Sicily: The best hiking trails for your holidays!

The Italian Mediterranean island of Sicily, with its mild winters, warm transitional periods, and dry summers, is a popular year-round vacation destination for hiking holidays with your four-legged friend. Discover secluded dream beaches along the coast on your tours or march up to Mount Etna to enjoy a breathtaking view from the volcano's summit.

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Sicily - 8 special hiking trails

Sicily - 8 special hiking trails

Sicily - Holiday homes & apartments

To the summit of Etna

Visitors usually participate in a guided hike on Mount Etna. However, they can also climb the impressive volcano on their own. The hiking route is definitely a challenge, as it runs over rocky terrain that is very sharp and jagged in many places. The starting point of the hike is the Rifugio Sapienza, a shelter at an altitude of 1910 m. From here, the Etna cable car takes you to the La Montagnola mountain station. If you wish, you can also cover this distance on foot. In total, the ascent to the summit of Mount Etna takes 3.5 hours.

Monte Zoccolaro mountain hiking trail

The path to the summit runs steadily above the picturesque high valley Valle del Bove. The view of the valley with the 5 km long caldera, formed by the powerful eruptions of Mount Etna over millennia, is breathtaking. The view from the summit to the Mediterranean coast is also an extraordinary experience. The starting point of the tour to Monte Zoccolaro is the parking lot at the end of Via Monte Pomiciaro in Parco dell’Etna. For the way to the summit and back, plan for about 2 hours. It goes steeply uphill over well-marked forest paths. The best time for the hike is in the spring and autumn months.

On Mount Venus

From the hill town of Taormina on the east coast of Sicily, you start your hike to Monte Venere towards Madonna della Rocca, a small chapel carved into the rock. Via the Sentiero dei Saraceni, you reach Castelmola. The community on Monte Tauro was founded in pre-Christian times. The summit of Monte Venere is first reached by switchbacks until you reach a ridge. You then descend into a hollow before tackling the last part of the path. The steep ascent is via a rocky trail. Once at the top, you are rewarded with a magnificent view.

Alcantara Round of Castiglione di Sicilia

The Alcantara Gorge is located in eastern Sicily between the municipalities of Castiglione di Sicilia and Motta Camastra. It consists of eroded lava walls that rise up to 25 meters high. There are many different gorges in this area, through which the pretty little Alcantara River meanders. There are numerous great hiking trails through the picturesque gorges, often running alongside the river or offering impressive panoramic views from above. One of the most beautiful is the 13.6-kilometer Alcantara loop from Castiglione di Sicilia, which leads from the municipality to beautiful spots in the Alcantara gorges.

Necropolis of Pantalica

The total of 5,000 Bronze Age chamber tombs offer an impressive sight and can only be reached on foot. It is best to start your hike in the communities of Ferla or Sortino. In any case, you will be on the road for about five hours for the round trip, as the terrain is very demanding. On the total 10 km route, you can expect numerous ascents and descents, so you can expect almost 1,200 meters of elevation gain. However, you will be rewarded for the effort with the incomparable views of the necropolis. Thanks to the mild climate, the hikes are possible without problems even in winter and during the transitional seasons.

Cavagrande del Cassibile - Scala Cruci

The picturesque nature reserve around the river course of the Cassibile offers you numerous impressive photo opportunities. It is best to follow the canyon on your hike. The most popular route is 4.5 km long. Experienced hikers can manage the 300 meters of elevation in the challenging terrain in just under two hours. It is best to bring not only hiking boots but also your swimwear so you can refresh yourself in the turquoise waters of the river along the way. Here you will find clear ponds, impressive waterfalls, and much more. The historical tombs of ancient peoples near the route are considered a cultural landmark.

Zingaro Nature Reserve

The hiking trail around San Vito Lo Capo is about 6 km long and takes just under 2 hours. The route is classified as easy and is therefore suitable for families with children or for seniors. Pets must stay at home, as they are not allowed in the nature reserve. The hiking route runs above the shore over solid, rocky terrain. Stairs lead to the many small coves and charming beaches, and the descents are clearly marked. Keep in mind that it gets very hot in the summer, so it's best to start your hike early in the morning.

Hiking on Monte Cofano

One of the most popular routes leads around Monte Cofano and measures 10 km. Due to the challenging terrain and almost 450 meters of elevation, you can expect the hike to take more than three hours. The hiking trail runs along the coast, among other places, and promises breathtaking views. Both in the transitional seasons and in the mild winter, the conditions are ideal for extended hikes in Sicily. Around Monte Cofano, you will find untouched nature, and in many places, you have the opportunity for bird watching. If you hike on one of the summer days, a swim in the Mediterranean is recommended.

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