Pizzo Carbonara: Hiking the Second Highest Mountain in Sicily

At 1,979 metres above sea level, Pizzo Carbonara is the second highest mountain in Sicily. Located in the Madonie Mountains, the Pizzo Carbonara hike is one of the best mountain walks in Sicily. During this walk, you’ll enjoy an incredible lunar landscape as well as extraordinary views, if the weather is on your side. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about hiking to the second highest peak in Sicily.

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The Pizzo Carbonara Hike

Not only is Pizzo Carbonara the highest mountain in the Madonie Mountain range, but it’s also the highest non-volcanic summit in Sicily. Of course, no visit to Sicily is complete without visiting the famous Mount Etna – Sicily’s highest peak and Europe’s highest active volcano.

But, climbing Mount Etna comes with its high guided tour costs and regulations regarding access restrictions. Thankfully, there are no such limitations for hiking Pizzo Carbonara. Other than the costs of getting to the trailhead (car hire), the hike is free to do and doesn’t require a guide.

Best of all, the Pizzo Carbonara hike is characterised by a superb karst limestone landscape. Other than enjoying the limestone-littered land, you’ll also be left mesmerised by the outstanding views of the Madonie Mountain range. Albeit, you’ll need some luck on your side to enjoy the views. That’s because the Pizzo Carbonara massif is often subject to thick mist.

Indeed, when Beck and I reached the summit, the views were expansive and breathtaking. But, the views soon disappeared as the mist rolled in. During our time at and near the peak, mist continued to roll in and out. Well, at least you know what to expect when reaching the summit!

Dan enjoys summit views from Pizzo Carbonara

Pizzo Carbonara Hike Details

Type: Loop
Distance: 8km
Time: 3–3.5 hours
Accumulated elevation gain: 400m
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead/Parking: Google Maps
Map: AllTrails

The hike is straightforward to navigate and no technical hiking or climbing is required. Although, it’s worth mentioning that the elevation gain is somewhat physically demanding and the rocky terrain is sometimes unsteady underfoot. Overall, this hike would be suitable for beginner or novice walkers. Just make sure to download or print out a map before you set off.

Pizzo Carbonara Hike Description

Below, we’ll talk through our experience doing the Pizzo Carbonara hike. Beck and I spent a day exploring the Madonie Mountains. For sure, the highlight was doing this mountain walk, which begins at Piano Battaglia.

Dan reads a sign, detailing the Pizzo Carbonara hike

Starting at Piano Battaglia

The walk starts from Piano Battaglia, which is located in the heart of the Madonie Mountains. Nestled between Pizzo Carbonara and Mount Mufara, Piano Battaglia is a popular winter skiing destination in Sicily. Outside of winter, the area serves as a natural haven, offering splendid hikes and gorgeous scenery to explore.

You can actually start the hike from two different parking areas. Personally, we started at the main car park located here. Otherwise, there is roadside parking located here. The circuit walk passes both locations, so feel free to start the walk from either location.

Walking in a clockwise direction, from the main car park, the trail immediately ascends. Essentially, the hard work to reach the summit begins straight away. You’ll begin zig-zagging your way through a dense limestone landscape, enjoying majestic views of the surrounding mountains early on.

Dan enjoys views of the Madonie Mountains along the Pizzo Carbonara hike

Soon enough, you’ll reach a section of stunning beech woodland, void of any mountain views. The closed-in forest provides a vastly different feel to the hike. Yet, soon enough, you’ll emerge from the wooded area, approaching the summit.

Dans walks in a misty limestone landscape

Reaching the Pizzo Carbonara Summit

Nearing the summit, Beck and I passed by several pockets of snow-tipped branches, melting and dripping under the watchful eye of the sun. As gusts of wind grew stronger, the branches rapidly moved, slinging snow in multiple directions. It was as if Pizzo Carbonara was putting on a show as we approached the summit. And, soon enough, we reached the cairn surrounding the sign, signalling the peak of the summit, at just under 2,000 metres above sea level.

Dan stands by a sign labelled, 'Pizzo Carbonara 1. 979 m'

As mentioned, from the summit of Sicily’s highest non-volcanic mountain, Beck and I experienced clear views one minute and a complete white-out the next minute. So, have your camera at the ready for when the glorious views abruptly and unexpectedly appear!

During our time at the summit, we took a rest and ate some lunch. Of course, it seemed appropriate to whip out some arancini to enjoy at the summit. When in Sicily!

Dan eats arancini at the rocky summit of the Pizzo Carbonara hike

After enjoying our slightly soggy arancini, we began the descent from the mountain. This involves continuing along the circuit trail, which includes passing more karst limestone-covered hills as well as wooded areas. You’ll then walk through increasingly dense pockets of woodlands. Thereafter, you’ll begin a more steep decline, heading back towards Piano Battaglia.

Before returning to your car to finish the hike, we recommend a quick detour to the Battaglietta Sinkhole.

The Battaglietta Sinkhole

The Battaglietta Sinkhole is one of the most notable natural attractions in the Madonie Mountains. Although not officially part of the Pizzo Carbonara hiking route, we recommend visiting it as it only involves taking a short detour. The Battaglietta Sinkhole is an example of a karstic sinkhole, which forms a small cave, where the surface water flow disappears. You’ll find the sinkhole located here.

After checking out the sinkhole, you’ll then simply rejoin the official walking trail, which eventually leads to the main road circling Piano Battaglia. Once you have completed some road walking, you’ll soon arrive at the main car park, which signals the end of your walk!

Beck looks down a small cave created by a sinkhole

How to Get There

The only way to get to Piano Battaglia in the Madonie Mountains is to drive there yourself. There is no public transport to access the Madonie Mountains. Even during the high season in summer, there is no public transport accessing this mountain range. So, if you’re visiting Sicily, you’ll need to hire a car to do this hike.

A car is stopped on a road surrounded by mountains — Our car hire in the Madonie Mountains

Rest assured, car hire in Sicily is always reasonably priced. Beck and I have hired a car from Catania International Airport on more than one occasion and have found it fairly inexpensive each time.

Car Hire

If you don’t have your own car, you should hire one using Discover Cars. Personally, we use Discover Cars and highly recommend them for finding your ideal car hire at an affordable price. Booking online is super easy and the free cancellation policy is great.

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To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

What Else to Do in the Madonie Mountains

The Madonie Mountains (AKA the Madonie Natural Park) is one of the most serene and peaceful areas in Sicily. Read our Madonie Mountains guide for more information about the best things to do in the area.

Beck stands by a lake with a mirror reflection of the surrounding trees — Laghetto Mandria Del Conte

Accommodation Nearby

Accommodation options in the Madonie Mountains are fairly limited and expensive. For those interested in doing a day trip to the area, you may want to consider staying nearby in Cefalu and visiting from there.

Personally, we stayed just outside Cefalu, in a non-touristy area called Lascari, which was a lovely yet quiet town to explore. We really enjoyed our short stay at Il Vittoria, which was an excellent value apartment in Lascari.