Madonie: the mountains of Sicily

Arrive in Sicily and breathe in the warm island breeze and aroma of the outstanding local flora. If pre-arranged with us, a private transfer takes you from airport to your accommodation in Petralia Sottana, in the south of the Monti Madonie. Enjoy your first dinner in a local restaurant of your choice trying the many flavors of the tasty regional cuisine. 

Today’s walk It is a quite easy path through Petralia's hills from where it is possible to enjoy superb landscapes over the southern side of Sicily, inclunding Mt. Etna. Some stretches of the route are on clayey terrain which can be challenging in case of rain. The elevation is fairly gradual; there is only one steep stretch. The walk can start in Portella Ferrone (wp17) with transfer organized by the accomodation; the walk is then shortened of 2 km and the steep stretch to wp14 is avoided.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: +470/-470 m

A morning transfer will take you to the start of the walk in Gangi, a medieval hilltop town often lauded as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The walk starts off on a fairly steep route crossing the typical Sicilian rural landscape and passing by ancient masserie and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, characterized by rolling hills, verdant valleys, and the distant silhouette of the Madonie mountain range.
Arriving in Geraci Siculo, you'll find another enchanting medieval town with a rich history and vibrant local culture. Known for its well-preserved Norman castle ruins, Geraci Siculo offers a charming end to your hike.

Distance: 12 km

Elevation gain: +484/-278 m

The walk from Geraci Siculo to Rocca di Gonato is a delightful journey through the heart of Sicily's Madonie Mountains. Along the way there are spectacular views of the mountains and the coast. On a clear day, it is also possible to see the islands of the Aeolian archipelago. Along the way it is suggested a short extension to reach the Church of Saints
Cosma and Damiano. Once you arrive at the destination you can relax and enjoy its natural beauty and serene environment.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: +433/-677 m

Bid adieu to the lovely Madonie Mountains an descend to the hills around Castelbuono. A short and easy descent brings you to Agriturismo Bergi. Here you can spend the afternoon relaxing into the village of Castelbuono. Do not miss a visit to the nearby medieval village of Castebuono. Stroll along ancient narrow streets and squares for a true taste of small-town Sicily. 

Distance: 12,5 km

Elevation gain: +285/-728 m

After breakfast, a short transfer takes you to the bus stop in Castelbuono where you board the bus with your luggage to Cefalù. Check in at your hotel and explore the town’s breathtaking Norman Cathedral and awe-inspiring Byzantine mosaics. Climb the ancient fortifications of the Rocca or go for a refreshing swim on the long sandy beach in front of the hotel. To end this fabulous walking trip celebrate with a delicious dinner in one of Cefalù’s many fine fish restaurants. 

Distance: 3 km

Elevation gain: +207/-207 m

The trip and services end after breakfast. From Cefalù you depart by train to reach Palermo or Catania Airports.

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.

Madonie Mountains Hiking is a journey to discover the lesser-known part of Sicily, that of the mountains, and then descend to the sea in one of its most enchanting coastal cities. It's not a particularly demanding trip for those accustomed to walking but does require some mountain experience. Furthermore, it's not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo or have stability issues while walking, as the terrain can be uneven at times, as is common on mountain trails.