Magna Via Francigena Easy

As soon as you arrive and settle into your accommodation, step outside and let Palermo reveal itself: the buzzing street markets, the intricate mosaics of the Palatine Chapel, and the colorful façades of Quattro Canti. Wander through winding alleys where history whispers from every corner, and taste the scents of Sicilian cuisine wafting from local trattorie. As evening falls, let the city’s lights, flavors, and sounds awaken your senses, preparing you for the extraordinary walking adventure ahead.

Palermo is not a city you explain — it’s a city you experience. Just step outside and let yourself be guided: wander through vibrant markets like Ballarò and Vucciria, where the colors, smells, and sounds of Sicily come alive. Marvel at the golden mosaics of the Palatine Chapel, admire the intricate Arab-Norman architecture, and lose yourself in the maze of narrow alleys that lead to hidden piazzas and artisan shops. Stop for a granita or a slice of sfincione, and let the city awaken all your senses.

Just a short ride away lies Monreale, a quiet hilltop town famous for its cathedral. Here, the vast mosaics of the Monreale Cathedral tell biblical stories in shimmering gold and deep jewel tones, surrounded by peaceful cloisters and breathtaking views over the Conca d’Oro valley. It’s a perfect counterpoint to Palermo’s bustling streets—a place to pause, reflect, and admire Sicily’s timeless beauty.

Whether you choose Palermo or Monreale, both reveal the most authentic soul of Sicily, shaped by layers of history, contrasts, and everyday wonders.

You start the day with a transfer from Palermo to Ficuzza, a small village surrounded by the woods of the Ficuzza Nature Reserve, once a royal hunting ground. The trail then continues along the ancient trazzera toward the Sanctuary of Maria SS. del Rosario di Tagliavia, an important pilgrimage site linked to local legends and miraculous waters.

The walk continues to Corleone, famous for its complex history and known worldwide through The Godfather. Here you will visit the CIDMA – Mafia and Anti-Mafia Movement Museum.

Distance: 10 km

Elevation Gain: +400/-300 m

The day starts with a transfer to Lake Prizzi, a peaceful natural area surrounded by rolling hills and open countryside in the heart of Sicily. From the lake, a steady climb leads you into the town of Prizzi, a charming hilltop village known for its rural traditions and wide panoramic views over the surrounding valleys. Once in town, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a cannolo with pistachio and candied orange, a delicious local treat. 

Distance: 6,5 km

Elevation Gain: +300/-100 m

Today’s walk starts from Castronovo di Sicilia and takes place mostly within the peaceful Carcaci Natural Reserve, an unspoiled area that is home to numerous species of birds of prey. 

The walk continues through scenic countryside until you reach Cammarata on foot, where the day ends.

Distance: 12 or 17 km

Elevation Gain: +500/-500 m

Start your day by energizing yourself with a local treat at Bar Sicilia before setting off. Your walk begins along a scenic path that follows the old railway line, gradually climbing uphill toward Acquaviva Platani. From there, the trail continues along a stunning ridge, offering breathtaking views, until you reach Sutera, a hidden gem perched on the opposite side of the rocky cliff.

Once in Sutera, wander through the labyrinth of narrow alleys and chalk-white houses in the historic Arab quarter, known as Rabato, and immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to the town’s rich ethnographic museum.

Distance: 13 or 18 km

Elevation Gain: +600/-400 m

Start the day with a transfer to Racalmuto or the nearby Grotte, your gateway to the scenic Sicilian countryside. From here, the walk begins and gradually leads you toward Aragona, passing through peaceful rural landscapes and small villages along the way, with beautiful views over the surrounding valleys.

Racalmuto, the hometown of the famous writer Leonardo Sciascia, is a highlight of the day, offering a taste of local culture and history.

After exploring the area, you can take the train from Aragona to Agrigento, enjoying a relaxing journey through the Sicilian countryside.

Distance: 8 or 11 km

Elevation Gain: +200/-300 m

Today you are in Agrigento, one of Sicily’s most famous historical cities. The highlight of the day is a visit to the Valley of the Temples, a sprawling archaeological park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you wander among the majestic Doric temples, you can almost feel the pulse of ancient Greek life and imagine the rituals that once filled these sacred spaces. The sun casts dramatic shadows over the golden columns, and the surrounding countryside stretches endlessly, offering breathtaking panoramas. Every path, every ruin tells a story, making this visit a truly immersive journey into Sicily’s classical past.

Our services end after breakfast, unless you have added extra nights.

We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home. Goodbye!

For our trips, we always choose accommodation with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be provided, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation included in the trip you are interested in.  

We place great importance on the choice of accommodations and select hotels with care and attention. We understand how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We always prefer cozy and characteristic establishments, preferably family-run, that fully embody the spirit of the place and offer hospitality with courtesy and comfort.  

Where, due to the nature of the route, accommodation options are limited, we choose the one that best aligns with our standards.

 

To make the journey more manageable, transfers are included along the route. These reduce the daily walking distances, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenery and the villages without overexertion.

This Magna Via Francigena easy trail is perfect for anyone who wants to discover a lesser-known side of Sicily—its rolling countryside, charming small villages, and the local communities that bring them to life. You’ll start in Palermo and finish in Agrigento, two stunning cities, but the most memorable moments happen along the way, on the paths and through the landscapes in between.

The terrain varies: you’ll walk on quiet secondary roads, scenic trails through fields and forests, and gravel paths. There are a few streams to cross, some shallow and easy, others that can become more challenging after rain.

Accommodation ranges from simple but comfortable hotels, perfect for resting after a day of walking. Be prepared for muddy sections during wet weather, and wear good walking shoes.

This trip is ideal if you enjoy immersive experiences in authentic places, don’t mind a bit of adventure on the trail, and want to see Sicily beyond the usual tourist spots.