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Crossing Sicily: 11-Day Hiking Trip

Ready for an unusual and unforgettable tour of Sicily? On this 11-day hike, I want to take you to some of my favorite spots and hidden gems. Depending on your chosen trip, we’ll follow either ancient trails from Palermo to Caltanissetta or the ones from Caltanissetta to Noto, passing through some charming villages and ancient ruins along the way. You’ll get to explore local culture, rich with Mediterranean stories and legends. This is more than just a hike—it’s a trip through time and history, with amazing sunsets and delicious flavors at every turn. So, lace up your boots, get those cameras ready, and let’s get going! Sicily’s waiting!

Sara Zanni
Sara Zanni
GAE associated with LAGAP

Adventure highlights

  • Time travel, the Sicilian way
    This hiking trip is designed to let you discover historical and pilgrimage routes of Sicily, following forgotten Medieval trails
  • Unwind from hiking
    Experience the authentic Sicilian way of living and relax in charming family-run hotels, converted farms, and agrotourism B&Bs
  • Leave the trail, take the cannoli
    Enjoy the rich cuisine of Sicily, world-famous for its delicious food and wine

Available itineraries

Crossing Sicily: Hiking Trip from Palermo to Caltanissetta

Join us on an 11-day hiking trip from Palermo to Caltanissetta, tracing Sicily’s historic paths through a landscape filled with stories. Begin in Palermo’s lively streets before venturing into the island’s rugged interior, where every day brings new encounters—whether it’s with ancient ruins, quaint villages, or breathtaking views. Feel the Mediterranean sun as we wander through rolling vineyards and fragrant fields, experiencing the authentic side of Sicily away from the crowds. Each stop offers a taste of local culture, with amazing meals and traditions that have stood the test of time. This is not just a hike, it’s an adventure that reveals the true spirit of Sicily!

  • We’ll meet in Palermo and have a guided tour of the city center. Later on, we’ll have dinner and get ready for tomorrow.

    Meals: Dinner
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    City of Palermo in Sicily
  • We will start walking from the outskirts of Palermo, and then climb the Scala dei Muli to enjoy beautiful views of Palermo’s gulf from above. Later on, we’ll walk downhill across the Arbëresh area to finish our walk in Misilmeri.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 15 km / 9.3 miles
    Elevation: +750 m / +2,460 ft, -700 m / -2,297 ft
    Duration: 8 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    Palermo from above
  • On day 3, we will walk across Misilmeri, and then on quiet country roads (mixed terrains) along the Sconzano river. We will sleep at an agriturismo a few kilometers out of Marineo.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 16.5 km / 10.2 miles
    Elevation: +750 m / +2,460 ft, -350 m / -1,148 ft
    Duration: 8.5 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: Agrotourism B&B

    View near Misilmeri in Sicily
  • We will walk to Marineo and visit some beautiful waterfalls. Then we’ll walk to Cefalà Diana with its impressive Arab baths and the ruins of its castle. Our walk finishes in Godrano at the entrance of the Bosco della Ficuzza natural protected area.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 17 km / 10.6 miles
    Elevation: +900 m / +2,953 ft, -500 m / -1,640 ft
    Duration: 9 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    Walk to Cefala Diana
  • We will walk across the Bosco della Ficuzza natural protected area to reach Mezzojuso following dirty trails under the woods. Later on, we’ll transfer back to the agriturismo from the previous night.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 19 km / 11.8 miles
    Elevation: +500 m / +1,640 ft, -700 m / -2,297 ft
    Duration: 9 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: Agrotourism B&B

    Bosco della Ficuzza
  • Most of the day, we are going to be walking on shepherd tracks that follow Medieval royal roads. We will climb up to the amazing fortress of Vicari, and then we’ll keep walking across extensive pastures to the big rocks of Roccapalumba.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 22.5 km / 14 miles
    Elevation: +860 m / +2,821 ft, -890 m / -2,920 ft
    Duration: 10 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    Hiking to Roccapalumba
  • On day 7, we will mostly follow shepherds’ tracks again. We’ll walk to Alia, and then to Gulfa caves with their prehistoric heritage. Later on, we’ll reach Valledolmo, getting a glimpse of the peaks of the Madonie mountains chain. The night is reserved for a stay at a luxury resort within a vineyard property.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 26 km / 16.1 miles
    Elevation: +800 m / +2,625 ft ,-700 m / -2,297 ft
    Duration: 12 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: Luxury resort / hotel within a vineyard property

    Hiking to Gulfa caves
  • We will walk on mixed terrains and reach the towns of Vallelunga Pratameno and Villalba. From there, we will climb to the beautiful natural area of the Serre, on the slopes of Cozzo Pirtusiddu, from where we can see most of the peaks of Sicily, all the way from the Madonie down to the Sicani mountains. Later on, we’ll walk to Marianopoli and transfer back to the hotel where we have spent the previous night.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 21 km / 13 miles
    Elevation: +800 m / +2,625 ft, -800 m / -2,625 ft
    Duration: 10 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: Luxury resort / hotel within a vineyard property

