Italy Sicilia
The Madonie Park: Trekking from the Sea to the Summit
Description
Let’s set off to discover Sicily’s most beautiful mountains – the Madonie!
This week-long trekking adventure begins on the Tyrrhenian coast and takes us all the way to the summit of the Madonie, nearly 2,000 metres above sea level. Along the way, we’ll journey through forests, meadows and Mediterranean scrubland, beneath ancient trees, into caves and through charming villages.
Together, we’ll share a truly unique experience in one of Sicily’s lesser-known regions, blessed with exceptional natural and cultural treasures.
Barometers
You will like
- The extraordinary botanical and geological richness of the Madonie Park
- The surprising variety of landscapes
- Discovering the local gastronomy, a blend of exotic influences and rural traditions
- The charm of the villages
- The Arab-Norman Cathedral of Cefalù, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Sicily is overflowing with beauty – that’s for certain!
The Madonie Natural Park offers an unrivalled playground and a truly unique experience at the heart of a Sicily that remains wonderfully undiscovered. Over the course of a few days, we’ll uncover the hidden treasures of this remarkable region. With curiosity and enthusiasm, let’s explore the nature and culture of a different side of Sicily.
This hike, from the Tyrrhenian coast to the peaks of the Madonie, is the perfect chance to step off the beaten path – through forests, meadows, caves and charming villages. An adventure not to be missed!
Day 1: Palermo – Sant’Ambrogio or Cefalu (Meals: –D; transport: 1h 45min)
Arrival in Sicily and transfer to Cefalù on the Tyrrhenian coast. In the evening, enjoy an apéritif-dinner with breathtaking views of the coastline…
Day 2: Sant’Ambrogio – Castelbuono (Meals: BL-; transport: none)
We set off from the village for an immersion in the heart of the Sicilian countryside and Mediterranean scrubland. By late afternoon, we arrive in Castelbuono, at the foot of the Carbonara Massif…
Day 3: Castelbuono – Piano Sempria (Meals: BLD; transport: none)
We leave from Castelbuono’s historic centre and begin the ascent of the Carbonara Massif. Along the way, we stop in natural caves, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, and take a break beneath the oldest oak tree in Italy – over a thousand years old!
Day 4: Piano Sempria – Piano Battaglia (Meals: BLD; transport: none)
A full day in the heart of the Carbonara Massif. The route reveals an incredible variety of environments and landscapes, with a stop in a forest of monumental holly trees and at Pizzo Canna, home to nesting golden eagles…
Day 5: Pizzo Carbonara (Meals: BLD; transport: none)
Circular hike to Pizzo Carbonara (1,979 m), the highest peak of the Madonie and the second tallest mountain in Sicily after Mount Etna. The route is full of surprises, with marine fossils, rare plants and butterflies along the way…
Day 6: Cefalu – Rocca (Meals: B–; transport: none)
A day dedicated to Cefalù, renowned for its Arab-Norman Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll stroll up the Rocca, the massive rock overlooking the town, and explore the charming streets of the historic centre. The afternoon is free for you to relax or discover at your own pace…
Day 7: Palermo (Meals: B–; transport: 1h 30min)
Departure for Palermo. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be an opportunity to explore and stroll through the city.
Price per person (varies depending on the final number of travellers, including adults and children))
- 4 to 8 travellers: €895
- 3 travellers: €995
- 2 travellers: €995
- Solo traveller: on request
Supplements
- Single room: from + €200
- It is possible to arrange the trip with a vehicle rental.
Options
- For groups of 9+ travellers: on request
- Trip extension: on request
- You have the opportunity to enjoy additional hikes on request
Flights
- Price depending on the date of booking, the airline, and the travel dates.
Alternatives to flying
- Travel options include train, bus, and ferry all the way to Sicily