Our drive today took us first to the town of Erice and then to the temple ruins at Segesta.

Erice is a wonderfully preserved medieval town on top of Mount Erice, 750 metres above sea level and overlooking the port of Trapani . Everything is uphill in Sicily! Getting out of the bus at Erice, I felt as though I could touch the clouds. We had 3 hours to explore Erice on our own. This was a lovely old town and I really enjoyed just wandering through the quaint old alleys and cobble stone streets. I did make my way to Venus Castle (built by the Normans) and to the Real Duomo (just the outside). Erice has 60 churches. What is it with Sicily and all its churches? The 3 hours was not long enough but gave a taste to ensure another visit/stay.

On our way back to our hotel (Resort Baglio Oneto) we stopped at the temple ruins at Segesta. There was a dig in progress at the site which was interesting to watch. The Greek, Doric Temple (not actually built by the Greeks) is claimed to be the best preserved in the world. It was never completed, having always been roofless. The Greek Theatre (amphitheatre built 430 BC) sits high on a hill with the rolling green countryside creating a perfect backdrop and views that stretch all the way to the sea. Concerts are held during the summer months in this ancient theatre. And the stone seats are not covered over with wood!
 
Everyone seems to have had a hand in Sicily - Greeks, Romans, Normans, Arabs, Phoenicians, Carthaginians. Is there anyone who hasn't conquered Sicily? It certainly makes for a lively history.
 
It's amazing how one country's noxious weed is a must have garden plant. I'm talking about the Prickly Pear - it's everywhere here.

I've just added Erice and Segesta to my next trip to Sicily.

Next time I come to Sicily (and there will be a next time) I'm going to do a landscape tour because it is just spectacular and never disappoints no matter where we travel in Sicily. This is definitely the time of year to come to Sicily. The days are warm and dry, and the countryside so green with all the flowers in bloom.