    Serre protected area
  • We will drive back to Marianopoli and climb up to Monte Mimiani. After that, we’ll reach the natural protected area of Montegarufi, which is very interesting for its mining and geological heritage. Later on, we’re transferring to the center of Caltanissetta.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 23 km / 14.3 miles
    Elevation: +600 m / +1,968 ft, -700 m / -2,297 ft
    Duration: 10.5 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    Hiking across Sicily
  • After breakfast, we have a day off to enjoy the city and do whatever we want to do. Eat, drink, walk, sightsee, mingle with the locals, drink too many cups of coffee—the choice is ours alone.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    View of Caltanissetta at sunset
  • Our trip comes to an end! On our last day, we transfer to the airport in Catania. If you’d wish to extend your stay, please contact us so we can make further arrangements.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Caltanissetta day view in Sicily
  • Please note that there can be last minute changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as extreme weather, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, pandemics, and events of similar nature.

Crossing Sicily: Hiking Trip from Caltanissetta to Noto

Join us on an 11-day hike from Caltanissetta to Noto and ditch the tourist trails for something truly epic. Start in Caltanissetta’s unhurried streets, then head into Sicily’s rugged interior, a landscape where time slows down and local legends live on. Finally, reach Noto, a baroque town so beautiful even the buildings seem to be showing off. In the meantime, we’ll be eating amazing Sicilian dishes, drinking wine, and unwinding at family-run hotels, converted farms, and charming B&Bs. This isn’t your typical hiking trip, it’s a full-on immersion into Sicily’s heart and soul!

  • Upon arrival at the Catania airport, we’ll transfer to Caltanissetta with a private vehicle.

    Meals: Dinner
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    Arrival in Caltanissetta, Sicily
  • We will walk out of Caltanissetta city center down to the Salso river, which we will either cross via a 17th-century bridge or ford it, depending on the weather. We will then climb up to Pietraperzia, which used to be one of the most powerful and culturally dynamic cities of Sicily’s inland, with amazing views of Enna and the surrounding mountains.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 14 km / 8.7 miles
    Elevation: +400 m / +1,312 ft, -500 m / -1,640 ft
    Duration: 6 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    Walking to Pietraperzia
  • On day 3, we’ll transfer to Piazza Armerina and have a guided tour of the city center and the Roman Villa del Casale with its astounding mosaics.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 5 km / 3.1 miles
    Elevation: +100 m / +328 ft, -100 m / -328 ft
    Duration: 3 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    Piazza Armerina mosaic
  • On day 4, we’ll walk on mixed terrains out of Piazza Armerina, across its rich and beautiful countryside with amazing views of Mount Etna (if we are lucky). Then, we’ll cross the valley of the river del Tempio, with its memories of Templar knights. After that, we’ll finish our walk by climbing up to San Michele di Ganzaria.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 15.5 km / 9.6 miles
    Elevation: +350 m / +1,148 ft, -500 m / -1,640 ft
    Duration: 7 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    Path to San Michele di Ganzaria
  • We will walk across a beautiful and open countryside where the ruins of many abandoned masserie and rural houses show the memories of a time when the inland was very different. Then, we will climb to Caltagirone, the city of pottery, and we will walk across the city center. Later on, we’ll drive to the city of Occhiolà, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693, and we will spend the night at Grammichele, the perfectly octagonal city built after the earthquake. We start crossing the Val di Noto region.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 11 km / 6.8 miles
    Elevation: +300 m / +984 ft, -300 m / -984 ft
    Duration: 5 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    Hiking to Caltagirone
  • On day 6, we’ll walk on mixed terrains, leaving Grammichele and crossing beautiful and open fields, rich in volcanic sand, with beautiful views of the majestic Etna mountain. We will learn more about the system of the “regie trazzere”, the medieval road network connecting Sicily’s cities. Later on, we will climb up to Licodia Eubea, entering the Ibleian Mountains area.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 14 km / 8.7 miles
    Elevation: +400 m / +1,312 ft, -300 m / -984 ft
    Duration: 6 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    Hiking through trazzere regie in Sicily
  • Today we’ll walk along a scenic ridge track. We will then cross some fields and reach a ford to cross the Vizzini river. After that, we’ll reach Monterosso Almo, a picturesque 18th century village nested on the top of a flat hill, after crossing the wooded protected area of the Canalazzo Wood.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 18 km / 11.1 miles
    Elevation: +800 m / +2,625 ft ,-800 m / -2,625 ft
    Duration: 8 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    Monti Iblei hiker on a path
  • We will walk from Monterosso Almo to Giarratana on mixed terrains across the countryside. Then, after we walk across cultivated fields and follow the tracks of an abandoned railway, we’ll climb up to the Greek site of Palazzolo Acreide, with the smallest theater in the world and the UNESCO baroque heritage of the city center.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 19.5 km / 12.1 miles
    Elevation: +700 m / +2,297 ft, -650 m / -2,132 ft
    Duration: 10 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: Luxury resort / hotel within a vineyard property

