. Tour the Torretta Pepoli

The Torretta Pepoli is a small villa/castle in Erice.

Built in the 19th century by Count Agostino Pepoli, it sits on a cliffside and offers incredible views of the coastline and countryside.

The castle has a unique Gothic style and was once a retreat for artists and intellectuals.

Today, you can explore its historic rooms and enjoy the views from its tower. Just keep in mind, that there is a fee to enter.

During our visit, the kids got a kick out of the fact that all they could hear was loud ‘mooing’ from cows grazing in the pastures below.

The cliffs amplify everything, which made it seem like the cows were in the castle!

13. Explore the Christmas Market

If you happen to be visiting Erice in December, you will have the added bonus of being able to experience the Christmas Market.

The Christmas market in Erice is held in the historic town center in front of the Museo Comunale Antonio Cordici.

However, we also found some stalls scattered in front of the churches and in the streets.

It runs from early December to early January, with stalls selling crafts, ornaments, and local foods. You may even catch some live music and performances.

If you are looking to try some local treats at the market, we would recommend trying the Sfincie!

These little puffs of fried dough sprinkled with sugar and served hot were absolutely fantastic!

The market is open daily, and admission is free.

Where to Stay in Erice

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Erice, you have some fantastic options that cater to different preferences and budgets. Here are the top places to consider for your accommodation:

Luxury

Hotel Elimo

This charming hotel offers a cozy and comfortable stay with its well-appointed rooms and friendly service. Located in the heart of Erice, Hotel Elimo provides easy access to the town’s attractions, cafes and shops.

Il Carmine Dimora Storica

A historic guesthouse offering comfortable rooms and a quiet atmosphere, located within the ancient walls of Erice. Once a monastery, this unique hotel also serves up a wonderful buffet breakfast which is included in your stay.

Moderate

Hotel Edelweiss

This charming and cozy accommodation is located in the main square of Erice. With its welcoming ambiance, comfortable rooms, and friendly staff, it provides a perfect retreat for travellers looking to explore the town and enjoy a relaxing stay.

Hotel Moderno

Comfortable and well-located, this hotel provides cozy rooms and easy access to Erice’s attractions.

Budget

Camere Di Ulisse

Camere Di Ulisse offers a cozy and charming accommodation option in Erice. With its comfortable rooms, friendly service, and convenient location, it provides a perfect base for exploring the town’s attractions.

Hotel Villa San Giovanni

This hotel provides comfortable rooms, a peaceful garden, a beautiful terrace, and a convenient location near Erice’s main attractions.

How to Get to Erice

Getting to Erice is straightforward and can be an enjoyable part of your trip. Here are the main ways to reach Erice:

By Car

From Trapani, it’s a 20-minute drive up a winding mountain road.

🚗 Need a rental car? Find the best prices here.

Safety for the Drive Up/Down

The steep drive up to Erice is not for the faint of heart! With a narrow roadway, sharp switchbacks, and very few guardrails, many people decide to pass on this drive.

However, if you just take it slow, you shouldn’t have any problems.

One thing we would like to mention, although it really should be common sense, is not to stop in the roadway to take photos.

As tempting as that may be, with the incredible vistas and all, it just isn’t safe.

Instead, there are a few spots where you can safely pull off the roadway, to stop and admire the view. You can even get out of your car to take some photos.

Parking

Once you reach Erice, you can easily find parking areas near the town’s entrance.

💡 Insider Tip: The main parking lot is also where you will find public restrooms.

By Cable Car – Funivia

The Funivia (cable car) runs from Trapani to Erice. It’s a scenic 10-minute ride, offering fantastic views of the coast and countryside.

Upgraded in 2005, the Funivia has 42 modern cars, each able to hold up to 8 passengers. The cable car station is conveniently located near the entrance of Erice.

You can purchase a single ticket for 5,50 EUR, or a roundtrip ticket for 9 EUR.

By Bus

Getting to Erice by bus is a convenient and cost-effective option for travellers.

Buses run regularly from Trapani to Erice. The journey takes about 30 minutes and drops you off in the town center.

Look for the bus stop near the port or the central bus station in Trapani, and check the bus schedule in advance to plan your trip accordingly.

Once you arrive in Erice, you’ll be dropped off near the town’s entrance.

We chose to travel by bus when we went to Erice, simply because we were arriving in Trapani from Castellammare del Golfo by bus.

And although it was a little confusing trying to figure out which bus went to Erice, the locals were able to point us in the right direction.

The bus ride was air-conditioned and comfortable, and we would definitely recommend this form of transportation for those who do not want to drive.

By Taxi

Taxis are available from Trapani and other nearby towns. It’s a convenient but more expensive option.

How Long Do You Need in Erice?

A day trip to Erice is usually enough to see the main attractions.

You can explore the historic center, visit the castles, and enjoy the views in a few hours.

If you want a more relaxed pace, consider staying overnight.

Erice - Kids in front of Ristorante Osteria

This allows time to enjoy the local cuisine, explore at leisure, and experience the town’s atmosphere after the day-trippers leave.

We spent about 5 hours in Erice, and felt that it was enough to see the main sights, have a bite to eat, and not feel rushed.

When is the Best Time to Visit Erice?

The best time to visit Erice is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). The weather is mild, and the town is less crowded.

Summer can be busy and hot, but it’s still enjoyable if you don’t mind the heat and tourists.

Winter is quieter, and some attractions might have reduced hours, but the Christmas market makes it a charming time to visit.

We have visited Erice in Spring, Summer and Winter, and have enjoyed ourselves each time.

While I really loved all the flowers in the summer, the Christmas decorations in all the churches and shops were also pretty spectacular!

Is Erice Sicily Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Erice is definitely worth visiting.

This medieval hilltop town offers gorgeous views, rich history, and well-preserved architecture.

You can explore ancient castles, visit historic churches, and wander through charming cobblestone streets.

The local cuisine is delicious, and the atmosphere is unique.

We thoroughly enjoyed our day in Erice and would definitely recommend a visit if you are in Sicily.

There was more than enough to keep the kids interested, and the views alone made the trek from Trapani worthwhile.

What to Do in Erice Sicily – FAQs

What is Erice Sicily famous for?

Erice is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, ancient castles, and stunning views. It’s also known for its traditional pastries, particularly the almond-based Frutta Martorana.

What is the famous pastry of Erice?

Erice’s famous pastry is Frutta Martorana. These are traditional almond-based marzipan sweets shaped and coloured to look like real fruit.

How old is Erice Sicily?

Erice dates back to around 800 BCE, with a history that spans over 3,000 years.

What is the elevation of Erice?

Erice is located at an elevation of approximately 751 meters (2,464 feet) above sea level.

What airport is near Erice?

The nearest airport to Erice is Vincenzo Florio Airport Trapani-Birgi (TPS). Located approximately 30 kilometres away. The airport offers both domestic and international flights, making it convenient for visitors from different parts of the world to access Erice.

Erice Things to Do – Final Thoughts

Erice, Sicily truly is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of history, charm, and scenic views.

Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets, playing in the gardens with the kids, or devouring the Frutta Martorana, Erice is sure to leave a lasting impression.

And while we have visited Erice several times already, we always look forward to coming back to this charming little town.