Hike to Pizzo Carbonara

On the top of the Madonie
FromEUR€59
On the top of the Madonie
FromEUR€59

Lowest price guarantee

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3419

Reach the highest peak of the Madonie, enjoy a 360° panoramic view, admire sea fossils hidden in the rocks, observe rare plants and butterflies

  • Duration4½ hours
  • Difficulty levelMedium
  • Distance8km
  • Difference in altitude450m
  • Group tours or Private tours
  • Departure timeGroup tours: 9.30 am - Private tours: 9 am, 9.30 am or 10 am
  • Meeting placePiano Battaglia (Province of Palermo)
  • PeriodAll year long except in winter
  • PriceFrom €59 per adult

Why you will love this hike:

  • Amazing panoramic views
  • Sea fossils hidden in the rocks
  • Many opportunities to observe the local flora and fauna
  • Perfect for those looking for a beautiful hike in the heart of the Madonie Park

Unique geology and biodiversity on the top of the Madonie

Pizzo Carbonara (1979m) is the highest peak of the Madonie Park and the second highest peak in Sicily after Mount Etna. You will reach it walking through surprising landscapes shaped by the action of water on the limestone rock, surrounded by numerous sea fossils hidden in the rocks, and rare plants and butterflies in every direction.
Our English-speaking nature guide will help you discover and understand fascinating details about these unique natural landscapes.

When you reach the top, you will be rewarded by the view. On clear days, you will be able to see along the Tyrrhenian coast as far as Palermo and an extensive portion of Sicily’s hinterland as well as Mount Etna.

Have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when to meet?

You will meet your guide in Piano Battaglia (Province of Palermo).
Group tours: departure at 9.30 am
Private Tours: departure at 9 am, 9.30 am or 10 am
If you aren’t sure where Piano Battaglia is, don’t worry, as you will be provided with a map indicating the meeting point when you book.

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: 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
  • 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.

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 the Half-day hike to the Madonie giant hollies.

Is the meeting place easy to find?

You will meet your guide at the starting point of the trail, near Piano Battaglia. The location is very easy to find and 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, and the hike area is not connected by public transport. We suggest choosing another tour, such as the Full Day Discovery Hike or the Giant Holly Trees Hike, for which it is easier to find a transport solution.

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 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 12 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 Petralia Sottana, Petralia Soprana or Isnello, 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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