Half-day hike to the Madonie Giant Hollies

Best-seller
FromEUR€44
Best-seller
FromEUR€44

Lowest price guarantee

Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

3388

Discover the mystery of Piano Pomo's giant holly trees and immerse yourself into the incredible biodiversity of the Madonie Natural Park

  • Duration3½ hours
  • Difficulty levelMedium-easy
  • DistanceAbout 5km
  • Difference in altitude250m
  • 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)
  • WhenAll year long! As part of the itinerary is shaded, the hike can take place even in the hot Sicilian summer.
  • PriceFrom €44 per adult

Why you will love this hike:

  • The mystery of the Madonie giant hollies unveiled
  • Ideal for those looking for a beautiful half-day hike near Castelbuono
  • Amazing panoramic views
  • Many opportunities to observe the local flora and fauna
  • Perfect for families with children 8 years and older With younger children, opt for a private excursion with short itinerary

Hike in magical woods

Why are the Madonie giant holly trees so special? It’s one of the many fascinating things you will discover together with our English-speaking nature guide during this excursion.

The hike will lead you to an area of the Madonie Park particularly rich in centuries-old monumental trees (oaks, holm oaks, beeches, maples and, indeed, hollies) and you will walk through very diverse landscapes. In just a few hours, you will experience a true immersion into the natural richness of the Madonie.

The main stop will be a wood of giant hollies. This extraordinary place is composed of more than 100 holly trees that reach nearly 20m high and are several centuries old: it is absolutely one of a kind. A few steps away, a pagliaio – refuge built on the model of the traditional shepherds’ shelters – will welcome us for a tasty break.

Breathtaking landscapes

Along the trail, we will stop to admire wonderful views over the Tyrrhenian coast and the mountains (as far as Mount Etna on clear days!). On our way, we will cross paths with some of the Madonie Mountains’ inhabitants (birds, fallow deer, butterflies, coleopters, etc.) and we will observe interesting plants, from edible and medicinal herbs to rare endemic species. We will also go back in time through captivating stories of bandits, shepherds and charcoal burners.

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 (up to 12 participants):

Adults: 44€
Children (6-16 years old): 20€
Children (0-5 years): free

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.
  • You can opt for a shorter and easier itinerary (2,6 km, difference in altitude 150 m)
  • 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: 170€ fixed price
From 7 to 12 people: 200€ 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 (or good sport shoes)
  • Water bottle
  • Windproof jacket
  • Clothes suitable to the weather conditions

Madonie Explorers' Guarantee

  • Qualified English-speaking nature guideMember of AIGAE (Associazione Italiana Guide Ambientali Escursionistiche) with experience - Language options include Italian, English and French
  • 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
  • Free hiking equipment rentalIn the limit of the available stock
  • 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

  • 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?

We will walk on both narrow, irregular rocky trails and wider tracks, so this hike requires sports shoes with good grip or, if you have them, hiking shoes.
If you don’t have suitable shoes (e.g.: if the soles of your old sneakers are flat and smooth), don’t worry: we can lend you hiking shoes for free. Just make sure to indicate your size on the booking form.

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 heavy 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.

Is the hike difficult?

This hike is not considered particularly difficult and is suitable for a wide range of people, including children from 8 years old (or younger, if they are accustomed to hiking). Of course, this applies to those who are generally fit and do not have specific health issues that might limit their mobility. If you’re unsure whether this hike is right for you, please contact us. You can also book a private tour and choose a shorter itinerary.

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

Yes, for this hike, you can book for a single person, and the excursion is guaranteed even if you’re the only 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.

Reviews