Hiking in Sicily

The sun-drenched island of Sicily offers fascinating layers of history and some of the most renowned cuisine in all Italy. Our intriguing journey explores the extraordinary heritage and vibrant cultures of this storied isle. Exhilarating hikes bring us through Sicily’s wild inland mountains—a pastoral world of tiny villages and farms where the old ways truly thrive, up the volcanic slopes of Mt. Etna, and along coastal trails above the turquoise sea. Our explorations include the cultural and culinary heart of Sicily, with wine tasting on a prince’s estate, dinner with a baron, the ethereal Greek temples and theaters of Segesta and Taormina, medieval Erice, and the unforgettable Roman imperial villa of Piazza Armerina, with its elaborate mosaics still intact after nearly 2,000 years.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-2
Palermo / Segesta / Erice / Zingaro Nature Reserve

After meeting in Palermo, we visit the remarkable 5th century BC Greek temple ruins at Segesta en route to Erice, a walled medieval citadel overlooking the sea. The next day in Zingaro Nature Reserve, rich with rare native plants, we hike cove-to-cove on coastal trails above some of Sicily’s most isolated and enchanting beaches.

Days 3-4
Monreale / Cefalu

Our walk through the vineyards of Trapani, the main wine district of Sicily, is rewarded by wine tasting and lunch on a prince’s estate. We visit Monreale’s 12th century cathedral, with its dazzling collection of golden Greek and Byzantine mosaics, then head to the seaside resort town of Cefalu, whose atmospheric Old Town is a maze of narrow cobbled streets. Hiking in the Madonie Mountains among farms and charming villages, we discover Sicily’s deeply rustic culture, where age-old traditions still thrive.

Days 5-7
Piazza Armerina / Pantalica Gorge / Siracusa

After exploring the lavish mosaics of the Roman imperial villa at Piazza Armerina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we hike in the Pantalica Gorge, where thousands of rock-hewn Neolithic tombs adorn the canyon walls. In Siracusa, whose 2,700-year-old heart, Ortygia, is set on an island, we explore a vast archaeological park full of fabulous Greek, Roman, and Christian ruins and enjoy wine tasting and dinner in the home of a local wine baron.

Days 8-10
Mt. Etna / Taormina / Catania

Our hike on the slopes of Mt. Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, brings us across breathtaking lava landscapes. As we descend from the summit at about 10,000 feet (which we reach by cable car), we pass by the rim of the spectacular caldera of Valle del Bove, and many multi-colored side craters. (Easier hiking options are available.) Departing Etna, we head to the entrancing town of Taormina, perched in one of Sicily’s most picturesque settings, high above two sweeping bays. We explore its palazzi-lined streets and 3rd century BC Greek theater before departing on Day 10 from Catania.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, featuring day walks and hotel accommodations throughout. We rate it Level 3 not because the hiking is so strenuous but because the weather can occasionally be hot, even in the lovely spring and early fall periods when we make our journeys, and this can make hiking feel more strenuous. For lunch we have our van meet us to bring us to a local trattoria or to a nice spot for a picnic of local breads, cheeses, fruits, and wines. Luggage is transported for us by van, so it is always possible to ride in the van if you wish to opt out of a day's hiking. People who appreciate wildflowers will particularly love our spring departures, when the countryside is a riot of color. While the mountains of this beautiful island are not high, the trails can be steep and a bit rugged in places. We recommended good hiking boots and hiking poles for all the walks. This trip is aimed at those who have at least some hiking experience. For your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises. Sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots are essential. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 PM.

Explanation of Trip Levels