    Theater in Palazzolo Acreide
  • We will walk from the baroque city of Palazzolo Acreide across a beautiful countryside, where the main features are the “muretti a secco” (dry stone walls). The landscape changes dramatically once again, and it leads us smoothly downhill to the ford of the river Manghisi, before starting a smooth climb up to the site of Noto Antica, the splendid Medieval city destroyed by the earthquake in 1693. We will then drive to Noto city center, with its baroque UNESCO heritage monuments.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Hiking: 23.3 km / 14.4 miles
    Elevation: +300 m / +984 ft, -500 m / -1,640 ft
    Duration: 10.5 hours spent outdoors
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    Hiking near dry stone walls
  • After breakfast, we have a day off to enjoy the city and do whatever we want to do. Eat, drink, walk, sightsee, mingle with the locals, drink too many cups of coffee—the choice is ours alone.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Accommodation: 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels

    Baroque town of Noto in Sicily
  • Our trip comes to an end! On our last day, we transfer to the airport in Catania. If you’d wish to extend your stay, please contact us so we can make further arrangements.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Airport in Catania, Sicily
  • Please note that there can be last minute changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as extreme weather, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, pandemics, and events of similar nature.

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Meet your guide

Sara Zanni
5.00
Sara Zanni
GAE associated with LAGAP
Sara Zanni is an archaeologist with a deep passion for historical and pilgrimage routes. She has completed her studies in Italy and then worked as a researcher in several universities across Europe. Sara is a certified hiking tour leader (GAE associated with LAGAP): she leads hiking tours in Italy and in Europe and she collaborates with top level international tour operators specialized in active tourism in order to design and provide you the best hiking trips on historical and pilgrimage routes. From relaxed up to active and adventurous tours, we can design the best experience on the trails that have changed the history of Europe.

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Things to know

  • What you get on this adventure:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area and a support person, from Day 1 to Day 9
      • 11-day Sicily hiking tour (8 days of hiking), either from Palermo to Caltanissetta or from Caltanissetta to Noto
      • Almost all meals, as listed in the itinerary
      • Accommodation for 10 nights in 3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs or charming family-run hotels, depending on what’s available
      • Luggage transfer
      • People transfer when required by the tour schedule and/or because of clients’ needs during the walks
      • Round-trip airport transfers for the Caltanissetta to Noto tour (Day 1 and Day 11)
      • Transfer to the airport on Day 11 for the Palermo to Caltanissetta tour
      • Basic health insurance (does not include repatriation)

    What’s not included:

      • Flights to Italy
      • Transfer from the airport to Palermo on Day 1 of the Palermo to Caltanissetta tour
      • Meals not included in the itinerary
      • Entry tickets/parking
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Extra drinks
      • City taxes (where applicable; payable on site upon check-out)
      • Additional nights (extended stay)
      • Adequate insurance that covers repatriation costs — mandatory
  • This Sicily hiking trip can be completed by any generally fit hikers with previous experience with multi-day hikes, who are prepared to walk between 8-10 hours per day. The most important thing to take into account is the significant number of days that you will spend trekking. It will greatly help your enjoyment of the trek to arrive fit at the start, used to walks of similar distance and height gain to those that you are about to face.

    We will mostly walk on easy terrains, graveled roads, and sometimes asphalt, but the distances and elevation gain and loss can be challenging. You can find day-by-day distances and elevation changes in the itinerary. Remember that you will be carrying only a small backpack while your luggage will be transferred. If anything happens and you need to rest and skip some sections of the walk, your guides will be there to help.

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
      • Hiking poles — optional
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Comfortable hiking clothes
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Sunhat
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Headlamp or flashlight
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)
      • Sturdy walking shoes or boots

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  • We will provide accommodation at the most characteristic and comfortable hotels in the area, within a 30-minute drive from the end of the walk. The accommodation level will be inevitably varied (3-star hotels, converted farms, agrotourism B&Bs, and charming family-run hotels), depending on what is available in the area.

    Double or single rooms with en-suite baths will be available every night. Details will be available during the booking process on the final program.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this hiking trip in Sicily, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1.
      • It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.

    Hiking in Sicily can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The starting point of your Sicily hiking trip from Palermo to Caltanissetta is Palermo. To get there, most people fly into Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO / LICJ). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Palermo.

    The starting point of your Sicily hiking trip from Caltanissetta to Noto is Caltanissetta. To get there, most people fly into Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (IATA: CTA, ICAO: LICC). Once at the Catania Airport, a private transfer vehicle will take you to Caltanissetta.

    Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at a predetermined time in a predetermined location. Your guide will send you detailed instructions before the trip starts.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits

    You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

    Basic

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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