Giardini del Balio
Giardini del Balio
4.5
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4.5
342 reviews
Excellent
228
Very good
92
Average
17
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Sally62
Northampton, UK6,072 contributions
Sept 2019
This pretty little shady garden next to the Castle of Venus is basically just pathways, busts, shrubs and a small child's playground but it is well-kept and there are several benches where you can sit and relax in the shade. The views from the edge of the garden are fantastic - over the Bay of Trapani and also of the castle and plain to the east. There is a small cafe which is open during the day.
Written 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie V
Paris, France264 contributions
July 2021
A most beautiful place still nicer when the sun is going down in the early evening. A beautiful spot for pictures and a nice relaxing walk around the fortifications of the village of Erice.Wonderful views all around
Written 22 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jjj733
Melbourne, Australia145 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
If you're in Sicily and have the time, you must see Erice. Apart from the scary drive up, the views are really something that you'll never forget.
The town is larger than it might seem if you're looking up into the clouds. It has real history. The Norman buildings, some dating back to 1076 and perhaps some earlier. Plenty of churches for a relatively small population.
Plenty of places for people to eat, drink and buy souvenirs (like ceramics) and some fashion stores.
When you're not eating, drinking or shopping, a casual stroll around the small town is very pleasant. Plenty to see - the gardens are a must as are the views from its edge - and the views are quite amazing. Seeing it live is different from taking a photo because the photo will not capture the breathtaking views.
Tip # 1: Check the weather for the town before you leave your hotel - at the bottom, the temperature was about 18 degrees - at the top it felt like zero degrees with everyone rugged up. I had to buy a ski hat to cover my freezing ears. If it's a bad day, and you don't prepare, then you won't last long.
Tip # 2: I don't know if it's me or not, but the whole town felt very eerie. Maybe it was being so isolated from the rests of the world. Certainly worth visiting because it is really interesting but seemed strange to me.
Tip # 3: If you don't like heights, then don't drive there. If you don't like bends, curves and hairpin bends, don't drive there. If you're an inexperienced driver, don't drive there. Use the chairlift.
Tip # 4: Depending on the time of year, if you're driving you may find it hard to get a parking spot.
The town is larger than it might seem if you're looking up into the clouds. It has real history. The Norman buildings, some dating back to 1076 and perhaps some earlier. Plenty of churches for a relatively small population.
Plenty of places for people to eat, drink and buy souvenirs (like ceramics) and some fashion stores.
When you're not eating, drinking or shopping, a casual stroll around the small town is very pleasant. Plenty to see - the gardens are a must as are the views from its edge - and the views are quite amazing. Seeing it live is different from taking a photo because the photo will not capture the breathtaking views.
Tip # 1: Check the weather for the town before you leave your hotel - at the bottom, the temperature was about 18 degrees - at the top it felt like zero degrees with everyone rugged up. I had to buy a ski hat to cover my freezing ears. If it's a bad day, and you don't prepare, then you won't last long.
Tip # 2: I don't know if it's me or not, but the whole town felt very eerie. Maybe it was being so isolated from the rests of the world. Certainly worth visiting because it is really interesting but seemed strange to me.
Tip # 3: If you don't like heights, then don't drive there. If you don't like bends, curves and hairpin bends, don't drive there. If you're an inexperienced driver, don't drive there. Use the chairlift.
Tip # 4: Depending on the time of year, if you're driving you may find it hard to get a parking spot.
Written 29 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin A
Aigueze, France42 contributions
July 2015 • Family
A nice garden, but nothing special, but the views and the castle make it an extremely memorable visit. A must do in Erice!
Written 30 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christophe B
Quebec City, Canada946 contributions
May 2019
Erice is almost a village coming out of a fairytale. The gardens are astonishing and pretty big. They give beautiful views on the several castles and towers in the village, as well as the sea and Trapani. It’s particularly beautiful on a sunny day and you won’t find that many tourists here compare to Palermo. Erice is my favorite place in all of Sicily. I mean... a medieval village on top of a 700m mountain? Doesn’t get any better than that.
