This multi-day trek in the Madonie natural Park is a unique experience in a still little-known region of Sicily of exceptional natural and cultural richness.
The itinerary will start and finish in Castelbuono, a small medieval town at the foot of the Madonie mountains. It is easily accessible by bus from Palermo (contact us for bus timetables or if you need a transfer).
Day 1 – Arrival in Castelbuono
The hotel 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 – Giant hollies and biodiversity
Our trek starts with a circular hike that will give you a great overview of the variety of the Madonie Park’s nature and landscapes. Stops include a visit to the giant hollies wood in Piano Pomo.
Distance: 11 km
Difference in altitude: 450 m
Day 3 – Castelbuono – Petralia Sottana
From Castelbuono’s surroundings we go up through woods and mountain pastures, crossing a few torrents. We reach Petralia Sottana on the south face of the Madonie in the afternoon and enjoy a wide view over all the central part of Sicily.
Distance: 14 km
Difference in altitude: 450 m
Day 4 – Madonna dell’Alto Sanctuary – Abete delle Madonie
We take the pilgrims’ trail and reach Madonna dell’Alto sanctuary at 1819 m in altitude. We then continue down towards Polizzi Generosa going through the Vallone Madonna degli Angeli. This small valley still hosts a few exemplaries of the Madonie fir tree, an rare endangered local species.
Distance: 16 km
Difference in altitude: 900 m
Day 5 – Piano Catarineci
Circular hike through Geraci Siculo’s rich pastures and stop at the fascinating Piano Catarineci plateau (1660 m).
Distance: 12 km
Difference in altitude: 550 m
Day 6 – Chiesa dell’Annunziata – Bosco Cava
On this last hiking day, we walk back to Castelbuono. We stop at the Annunziata church lost in the mountains and cross the magical Bosco Cava woods, rich in centuries-old oaks and cork trees.
Distance: 14 km
Difference in altitude: 300 m (positive elevation) – 600 m (negative elevation)
Day 7 – Departure
Minimum 6 participants, maximum 12 participants
Lowest price guarantee
Deposit (guide service): 150€ per person
Includes: English-speaking nature guide member of AIGAE (Associazione Italiana Guide Ambientali Escursionistiche)
Other expenses (to be paid directly for accommodation, meals, luggage transport, insurance for trekking activities, transport during the trek): 670€ per person
Extra fee for single use of double room: from 20€ to 35€ per day
