The town of Erice offers many things to do and see. Strolling through its alleys and narrow streets is certainly the best way to get to know and appreciate it, perhaps even venturing into secondary areas, further away from the most crowded and famous spots. Definitely worth a visit is the Madrice Church, the cathedral dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption begun in the Middle Ages, with its bell tower and entrance pronaos, a characteristic element of the building. Stop, if you can, also at the Church of San Martino with its beautiful Baroque portal, and then we recommend that you go as far as the 17th-century Spanish quarter, which is in a more decentralised location and has a special history: at that time there was an obligation to house Spanish soldiers within the city walls, but the people of Erice did not want the troops in the city centre and built a bastion at their own expense. However, the work was stopped and the troops found accommodation in the Castle of Venus, which is another attraction worth visiting and dates back to Norman times. The Castle, surrounded by ancient walls, is a majestic construction and is located on a particularly scenic spot, where one can admire from above the salt pans of Trapani and the view of the gulf, a vision that especially at sunset offers suggestive moments of poetry. Adjacent to the Castle are the Towers and the Balio Garden; the latter made of terraces, stairs and pavilions is highly scenic and rich in panoramic views.

Trapanese cuisine triumphs in Erice, combined with some typical local specialities. First courses include busiate (a type of pasta that used to be drawn with 'buso' branches) with Trapanese pesto, which is similar to classic pesto but with the addition of almonds. Then, you cannot miss a taste of cous cous Trapanese style, seasoned with fish soup made with tomato, garlic and onion. In Erice, as in the rest of Sicily, you will of course find an excellent choice of street food, including arancine (fried rice balls), to be eaten in the classic versions up to the more elaborate ones (pistachio, sausage, white wine and speck, etc.) and the focaccia stuffed with anchovies, rosemary and tomato: the officer's sandwich. Among the typical sweets, we have, in addition to the classic almond pastries that we find all over Sicily, the genovesi: short pastry cakes filled with cream and covered with icing sugar; another excellent alternative are the Erice bocconcini made with royal pastry and citron marmalade, flavoured with liqueur, and the zibibbo pastries, also made with royal pastry but filled with zibibbo liqueur and covered with a thin layer of dark chocolate.

Events in Erice are all linked to its history, southern Italian traditions and its essence as a historic village. During the Christmas period, 'EricèNatale - Il Borgo dei Presepi' is held, a month of events dedicated to markets, exhibitions of cribs, shows and concerts, including the 'Zampogna dal Mondo' (Bagpipes from the World) review, in which musicians from all over Europe take part. During the Easter period, on the other hand, the Procession of the Mysteries (Good Friday) is held along the narrow streets of the town. Also during the summer, then, the village comes alive with many events and every year a calendar is published with all the appointments so as not to miss any of the events organised. However, one of the most characteristic events is the Festa FedEricina, at the end of September, in which the arrival of King Frederick III of Trinacria/Sicily and his wife Eleanor of Anjou is relived. Amidst period costumes and music, three days of festivities and performances are organised that unfold through the streets of the village, reaching as far as the Castle and the Balio Towers.