This multi-day trek starts on the Tyrrhenian coast and takes you to the top of the Madonie Mountains, at almost 2000 m above sea level. You will hike through woods, meadows and the Mediterranean scrub vegetation, stop at the foot of a thousand-year-old tree, explore caves and villages. You will live a unique experience in a still little-known region of Sicily of exceptional natural and cultural richness.
We will be mostly based in Castelbuono. This small town is located between the coast and the mountains, a perfect place for this semi-itinerant trek. It is easily accessible by bus from Palermo.
Everyday we will have a picnic with the best local products. In the evenings, we will have dinner and stay overnight in small hotels and comfortable mountain refuges.
Day 1 – Arrival in Castelbuono
The hotel is located 10 min by foot from the historical town center.
Meet your guide and the rest of the group for a briefing in the afternoon.
Day 2 – Sant’Ambrogio – Castelbuono
Transfer (30 min) to Sant’Ambrogio, a small village in Cefalù’s district overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast. We will get immediately immersed into the Mediterranean scrub vegetation and the Sicilian countryside, in the middle of olive trees, citrus, vineyards and… ashtrees. Indeed, we are in the only place in the world where ashtrees are still cultivated for their sap, the manna. We will stop along the trail to discover and taste this precious nectar full of medicinal properties. Arrival in Castelbuono in the afternoon.
Distance: 14 km
Difference in altitude: 600 m
Day 3 – Castelbuono – Piano Sempria
We will go up through the woods along a trail rich in natural caves, panoramic views and centuries-old trees. Stop at the foot of one of the oldest oaks in Italy (1000 years!). Arrival at the refuge in the afternoon.
Distance: 14 km
Difference in altitude: 900 m
Day 4 – Piano Sempria – Piano Battaglia
We will hike in the heart of the Carbonara Massif. The route offers an incredible variety of environments and landscapes. Stop in a one of a kind wood of monumental hollies and picnic near Pizzo Canna, where golden eagles nest. Arrival at the refuge in Piano Battaglia in the afternoon.
Distance: 12 km
Difference in altitude: 500 m
Day 5 – Pizzo Carbonara
Circular hike to Pizzo Carbonara. With its 1979 m above sea level, it is the highest peak of the Madonie and the second one in Sicily after Mount Etna. The route will be full of surprises, including sea fossils dating back to millions of years, butterflies and rare plants. Transfer to Castelbuono in the afternoon with a stop in the small village of Isnello, at the foot of Monte Grotta Grande.
Distance: 8.5 km
Difference in altitude: 400 m
Day 6 – Cefalù – Rocca
We will spend the day in Cefalù, famous for its Arab-Norman cathedral, a UNESCO heritage site. In the morning, we will climb to the Rocca and then we will explore the streets of the old town. Free afternoon in Cefalù and overnight in Castelbuono.
Distance: 4 km
Height difference: 270 m
Day 7 – Departure
Contact us if you’d like to receive the full programme:
Minimum 6 participants, maximum 12 participants
Guide: 150€ per person
Includes: English-speaking nature guide member of AIGAE (Associazione Italiana Guide Ambientali Escursionistiche), insurance for trekking activities
Other expenses (to be paid directly on the spot: accommodation, meals, transfers during the stay, entry fee to the Rocca): 510€ per person
Extra fee for single use of double room: 20€ per day
For more info and bookings, please contact us:
