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Palermo

PEAKS OF SICILY: TREKKING THE MADONIE TRAVERSE

Hiking

Category

5 Days

Duration

Intermediate

Experience

Medium

Fitness

From 1 to 8

Participants

What you'll do

If you're drawn to authentic landscapes and love hiking off the beaten path, the Madonie Mountains are your ideal destination. This three-day trek takes you deep into a wild and silent part of Sicily, where you're more likely to encounter deer and fallow deer than fellow travelers. As you walk through remote trails, the mist may envelop the peaks—but when it clears, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views stretching across a rugged and surprisingly lush terrain. The air is crisp, the silence profound, and the connection to nature immediate. This is not the Sicily of beaches and baroque towns. It's a wild, untouched world where every step brings a new discovery. With each ascent and descent, the landscape shifts, revealing dense forests, rocky ridgelines, and valleys echoing with wildlife. A journey into the Madonie is a journey into the heart of a Sicily most never see, a land of raw beauty, solitude, and serenity.

Itinerary

Your adventure begins with arrival at Palermo Airport (we recommend being there by 3 PM), where a private minibus will be waiting to transfer you to the charming mountain village of Petralia Sottana (approx. 2 hours). Nestled in the heart of the Madonie Mountains, this picturesque town will be your base for the night. After settling into your B&B or vacation home, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and a detailed briefing with your hiking guide, who will walk you through the next few days of trekking—routes, gear, safety, and what to expect. It's the perfect moment to ask questions, get to know the group, and soak in the atmosphere of this peaceful Sicilian mountain setting.
Your first day on the trail begins by leaving Petralia Sottana and climbing through forest paths towards Madonna dell’Alto (1,819 m), a panoramic sanctuary perched high above the valleys. From there, you enter the Vallone Madonna degli Angeli, home to the rare and endangered Nebrodi fir (Abies nebrodensis), a living relic of the last Ice Age. The path winds along the "Sentiero degli Abies", crossing ridges and bowls before reaching the spectacular Calcari della Quacella, whose jagged white cliffs evoke a Sicilian version of the Dolomites. The final stretch follows the crest toward Pizzo della Mufara, then descends through beech forests to Piano Battaglia, where you’ll stay overnight at Rifugio Marini and enjoy a well-earned dinner. Distance: 21 km (13 mi) | Elevation gain: +1,440 m (4,724 ft) / -830 m (2,723 ft) | Time: 8+ hours
After breakfast at the refuge, the hike resumes along a forest road to the Battaglietta sinkhole, a fascinating example of active karst geology. From here, the trail climbs steadily through pine and beech woods to reach Pizzo Carbonara (1,979 m), the highest peak in the Madonie range. The ridge walk that follows is among the most scenic of the entire trek, with exposed crests, wide-open views, and a constant breeze. The descent leads through a quiet forest and less-visible paths to reach Piano Sempria, a peaceful green area surrounded by thick woods. Tonight’s accommodation is the Rifugio Crispi, tucked into the forest, where you’ll enjoy a cozy dinner and some well-deserved rest. Distance: 13 km (8.1 mi) | Elevation gain: +400 m (1,312 ft) / -710 m (2,329 ft) | Time: 6 hours
The final day on the trail leads gently uphill to Piano Pomo, one of the most magical spots in the Madonie. Here you’ll find a remarkable grove of giant holly trees (Ilex aquifolium), some as tall as 15 meters—an almost surreal "green cathedral" unique in Europe. From this enchanted clearing, the trail descends along lesser-used paths toward the disused Pomieri hotel, then follows a more direct and familiar route back to Petralia Sottana, completing the full loop. After retrieving your bags at the B&B, you’ll relax and toast your adventure with a typical dinner in town, full of local flavors and warm Sicilian hospitality. Distance: 17 km (10.6 mi) | Elevation gain: +540 m (1,772 ft) / -860 m (2,822 ft) | Time: 6 hours
After breakfast, take a short morning walk through the historic center of Petralia Sottana, with its narrow alleys, old stone houses, and beautiful views over the surrounding mountains. It’s a peaceful and cultural end to your trekking journey. We suggest departing after 4 PM, allowing you to fully enjoy the morning at a relaxed pace. Then, you’ll board the private minibus back to Palermo Airport, carrying unforgettable memories of a wild and authentic side of Sicily that few get to experience.

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

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What's included

Accident insurance
Medical and luggage insurance
Travel cancellation insurance
Hiking Guide
Accommodation
Transport from airport
Transport to airport
Dinner
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Flight
Visa (if applicable)
Extra accommodation
Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”
Tips
Dinner last day
First day's dinner

Accomodations

Il Castello (Day 1/4)

Perched within the historic heart of Petralia Sottana and restored from a Norman castle dating back to 1062, Il Castello blends medieval charm and modern comfort in an elegant, authentic setting. Its nine guest rooms (including three suites with fireplaces and panoramic terraces) feature rustic terracotta floors, exposed wood beams, private bathrooms, air conditioning, satellite TV, and complimentary Wi‑Fi - and they’ve maintained their original stone and wood character. You’ll sleep in twin (or king, upon request) bedrooms.

Rifugio Marini (Day 2)

Located in Piano Battaglia, Rifugio Marini is a spacious alpine hut with dorm-style rooms, hot showers, and a cozy restaurant serving traditional Sicilian meals. Easily accessible and family-friendly, it offers a lively atmosphere and is ideal for groups or hikers exploring the high peaks of the Madonie. You will sleep in rooms with bunk beds for double occupancy.

Rifugio Crispi (Day 3)

Tucked in the quiet woods near Piano Sempria, Rifugio Crispi offers a peaceful retreat with simple accommodations, hearty food, and forest all around. Less frequented than Marini, it's perfect for those seeking a quiet, nature-immersed stopover while trekking through the most serene parts of the Madonie Mountains. You will sleep in rooms with bunk beds.

Guides

Vincenzo & Ariaterra

Vincenzo & Ariaterra

Vincenzo is a passionate and experienced environmental guide with deep roots in the landscapes of Sicily. Working with Ariaterra, a nature-focused travel agency committed to responsible and sustainable tourism, Vincenzo brings a rare combination of scientific knowledge, storytelling ability, and heartfelt connection to the places he guides.

Max Cappuccio

Max Cappuccio

Massimo is the creator of this trip and an experienced Mapo Tapo's trip designer. He collaborates with us to design unique trekking trips around the world. He embarked on this trip some time ago and shared his experience with us, not only through his insights and advice but also through his stunning photography.

Meeting point

38.17975381265413.099363136462
Palermo

Frequently asked questions

Departures

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1390 €

(458 € deposit)