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This hike will allow you to discover all the beauty of the Madonie natural Park going through places which are usually more frequented by deer than hikers.
In company of our English-speaking nature guide, you will walk through a huge range of habitats, including woods of evergreens, mountain pastures rich in rare plants, karst dolines, woods of beech trees (the southernmost in Europe), mixed woodlands with centuries-old trees. We will also stop at the magical wood of giant holly trees in Piano Pomo.
This itinerary will offer many beautiful panoramic viewpoints and on clear days we will be able to see as far as Mount Etna.
We will take a break in ancient shepherds’ settlements rich in local history.
We will often see raptors or corvids in flight (e.g.: griffon vultures, big ravens or red-billed choughs) and, in summer, a myriad of butterflies.
You will meet your guide in Castelbuono (30 min. from Cefalù – 1½ hours from Palermo).
Group tours: departure at 9 am
Private Tours: departure at 9 am, 9.30 am or 10 am
You will be provided with a map indicating the meeting point when you book. Each guest will then follow our guide in their own vehicle until the starting point of the trail (15 min). If you don’t have a car, please contact us before booking.
Minimum 2 adults
Adults: 69€
Children (12-16 years old): 40€
For families with younger children, we suggest the Half-day hike to the Madonie giant hollies
Want a guide just for you? Book a private tour and benefit from the following extra options and services included in the price:
1 to 6 people: 210€ fixed price
7 to 12 people: 240€ fixed price
More than 12 people: please contact us
Want to make this excursion even more special? Ask for a tailor-made tour
You’re a Tour Operator? Contact us
We can lend you extra equipment (hiking poles, backpacks, jackets, etc.) to make your hike as comfortable as possible. Please specify your needs on the booking form.
This hike requires proper hiking shoes as we will mostly walk on irregular rocky trails. If you don’t have suitable shoes (e.g.: you have simple sport shoes), don’t worry: we can lend you hiking shoes for free. Just make sure to indicate your size on the booking form.
This hike is not very difficult; however, it is designed for hiking enthusiasts who regularly engage in physical activity and do not have any significant health issues. If you’re unsure whether this hike is right for you, please contact us. You can also book a shorter excursion like our Half-day hike to the Madonie Giant hollies.
Yes, you will meet your guide at a bar in Castelbuono (Province of Palermo). The location is on the SS286 national road, so you won’t need to enter the historic town center. You will receive a Google map with directions in the booking confirmation email.
Yes! Our nature guides, Laetitia and Mario, speak English fluently and are experienced in guiding English-speaking guests. Meet our guides
Transport is not included in our services, but you may be able to ride in the guide’s car to reach the trailhead (please check with us before booking). A small additional fee may apply.
We constantly monitor the weather to ensure that guests can enjoy the hike under the right conditions. Of course, this doesn’t mean the excursion will only run with perfect sunshine, but in case of consistent rain, strong winds or mist, Madonie Explorers will cancel the excursion. Participants can rebook for another date or request a refund.
This is a full-day hike, so you’ll need to bring a packed lunch. We recommend visiting one of Castelbuono’s food stores or bakeries before departure – your guide can suggest the best options.
This hike is great even in July and August, as you will walk in the coolest areas of the region, at higher altitudes and through shady woods. The average temperature will be around 10 degrees Celsius lower than on the coast.
Solo travelers are welcome! Our minimum booking is two adults (€138 total), but you can book as a solo traveler at the 2-person rate, or we may be able to pair you with other travelers – please contact us to check availability. Private tours are available from one participant.
You can book online through this website until 6 p.m. the day before the hike. We encourage you to book or contact us as soon as possible to ensure we are available during your visit.
We fully refund bookings cancelled at least 48 hours before the excursion. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance are non-refundable. This policy is necessary for planning purposes and also ensures fair working conditions for our guides, who are independent professionals.
We suggest staying in Castelbuono, Cefalù, or the nearby area the night before, so you don’t have to drive far to reach the meeting place. Feel free to contact us for any additional information regarding accommodation.