Walking in Sicily - Sunflower Books

Discovering the walking trails of Sicily

Sicily, a sun-kissed island off the southern tip of Italy, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

With its diverse landscapes, from volcanic mountains to pristine beaches, Sicily offers countless opportunities for unforgettable walking experiences.

Our guidebook to walking in Sicily is your perfect companion.

Below we have listed some of our highlights of walking in Sicily.

Schiena dell’Asino and the Valle del Bove (Walk 2)

After just a short walk you can escape the crowds at Etna Sud and enjoy fantastic views from below to the active summit craters.

The ridge known as Schiena dell’Asino (‘donkey’s back’) edges the Valle del Bove to the southwest. The huge caldera receives the majority of the lava discharged from the central craters.

In early summer the lower slopes are covered in a myriad of flowers

Monti Sartorius (Walk 4)

The seven volcanic craters of the Monti Sartorius lie all in a row like buttonholes (bottoniera). Due to the altitude (the walk runs at 1600m/5250ft above sea level) the vegetation only took hold again timidly. But in sheltered areas you come upon little birch copses.

A nature trail, marked with (now fading) yellow tags on wooden posts, takes you from viewpoint (punto osservazione PO) to viewpoint through this fascinating volcanic landscape.

The Gran Cratere on Vulcano (Walk 12)

The Aeolian Islands are of volcanic origin; Vulcano even gave its name to all fire mountains. The Gran Cratere is a textbook example of a volcano, with a perfect cone-shaped steaming crater.

The last great eruption took place from 1888-90, the next is still expected. From the crater’s edge you enjoy one of the most beautiful views on the archipelago.

Monte Soro and Lago Biviere (Walk 15)

On this walk you rove through the extensive beech woods at the foot of Monte Soro, the highest peak of the Nebrodi (1847m/6058ft).

The woods are interrupted by streams and clearings where livestock graze. You’ll frequently encounter half-wild Sanfratellani, a local breed of horses introduced by the Normans during the Middle Ages.

Lago Biviere is a paradise for birdwatchers.

Giant hollies on the Piano Pomo (Walk 20)

One of Sicily’s great natural wonders awaits you on the Piano Pomo. More than 200 holly trees (Ilex aquifolium) stand together and form a magical grove.

These trees, hundreds of years old, have grown to a colossal size and are unique in Italy. From November onwards, they are covered with shiny red berries.

Portella della Ginestra and Serre della Pizzuta (Walk 29)

Rugged La Pizzuta stands out clearly in Palermo’s hinterland. It offers great views over the Conca d’Oro and the capital.

The area’s niviere (snow pits) were used to store ice, which was then transported to Palermo in summer for the refreshment of the nobility in the form of granite (sorbets).

Piana degli Albanesi was founded at the end of the 15th century by Albanians fleeing Turkish domination.

To this day the inhabitants preserve their language and Greek Orthodox rites, especially alive at Easter.

The Vendicari Nature Reserve (Walk 38)

More than eight kilometres of untouched sand and rock coast stretch out before you on this walk. Vendicari is one of the most important migration bases in the Mediterranean.

Its pantani, the lagoons, dry out in the summer and fill again with rainwater in winter. Vendicari is not only a paradise for birds, but also for birdwatchers.

More than 230 species have been identified here to date. With a little bit of luck you can see flamingos in all seasons.

The best time of year for walking in Sicily

The ideal time to explore Sicily on foot is during the shoulder seasons, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October).

During these months, the weather is pleasant, the crowds are smaller, and the island’s natural beauty is at its vibrant best.

Getting around the island

Sicily has a well-connected bus network, making it easy to reach popular walking destinations. Trains also connect major cities like Palermo, Catania, and Messina.

However, renting a car provides flexibility to explore at your own pace, especially for venturing off the beaten path.

Sicily’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and warm Mediterranean climate make it a fantastic destination for walkers. From ancient ruins to volcanic peaks, the island offers a wealth of opportunities for unforgettable outdoor adventures.

With a copy of our guidebook to walking in Sicily, you can discover the best that the island has to offer.