Erice is known for its numerous churches, indeed it was known as the city with a hundred churches. Visitors can find exceptional regional ceramics and decorative works, as they are seen as definitive for the entire Sicilian region. Beautiful, highly decorated ceramic heads line the town’s ceramic shops throughout the streets, as the legend of the head is a compelling story that has been told for thousands of years.
The legend surrounding the head varies depending on who is telling it, as some tell it, was that the head belonged to a man who was the servant of a very wealthy woman in town. She fell in love with him as he worked for her, and she couldn’t bear the fact that he had his own family elsewhere, away from her. In turn, she chopped off his head. The head was supposedly buried under Erice’s main church, bringing good fortune to the entire area. The folks of Erice insist you cannot just have one of these ceramic heads in your home, as you must have several to really receive the magic that comes from them.
We visited the town’s main church and bell tower, the highest point in Erice. The wind could almost knock you off your feet, and climbing to the very top of the tower was just as challenging as it was beautiful.
Of course, many pastries, gelato, and delicious food and aperitifs were to be had on our day trip. Every aspect of Sicilian cuisine is not to be forgotten or missed, regardless of the town you’re in.
Favignana
Favignana is an exciting place to just feel like a tourist. It's an island off the coast of Sicily that is also accessible from the city port of Trapani. In order to get there you must take a hydrofoil, which you are only able to do on days the water is calm. The day we decided to travel to Favignana we were told at the port that we could take the boat there today, but couldn’t come back until tomorrow. We decided to take our chances and still go to the island.
Favignana’s terrain is very flat, so bike rentals are everywhere and serve as the main form of transportation throughout the island. As soon as we docked, we found a room to book for the evening, then set out to explore the island on bikes.
Just before dinner in the middle of the piazza, a concert began in the streets with seemingly no notice. People emerged from their homes and businesses to take part in this communal event, it felt as if it were right out of a musical or play!
The next day we found this impeccable gourmet grocery where we were able to purchase the most incredible wine, champagne, and other delights. Favignana is historically known for its tuna in the region. The grocery reflected this, as we devoured an antipasti from there with multiple types of divine tunas and cheese from the region. It was absolutely amazing and not to be missed.
We were able to swim on the beach, eat and relax, and then we got back on the hydrofoil and landed back in Trapani. We wish we could have stayed longer, as we barely scratched the surface of this incredible island. Next time, we will spend a few weeks there if we can!
Aperitivo in Piazza
Astrid could ride her bike from piazza to piazza and be independent while we enjoyed our aperitivo!
https://goo.gl/maps/FpBcQwgLvmhmjTwR8 La Tavernetta
Piazza Madrice, 61, 91023 Favignana TP, Italy
+39 327 199 2787
La Casa del Tonno- most amazing gourmet store to get wine and beautiful food.
https://goo.gl/maps/y56c6pKKcwHEuZZG9 La Casa Del Tonno
Via Roma, 12, 91023 Favignana TP, Italy
+39 324 608 9998
Church - outside this church while we were having our aperitivo we got to experience this fun art performance surprise concert performed by people of all ages. They had such a fun rapport and we were extremely charmed.
https://goo.gl/maps/p7yBuXgfst68QwJ59 Chiesa Madre di Maria SS. Immacolata
Via Giuseppe Mazzini, 16, 91023 Favignana TP, Italy
An epic bike ride, sunken gardens protected from the wind
https://goo.gl/maps/fifNS1xer4bvd1948 Dropped pin
Near Strada Comunale Costiera di Tramontana,91023 Favignana TP, Italy
Best Gelato on Favignana
https://goo.gl/maps/obm8Mxq9a2cnbv6z8 Gelateria Roma 16
Via Roma, 16, 91023 Favignana TP, Italy
