Sicily Walking Holiday

Our Sicilian journey begins the moment we arrive on this enchanting island, a land rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. As we touch down in Palermo, we’ll be greeted by our local representative before being transferred to our hotel on the coast in Balestrate.

Before reaching the starting point of the hike, we make a photo stop en route to the Nature Reserve above the famous Faraglioni rock towers in the sea, in front of the tonnara tuna fishery. We enter the Nature Reserve from the side of Scopello and start our hike along the beautiful coastline with spectacular sea views. We follow the main trail, which takes us to the opposite side of the Reserve. This route allows us to enjoy panoramic views of the coast and the wonderful small bays. This is probably Sicily’s most beautiful natural area, and offers a great variety of flora (the most particular aspect of the reserve is the dwarf palm grove, which can reach up to three metres in height) and fauna and a suggestive rocky landscape.  

Effective walking time: approx. 4 hours / Total elevation gain: 300m / Degree of difficulty: easy

Today, we will hike along the southern coast of Sicily, in the nature reserve of the Belice River. Our hike will take us through the archaeological Park of Selinunte and partly along the sandy beach. Here, we find the original, beautiful landscape that once characterised the entire southern coast, with sand dunes, Mediterranean scrubland, and marshy areas. The contrast between the blue sea, the green vegetation, and the fine sand is truly impressive. In the Archaeological Park, we will marvel at the remains of the ancient Greek temples. 

Effective walking time: approx. 4 hours / Total elevation gain: 150m / Degree of difficulty: easy to moderate

In the afternoon, we will visit a winery, where we will be introduced to the world of Sicilian wine. A wine tasting with typical snacks will be included. 

Today we experience Palermo. The town is set on a plain by the sea with the Mount Monte Pellegrino as a backdrop. In the morning, we take a hike to Monte Pellegrino. From here, we enjoy a beautiful view of the whole city and recover after the lively chaos of the centre in the magical atmosphere that surrounds the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia.

Effective walking time: approx. 3 hours / Total elevation gain: 420m / Degree of difficulty: easy 

In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour of Palermo. Magnificent palaces alternate with typical southern street scenes. Particularly worth seeing are the square Quattro Canti, the cathedral, the Norman Palace and the Cappella Palatina (entrance fees extra). We must also 
not miss one of the many markets in Palermo, where traders loudly advertise their goods. Here we dive into a Sicilian culinary tradition. 

Today is your day, and all about relaxation and self-discovery. After days of guided adventures and immersive experiences, today offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and explore Sicily at your own pace. Whether you seek tranquil moments, cultural enrichment, or culinary delights, this free day has something for everyone.

• Relax by the Sea: Head to one of Sicily’s beautiful beaches to soak up the Mediterranean sun. Mondello Beach, just a short distance from Palermo, offers soft sands, crystal-clear waters, and a lively promenade filled with cafes and gelaterias.
• Explore Palermo’s Hidden Gems: Revisit Palermo to uncover its lesser-known treasures. Wander through the charming alleyways, visit boutique shops, or discover hidden churches like Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (La Martorana), known for its exquisite mosaics.
• Visit Monreale: A short trip from Palermo, Monreale is home to the breathtaking Monreale Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stunning mosaics depicting biblical scenes.
• Indulge in Sicilian Cuisine: Take a cooking class and learn to prepare classic Sicilian dishes such as pasta alla Norma, caponata, or cassata. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely meal at a local trattoria and savour the island’s vibrant flavours.
• Venture into Nature: For those who wish to stay active, consider exploring another nearby nature reserve or taking a short hike in the surrounding countryside. The serene landscapes provide an excellent setting for reflection and relaxation.
• Shop for Souvenirs: Stroll through local markets or artisan workshops to find unique Sicilian crafts, from hand-painted ceramics to locally produced olive oils and wines.
• Immerse Yourself in Art and History: Visit one of Palermo’s museums, such as the Regional Archaeological Museum or the Palazzo Abatellis, which houses an impressive collection of Sicilian art and artefacts.
• Sip and Stroll: Spend the afternoon at a charming café, sipping espresso or Sicilian wine while watching the world go by. Enjoy the laid-back pace of life that Sicily is famous for.

Today, nature takes centre stage once again. We will take a bus to Monte Cofano, which rises impressively 659 meters above the sea. During our hike around the summit, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views and discover beautiful plants such as orchids, cacti, and rare marigolds. 
The second part of the day will be dedicated to a visit to Erice, a charming mountain town perched at 750 meters above sea level. The short ascent through the picturesque streets will reward us with a magnificent view of the Trapani salt flats and the Aegadian Islands. In Erice, we will taste the typical almond pastries accompanied by Marsala wine.

Effective walking time: approx. 2.5 hours / Total elevation gain: 250 m / Degree of difficulty: easy 

Today, we have a true highlight on the agenda: the island of Favignana. A true paradise, part of the Aegadian Archipelago, it offers beautiful vegetation and stunning coves with turquoise blue waters, reminiscent of the Caribbean. The hike will take us to Monte Santa Caterina, where we’ll enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the entire island. From here, you can also see its distinctive butterfly shape and catch a glimpse of the other two islands in the archipelago: Levanzo and Marettimo. 

Effective walking time: approx. 2 hours / Total elevation gain: 330 m / Degree of difficulty: easy to moderate

The time has come to say "Ciao" to beautiful Sicily, as we are getting transferred to Palermo airport for our flight back home.