Hilltop medieval town, Castello di Venere, the Trapani cable car and the nearby salt pans.
Erice is a medieval hilltop town at about 750 m above sea level near Trapani, roughly 100-120 km (62-75 miles) west of Palermo. Segesta Autolinee runs coaches from Palermo to Trapani in about 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, at fares of about EUR 7-16 as reported by journey planners, and a cable car from Trapani climbs to Erice in about 10 minutes. The town has cobbled lanes, stone houses, courtyards and the Norman Castello di Venere on a cliff edge, on the site of an ancient sanctuary of Venus. Views reach the Egadi Islands and the coast on clear days. Erice is known for almond pastries such as genovesi, and many small pastry shops sell them. Below, the Saline di Trapani e Paceco nature reserve, a WWF-managed salt-pan landscape, features windmills, flamingos in season, and a salt museum at Nubia. The road between Trapani and Marsala is lined with salt pans, and the colours at sunset are a draw for photographers. A suggested day is Erice in the morning, Trapani for lunch (couscous alla trapanese), and the salt pans at sunset before the last coach back. Mist is common in Erice, so a clear day makes the trip.
| Distance | 100-120 km (62-75 miles) west of Palermo |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1h 35min-1h 50min by coach to Trapani, plus cable car |
| Getting there | Segesta Autolinee coach from Palermo to Trapani, about 1h 35min-1h 50min, about EUR 7-16 (~$8-18) as reported; cable car or local bus from Trapani to Erice |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Piazza della Loggia, 91016 Erice TP |
How to get there
- Segesta Autolinee coach from Palermo to Trapani, about 1h 35min-1h 50min, about EUR 7-16 (~$8-18) as reported
- Cable car from Trapani to Erice, about 10 minutes (verify fare and hours locally)
- Driving: A29 to Trapani, about 1h 30min
Location
Piazza della Loggia, 91016 Erice TP
38.0364, 12.5873 View on map
Highlights
- Medieval hilltop town of Erice and its cobbled lanes
- Castello di Venere and views over the coast and Egadi Islands
- Cable car between Trapani and Erice
- Saline di Trapani e Paceco salt pans, windmills and the salt museum
- Almond pastries and couscous alla trapanese
Tips for visiting
- Check the weather; fog often covers Erice
- Check the last coach back to Palermo before staying for sunset
- Check the cable car timetable, as seasons and maintenance change service
- Visit the salt pans in the late afternoon for the best light
- Buy genovesi pastries from local pastry shops
When to visit
Spring and autumn; Erice can be foggy in winter and crowded in August.
Accessibility
Erice's lanes are steep and cobbled, which is difficult for wheelchairs; step-free access at the cable car stations should be checked locally.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the coach from Palermo to Trapani?
About 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes with Segesta Autolinee.
How is Erice reached from Trapani?
By cable car in about 10 minutes, or by local bus or car along the mountain road.
Are the salt pans worth visiting?
Yes. The salt pans, windmills and bird life are a highlight, especially at sunset.
Can this be done in one day?
Yes, but with limited time at each stop; an overnight stay allows a slower pace.