Written 6 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Betula103
Australia7,855 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
To get to the gardens you need to walk through the charming narrow streets up to the highest point in the town. The gardens themselves are shaded, pleasant and peaceful however it is view that is caps it off. Some of our group did not walk this far and were disappointed when others told them what they had missed.
Written 7 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HelenaGuerra
Washington DC, DC13,808 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
Best views over the ancient village (don't waste your money on entrance fees) and lowlands. It's a must see in Erice.
Written 24 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grandview301
Melbourne, Australia1,842 contributions
July 2018 • Couples
Anna P is correct, Erice is nothing like Eze and some of the shopkeepers do appear disinterested in tourists. NOT ALL though. We encountered a few who were more than happy to showcase local produce and knowledge. But don't be deterred. It's a great place to visit or to take reprieve from the heat in Trapani and the cable car ride isn't expensive.
Plan your trip on a clear day. We experienced a fogged in Erice and a clear sky Erice. Both have their charms but if you are interested in views, head up on a clear day.
I agree with Anna P head straight for the Castello di Venere (the path leading uphill on the far right as you exit the cable car), and enjoy the views along the way.
The gardens here offer a playground, many benches to sit on, to eat your picnic lunch from or simply take the weight off your feet, relax and enjoy the views.
Erice has unique paved pathways and lots of churches and touristy shops, cafes and restaurants. Walk around for a bit of exercise, have a pistachio gelato and enjoy your surrounds before heading back down to Trapani.
Plan your trip on a clear day. We experienced a fogged in Erice and a clear sky Erice. Both have their charms but if you are interested in views, head up on a clear day.
I agree with Anna P head straight for the Castello di Venere (the path leading uphill on the far right as you exit the cable car), and enjoy the views along the way.
The gardens here offer a playground, many benches to sit on, to eat your picnic lunch from or simply take the weight off your feet, relax and enjoy the views.
Erice has unique paved pathways and lots of churches and touristy shops, cafes and restaurants. Walk around for a bit of exercise, have a pistachio gelato and enjoy your surrounds before heading back down to Trapani.
Written 18 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna P
Brooklyn, NY134 contributions
July 2018 • Family
Erice is a small hilltop village with beautiful vistas. We took the funicular for 9€ round trip. The ride up and down was enjoyable offering lovely scenery.
The town itself doesn’t have much to offer. The castle can be skipped and many shopkeepers seem annoyed with the tourists.
I would recommend visiting Erice on a very clear day; I mean not one cloud in the sky. Go straight to the gardens and explore the entire area that shows the views of the coast. I can’t recommend seeing anything else there. If you’ve been to Eze set your expectations low and you’ll enjoy it. Unfortunately I had high expectations after reading the rave reviews and being an experienced traveler I was not impressed.
The town itself doesn’t have much to offer. The castle can be skipped and many shopkeepers seem annoyed with the tourists.
I would recommend visiting Erice on a very clear day; I mean not one cloud in the sky. Go straight to the gardens and explore the entire area that shows the views of the coast. I can’t recommend seeing anything else there. If you’ve been to Eze set your expectations low and you’ll enjoy it. Unfortunately I had high expectations after reading the rave reviews and being an experienced traveler I was not impressed.
Written 3 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colin_Frendo
Birkirkara, Malta200 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
adequate gardens to take in the sights while in Erice. Very historic place and many a photo opportunity of the amazing views. It is a nice starting point to just sit and take in the views before strolling around the town.
Written 19 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes, but it may be quite difficult to find a parking in high season, especially from the afternoon.
Written 26 August 2020
Salve , per avere un recapito telefonico e parlare con il personale della struttura? Dovremmo prenotare una camera per sabato 18 e lasciarla il 19 mattina. Attendo risposta
Written 18 August 2018
hi everyone. do you know the opening hours of this giardino and the price to enter? Thank you
Written 28 August 2016
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