Trapani and Erice at a glance
Trapani is a port town on the western tip of Sicily. South of it, along the road to Marsala, lie the salt pans (the Via del Sale), where windmills still stand among the evaporation basins. Above Trapani rises Erice, a hill town with a castle. The upper cable car station stands at 703 m above sea level, with views across the plain to the sea.
Trapani is also the departure port for the Egadi Islands, see our guide to Favignana. San Vito lo Capo and the Zingaro reserve are 37 km away by road. This is an independent guide and not the official tourism site.
The Erice cable car: fares and 2026 hours
The Funivia di Erice carries you up in 8-person cabins in about 10 minutes. Every Monday service starts at 14:00 for weekly maintenance.
| Period in 2026 | Monday | Tuesday to Thursday | Friday to Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 March to 31 May | 14:00 to 20:00 | 8:30 to 20:00 | 10:00 to 23:00 |
| 1 June to 12 July | 14:00 to 20:00 | 9:30 to 20:00 | 10:00 to 24:00 |
| 13 July to 30 August | 14:00 to 24:00 | 8:30 to 24:00 | Fri 8:30 to 1:00, Sat and Sun 9:00 to 1:00 |
| 31 August to 20 September | 14:00 to 23:00 | 8:30 to 23:00 | Fri 8:30 to 23:00, Sat and Sun 9:00 to 24:00 |
| 21 September to 2 November | 14:00 to 20:00 | 8:30 to 20:00 | Fri 8:30 to 23:00, Sat and Sun 9:00 to 24:00 |
| 3 November to 4 December | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| 5 December to 6 January | 14:00 to 20:00 | 8:30 to 20:00 | Fri 8:30 to 23:00, Sat and Sun 9:00 to 24:00 |
Fares in 2026. Adults pay €9 one way or €15 return. A 10-ride card costs €32. Ages 3 to 16 pay €2.50 one way or €4 return, and children under 2 ride free. Residents of Sicily pay €6.50 or €11, residents of the province of Trapani €4 or €6.50. Parking at the valley station is reserved for cable car customers and costs €5 for the first three hours, then €1 per hour.
Trapani, Erice and Egadi tours
Day trips from Trapani to the salt pans, Erice, Marsala and the Egadi Islands, with live prices and availability.
The salt pans of Trapani and Marsala
The Via del Sale follows the coast between Trapani and Marsala. Two places are set up for visitors.
Saline Ettore e Infersa lies on the Stagnone lagoon near Marsala and is run by Sei Saline. It offers a windmill, a walk through the salt works, salt tasting, a sunset bar, nature trails and guided photo tours. Ask for entry and opening times when you book.
Saline di Trapani e Paceco is a WWF nature reserve with a visitor centre in the Mulino Maria Stella windmill on the SP 21 road between Trapani and Marsala. Guided visits run by registration, so contact the reserve ahead.
Mozia and Marsala
Mozia. The island of San Pantaleo in the Stagnone lagoon is run by the Whitaker Foundation. Entry to the island and the Whitaker museum costs €12, or €6 for ages up to 18, and children up to 5 go free. The boat is not included. Boats leave the Stagnone piers at Marsala every 30 minutes and take 8 to 12 minutes. The island opens from 9:30 to 18:30 from April to October and from 9:00 to 15:00 from November to March. On 25 and 26 December, 1 January and 6 January the last boat leaves Mozia at 13:00.
Marsala. The town is 29 km (43 minutes) from Trapani and the gateway to the lagoon and Mozia. It has an archaeological park, Lilibeo, and the Baglio Anselmi museum, so check the current opening times before you go. Selinunte is a further 55 km (1 h 05) south, and our Sicily itinerary shows how to fit it into a route.
Getting to Trapani
By road Trapani is 106 km (about 1 h 27) from Palermo and 88 km (about 1 h 24) from Palermo Airport. The train from Palermo Centrale needs a change, takes 4 h 10 to 4 h 48 and costs €14.30, so a bus or a car is the practical choice. Segesta, with its temple and theatre, is 33 km (29 minutes) from Trapani. For transfers and car hire, see the airports guide.
A car is useful here for the salt pans and the coast. In Erice itself, leave it at the valley station and ride up.
Nearby on the west coast
Islands, beaches and routes.
Trapani and Erice: frequently asked questions
How much is the Erice cable car?
In 2026 adults pay €9 one way or €15 return. Ages 3 to 16 pay €2.50 or €4, and children under 2 ride free.
Is the cable car open all year?
It is closed from 3 November to 4 December 2026. The rest of the year it runs daily, but every Monday service starts at 14:00.
How do I get from Palermo to Trapani?
By car or bus. The road is 106 km and takes about 1 h 27. The train needs a change and takes at least 4 h 10.
How do I visit Mozia?
Take a boat from the Stagnone piers at Marsala, every 30 minutes, crossing 8 to 12 minutes. The island and museum ticket costs €12, and the boat is paid separately.
Can I do Trapani and the Egadi Islands in one trip?
Yes. Boats to Favignana leave from Trapani, and our Favignana guide has the timetable and the landing fee.