Full day Discovery hike in the Madonie Park

Off the beaten track
FromEUR€59
Off the beaten track
FromEUR€59

Lowest price guarantee

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All the variety of the Madonie Park's landscapes and biodiversity in 1 hike

  • Duration5 hours
  • Difficulty levelMedium
  • Distance11km
  • Difference in altitude450m
  • Group tours or Private tours
  • Departure timeGroup tours: 9 am - Private tours: 9 am, 9.30 am or 10 am
  • Meeting placeCastelbuono (Province of Palermo)
  • PeriodAll year long except winter (snow)
  • PriceFrom €59 per adult

Why you will love this hike:

  • Ideal to discover the incredible richness of the Madonie Park in 1 day
  • Amazing panoramic views
  • Perfect for those looking for a beautiful hike near CastelbuonoIf you prefer an easier hike, you could consider our Half-day hike to the Madonie Giant Hollies

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)… We will also stop at the magical wood of giant holly trees in Piano Pomo.
During the hike, we will have a lunch break at the foot of a majestic centuries-old oak tree (you can bring your own food or use our picnic service).
We will enjoy many beautiful panoramic viewpoints and on clear days we will be able to see as far as Mount Etna. We will often see raptors or corvids in flight and, in summer, a myriad of butterflies.

Have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when to meet?

You will meet your guide in Castelbuono (Province of 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.

Prices

Group tours (maximum 12 participants):

Minimum 2 adults
Adults: 59€
Children (12-16 years old): 25€
For families with younger children, we suggest the Half-day hike to the Madonie giant hollies

Private tours:

Want a guide just for you? Book a private tour and benefit from the following extra options and services included in the price:

  • You can choose the departure time from the meeting place in Castelbuono: 9 am, 9.30 am or 10 am.
  • Enjoy a tasty break in the mountains: coffee or tea served with the best local biscuits (no lactose/no gluten options).

Up to 6 people: 210€ fixed price
From 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

What to Bring

Let us know when booking if you miss equipment: we can lend you hiking shoes, poles, jackets, etc.

  • Hiking shoes (compulsory)Due to the type of trails, it’s better if they have a high upper.
  • Water bottle
  • PicnicYou can bring your own food or book a picnic lunch in the booking form
  • Windproof jacket
  • Clothes suitable to the weather conditions

Madonie Explorers' Guarantee

  • Qualified English-speaking nature guideMember of AIGAE (Associazione Italiana Guide Ambientali Escursionistiche) - Language options include Italian, English and French
  • Free hiking equipment rentalIn the limit of the available stock
  • 10% Discount on the second excursionYou will find the discount code in the first booking confirmation email
  • Free cancellationUp to 48 hours before the tour
  • Rescheduling or cancellation with refund in case of bad weatherIf Madonie Explorers cancels the excursion because of bad weather conditions, you can choose to reschedule the excursion or to be refunded
  • Reduced entry price to Castelbuono museumsValid for the Castle and the Museo Naturalistico F. Minà Palumbo

Optional Extras

  • Picnic in the mountainsIf you want to include a picnic lunch, please specify it when booking and we will contact you before the excursion. No gluten/lactose options available.
  • Transport from the meeting point to the departure of the trailParticipants must have a car. If you don't have one, please contact us and we will find the best solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why take a guided tour when I could use a navigation app?

If you walk with your nose buried in your smartphone, staring at a map, you might manage to avoid getting lost, but let’s face it: it will likely be more boring than enjoyable, and you’ll miss out on the best parts of the experience.
Instead, relax and transform your excursion in the Madonie into a highlight of your holiday in Sicily. Admire nature’s hidden gems, listen to fascinating stories and take photos at the best spots… all with the help of our nature guides.
Keep in mind that most of the itineraries available online are created by private, non-professional users and are highly subjective. They don’t necessarily follow a proper trail and they reflect personal experiences, which can vary greatly for other hikers in terms of weather conditions, GPS accuracy, equipment, physical preparation, etc. Madonie Explorers’ guides are experts who know every stone along the trail, ensuring you enjoy the hike in the best possible conditions.

Are my shoes OK?

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.

Is the hike difficult?

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.

Is the meeting place easy to find?

You will meet your guide at a bar in Castelbuono (Province of Palermo). The location is easy to find: it’s 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.

Does the guide speak English?

Yes! Our nature guides, Laetitia and Mario, speak English fluently and are experienced in guiding English-speaking guests.

What if I don't have a car?

Transport is generally 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.

What if the weather is bad?

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.

Isn't it too hot to do the hike in summer?

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.

I'm traveling solo. Can I book for one?

For this hike, we require a minimum of two adults per booking for group tours. Private tours are available from one participant.

What if I want to book last minute?

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.

What if I change my mind/can't do the tour at the last minute?

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.

Where to stay before the hike?

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.

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