Rolling green hills of Sicily along the Magna Via Francigena with the towering Rocca Busambra
Rolling green hills of Sicily along the Magna Via Francigena with the towering Rocca Busambra

Magna Via Francigena Pilgrimage

Hiking in the warm heart of Sicily

Called 'Magna' for its greatness and importance as an ancient Roman road, the Magna Via Francigena stretches from Palermo to Agrigento on the beautiful island of Sicily.

As you navigate the ancient shepherd trails—or 'trazzere'—you'll discover the heart of this Mediterranean gem. This is not the Sicily one is used to or would imagine—it's inland Sicily, with its charming hilltop hamlets, lush valleys, waterfalls, and nature reserves.

As well as exploring the diverse natural landscapes, self-guided hiking in Sicily allows you to discover the captivating cities and towns en route.



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Ancient Sicilian temple glowing in the sunlight along one of the Magna Via Francigena heritage routes
Ancient Sicilian temple glowing in the sunlight along one of the Magna Via Francigena heritage routes

This includes the fascinating capital of Palermo, the iconic Corleone, and your final destination, Agrigento, where you can explore the old town and the Valley of the Temples

Top Trips

Magna Via Francigena begins with Palermo


The starting point of the camino in Sicily
Palermo Cathedral under a bright sky, a cultural landmark on Sicily’s historic walking routes

Your Sicily pilgrimage starts in the exciting city of Palermo, located on the island's northern coastline. Soak in its energetic atmosphere as you meander through the historical streets, admire ancient architecture, and explore colorful markets.

Read our article about Palermo, here. 

Highlights

  • Enjoy the warmth of Sicilian hospitality, from its villages to large cities
  • See a lesser-known Sicily, that of small communities and mountain villages
  • See a lesser-known Sicily, that of small communities and mountain villages
  • Visit significant places like Corleone and Palermo, along with hidden gems like Prizzi

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know Before You Walk

How long is the Magna Via Francigena?

The Magna Via Francigena stretches for 186 km, divided into 9 stages between Palermo and Agrigento, crossing Sicily from coast to coast. The route unfolds mainly on dirt roads and quiet secondary paved roads, passing through the heart of the island with very little traffic - making it a genuinely immersive slow travel experience.

The route has no technical difficulties, but it is a multi-day journey that requires a reasonable level of fitness and some experience covering long distances on consecutive days. Conditions can vary - wet weather turns the terrain muddy, and the Sicilian sun can be intense in summer. We recommend previous hiking experience and good preparation before setting off. Not sure if it's right for you? Get in touch and we'll help you find the best fit.

All our packages include carefully selected three-star hotels, B&Bs, and farmhouses along the route, all with private bathrooms. Each property is chosen for its character and comfort - so after a long day on the trail, you can rest well and experience genuine Sicilian hospitality before the next stage.

The trail is marked with standard European hiking signs and the characteristic symbol of the Sicilian Via Francigena pilgrim, making navigation straightforward throughout the route. When you travel with SloWays, you also receive detailed printed documentation and access to a personalized offline app with GPS tracks - so you always know where you are, even without an internet connection.

The Magna Via Francigena takes you through authentic, lesser-known Sicily - far from the tourist crowds. Expect sweeping views of the Sicilian hinterland, ancient archaeological sites, hidden villages, points of natural beauty, and remarkable artistic and cultural heritage. It's one of the most historically rich walking routes in the Mediterranean.

The ideal seasons are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when temperatures are comfortable and the Sicilian countryside is at its most beautiful. Summer walking is possible but demanding - the heat can be intense, especially in the interior of the island, so early starts and extra hydration are essential. We generally advise against December to February for walkers who prefer dry and stable trail conditions.

 Yes, it can be suitable for beginners, provided they have a basic level of fitness and choose the right pace. The Easy version of the itinerary is particularly well-suited to those looking for more accessible, less demanding daily stages. We recommend building up your hiking experience before departure and getting in touch with our team to find the option that best matches your fitness level.

 Yes. SloWays organizes luggage transfer between accommodations as part of the package. Walkers carry only a light daypack on the trail, while their main luggage is waiting for them at the next stop.

The pilgrim credential is included in all SloWays travel packages. It is sent directly to your first hotel, so it's ready for you at the start of the walk. Along the route, it can be stamped at churches, town halls, and partner facilities.

Essential items to bring:

  • Lightweight, breathable technical clothing suited to a warm Mediterranean climate
  • Sturdy, well broken-in hiking boots
  • Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
  • At least 1.5–2 litres of water capacity (water sources in the interior can be sparse)
  • A light waterproof layer for spring and autumn
  • Trekking poles (recommended for the uneven terrain)

SloWays provides a detailed kit list and full route documentation with every booking.

Yes. SloWays provides 7-days-a-week customer support and emergency assistance throughout the trip, so walkers always have someone to contact if something unexpected happens on the trail.

Our trips

Magna Via Francigena Easy

Location Italy
Duration 9 days
Level
Comfort Standard

Wanderlust Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2025
Wanderlust
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
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Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486

 
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Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486
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