Madonie Trek from the coast to the top

This multi-day trek starts near 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 (contact us for bus timetables or if you would like to book a transfer).
Everyday you will have the best of local gastronomy for picnic and dinner. You will stay in comfortable accommodation (small hotels and welcoming mountain refuges). You will be able to hike with a light backpack as your luggage will stay in the main hotel for all the duration of the trek.

Day 1 – Arrival in Castelbuono
The hotel (Hotel Alle Querce) 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 – In search of manna (Castelbuono and surroundings)
We will start walking from Castelbuono and reach the nearby country. We will get immersed into the Mediterranean scrub vegetation and the Sicilian countryside, in the middle of olive trees and… ashtrees. Indeed, we are in the only place in the world where ashtrees are still cultivated for their sap, the manna. Encounter with Mario, one of the last manna producers, to discover and taste this precious nectar full of medicinal properties. Transfer back to Castelbuono in the afternoon, walk in the old streets and tasting of local pastries, including the famous panettone Fiasconaro but not only!
Distance: 9 km
Difference in altitude: 350 m

Day 3 – Millenary oak (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 – Giant holly trees and biodiversity (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, the top of the Madonie
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: 9 km
Difference in altitude: 500 m

Day 6 – Cefalù – Rocca & old town
Today’s itinerary will be a combination of nature hike and urban walk in the old streets. It will offer you an original and active way of visiting Cefalù, far from the classical cultural tour. You will find out how nature actually influenced the destiny of this former fishermen village as we will pass by surprising places, without missing the main attractions of the town.
Free afternoon in Cefalù and overnight in Castelbuono.
Distance: 4 km
Difference in altitude: 300 m

Day 7 – Departure

Contact us if you’d like to receive the full programme: