Sicily has a fantastic mix of hiking trails. Whether it’s a volcano hike, a coastal walk or a nature trail, Sicily has a variety of hikes to choose from. In this hiking guide, we’re going to reveal the 17 best hikes in Sicily, Italy.
Before diving into this guide, feel free to watch our Sicily Hiking YouTube video below. You’ll find many of the Sicily hikes described in this guide in the production.
Table of Contents
Best Hikes in Sicily: Overview
When it comes to visiting Sicily, hiking may not be on your radar. But, there are plenty of awesome hikes to do in Sicily. Sure, we’re not talking about multi-day trekking or long-distance hiking in Sicily. We’re simply talking about day hikes, and, indeed, the most popular day hikes in Sicily. Personally, Beck and I had a great experience hiking in Sicily.
Of course, we’re not fools. We understand that hiking in Sicily is likely just part of your trip. We’re sure you’ll also want to cycle around Favignana, gawk at Scala dei Turchi and visit the impressive ancient tuna fishing village at Tonnara di Scopello. On top of that, we’re sure you’re keen to hang out at some epic beaches such as Mondello Beach and Cefalù Beach.
Anyway, this Sicily hiking guide is to simply help you fill in the gaps of your Sicily itinerary. Perhaps, you’re looking for a way to work off the bowls of pasta and litres of Aperol Spritz. Indeed, this guide will talk about the 17 best Sicily hikes worth considering during a trip to this breathtaking part of Italy.
FYI – Beck and I personally completed all of the Sicily hikes mentioned in this guide. If you’re particularly interested in one of the hikes below and want more details about trail navigation, trail specs and how to get there, just click on the link provided in that section. That way, you’ll be able to read the individual article we wrote about that hike and all the in-depth information to go with it.
To help with your trip planning, let’s have a look at a Sicily hiking map below.
Hiking in Sicily Map
Before we tell you more about the 17 best hikes in Sicily, we recommend using the interactive map below. This map will show exactly where all the best Sicily hikes are located.
The 17 Best Hikes in Sicily
Without further ado, here are the best hikes in Sicily.
1. Mount Etna Hike
When it comes to hiking in Sicily, the obvious first choice for most tourists is the well-known Mount Etna Hike. And, for good reason. Mount Etna is Europe’s highest active volcano. So, in reality, hiking Mount Etna is non-negotiable.
Read more: Mount Etna Hike – Mount Etna Tours vs Hiking Without a Guide
Mount Etna Summit and Crater Tour
We highly recommend this Mount Etna Summit and Crater Guided Trek Tour that we did. Certainly, it’s one of the most popular Mount Etna hiking tours!
2. Stromboli Volcano Hike, Aeolian Islands
Whilst we’re on the topic of Sicily volcano hikes, the Stromboli Volcano is another popular volcano to explore. Located in the Aeolian Islands, Stromboli Volcano is a spectacular active volcano. Most people complete a guided night hike of Stromboli Volcano in order to see the volcanic activity in all its glory.
Read more: Can You Hike Stromboli Volcano Without A Guide?
Stromboli Volcano Night Tour
We really enjoyed doing this Stromboli Volcano Hiking Tour, which involved trekking to an incredible viewpoint for sunset and watching the volcano erupt at night.
3. Zingaro Nature Reserve: Sentiero Costiero
The Zingaro Nature Reserve (Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro) is the best nature reserve in Sicily. Also known as the Zingaro Nature Reserve Hike, the Sentiero Costiero (Coastal Walk) is the best coastal walk in Sicily. During this breathtaking hike, you’ll explore extraordinary remote beaches. The best of these stunning beaches include Cala Capreria, Cala della Disa, Cala Marinella and Cala dell’Uzzo.
Read more: Zingaro Nature Reserve – The Ultimate Hiking and Beaches Guide
4. Pizzo Carbonara Hike
Located in the spectacular Madonie Mountains, Pizzo Carbonara is the highest non-volcanic summit in Sicily. Behind Mount Etna, Pizzo Carbonara is considered the second highest peak on the island. Reaching the summit of Pizzo Carbonara involves a thrilling circuit walk, which provides sweeping views of the Madonie mountain range.
Read more: Pizzo Carbonara – Hiking the Second Highest Mountain in Sicily
5. Capo Bianco Hike
When it comes to coastal walks in Sicily, the Capo Bianco Hike is another stellar option. Capo Bianco is a lesser-known white cliff, located near the famous Scala dei Turchi. Because Scala dei Turchi has been closed to the public and doesn’t seem to be re-opening any time soon, Capo Bianco is on the verge of becoming a tourist hotspot.
Similar to Scala dei Turchi, Capo Bianco is a mesmerising white cliff, but without the crowds (for now). Other than the impressive white cliff, the coastal walk to reach the natural attraction is also superb.
Read more: CAPO BIANCO, SICILY – BETTER THAN SCALA DEI TURCHI
6. Gole dell’Alcantara (Alcantara Gorges)
You’ll find the mesmerising Gole dell’Alcantara (Alcantara Gorges) in the Gole Alcantara Botanical and Geological Park. Specifically, the immense gorge is found in the impressive Alcantara Valley in eastern Sicily. You can explore the gorge by doing the famous Sentiero della Spiaggetta (Beach Trail). Otherwise, you’ll find other hiking trails in the park, such as Sentiero delle Gole Alcantara (Alcantara Gorges Trail).
Read more: Gole dell’Alcantara (Alcantara Gorges) – The Ultimate Guide
DJI Air 2S
Capture breathtaking aerial photography and videography with the DJI Air 2S. The DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo comes with all of the necessary accessories such as the remote controller, spare batteries and battery charger.
7. Rocca di Cefalù Hike
Rocca di Cefalù (The Rock of Cefalu) is a magnificent natural and historical attraction in Sicily. By exploring paths on the rock, you’ll visit various archaeological sites dating back to the 8th–9th century BC and the ruins of Castello di Cefalù (Castle of Cefalu). But, you’ll also see the exceptional geological feature of the limestone outcrop as well as superb views of Cefalù Beach.
Read more: Rocca di Cefalù – The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide
8. Cavagrande del Cassibile: Scala Cruci
Cavagrande del Cassible is a spectacular limestone canyon located in Avola in the municipality of Siracusa. Along the canyon floor, you’ll find Laghetti di Cavagrande, which is a mesmerising natural pool. Unfortunately, the trails accessing Laghetti di Cavagrande are prohibited and have remained closed since 2014. Of course, the majority of visitors will ignore the signs and walk down to Laghetti di Cavagrande, via the main path called Scala Cruci.
Read more: Cavagrande del Cassibile – Will You Hike the Prohibited Trails?
9. Monte Pellegrino
Monte Pellegrino is a small mountain located next to the capital city of Palermo. The mountain is most famous for Santuario di Santa Rosalia, which is a church located inside a cave, dedicated to the patron saint of Palermo – Santa Rosalia. But, nearby, there are some worthwhile Sicily hiking trails. These include two mountain bike trails (Costa Finocchiaro and Cozzo dello Mandra), which also serve as walking trails. By combining these two paths, you can do an excellent circular walk around the Monte Pellegrino Nature Reserve.
Read more: Monte Pellegrino and Santuario di Santa Rosalia – A Complete Guide
10. Capo Gallo Nature Reserve
Located near Palermo and facing opposite Monte Pellegrino, Capo Gallo Nature Reserve is an underrated coastal area with plenty of excellent walks. Beck and I did three walks in the nature reserve. Our pick of the bunch was Sentiero Piano dello Stinco – a walk that explores Monte Capo Gallo, an area featuring cultural attractions as well as superb natural surroundings.
Read more: The 3 Best Walks in the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve
11. Monte Cofano
Monte Cofano is a well-known and recognisable mountain on the northwest coast of Sicily. Located in Riserva Naturale Orientata Monte Cofano (Monte Cofano Nature Reserve), this mountain effortlessly dominates the landscape. Unfortunately, many of the hiking trails in the nature reserve are closed due to the risk of rockfalls. Officially speaking, there’s only one open trail – the Scaletta Path.
Read more: Monte Cofano – Everything You Need to Know About Trekking
12. Monte Monaco Hike
Similar to Monte Cofano, Monte Monaco is another easily recognisable and famous mountain in Sicily. From the summit of Monte Monaco, you’ll enjoy some of the best views of San Vito lo Capo and its magnificent beach – Spiaggia San Vito lo Capo. Indeed, the Monte Monaco Hike is perhaps one of the most underrated hikes in Sicily.
Read more: Monte Monaco – The Ultimate Hiking Guide
13. Capo Milazzo and the Pool of Venus
Milazzo is well-known as the place you go to catch ferries to the Aeolian Islands. But, Milazzo is worth a visit in its own right because of the sublime promontory called Capo Milazzo. To that end, we highly recommend doing the hike around the northern tip of Capo Milazzo to the breathtaking Pool of Venus (Piscina di Venere), which is a sublime ocean rock pool.
Read more: Capo Milazzo – How to Visit the Pool of Venus (Piscina di Venere)
14. Vendicari Nature Reserve
At Vendicari Nature Reserve (Riserva Naturale Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari), you’ll find some of the island’s most pretty and remote beaches and bays. Certainly, Vendicari Nature Reserve is an underrated hiking destination in Sicily. Within the nature reserve, there are three epic coastal walking routes. These routes on their own or when combined to do a longer walk, make for some of the best hikes in Sicily.
Read more: Vendicari Nature Reserve Coastal Walk – The Complete Guide
15. Monte Catalfano Hike
The Monte Catalfano Hike is definitely one of the best hikes near Palermo. By hiking to the peak of Monte Catalfano, you’ll enjoy some of the best views of Capo Zafferano – a sensational coastal landform. While you’re in the area, you may also want to consider doing a short walk to the Capo Zafferano Lighthouse.
Read more: 5 Insider Tips For Visiting Capo Zafferano in Sicily
16. Monte Grifone Hike
The hike to the summit of Monte Grifone offers some of the best views of Sicily’s capital city. On top of that, the walking trail winds its way through mesmerising limestone landscapes, typical of mountain ranges on the island.
Read more: Monte Grifone – The Ultimate Hiking Guide
17. Monti Sartorius Loop Walk
Last but not least is Monti Sartorius (Sartorius Mountains), which are seven impressive craters found on the northeast side of Mount Etna. Sentiero Natura Monti Sartorius, AKA Sentiero Monti Sartorius, is the name of the main trail that explores these craters. Traditionally, a circular route, known as the Monti Sartorius Loop Walk, circles the seven craters without actually summiting any of the craters.
Read more: Monti Sartorius – The Ultimate Hiking Guide
How to Get Around Sicily
Now you know all about the best hikes in Sicily, it’s time to figure out how you’ll access these epic trails.
The easiest and quickest way to get around Sicily for hiking is to drive yourself.
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.
To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.
Hiking in Sicily without a car is also possible. Thankfully, there are decent bus and train services reaching most parts of Sicily. But, we recommend driving as that’s much more convenient and time efficient. Additionally, you’ll have more freedom and flexibility to explore Sicily at your own pace without restriction.
When Is the Best Time to Hike in Sicily?
Sicily has hot summers and mild winters. Most visitors will head to Sicily in summer (June to August) for the hottest weather (35–40°C). But, hiking in the extreme heat, during summer, will be unpleasant for most. On the flip side, you’re more likely to encounter rainfall in winter.
Perhaps, the best time to hike in Sicily is on either side of the peak season. During May as well as September, there’s milder weather as well as cheaper prices for accommodation and flights. Additionally, between May and September, the Mount Etna and Stromboli Volcano hiking tours will be running.
Of course, at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference.
Sicily Hiking Guidebooks and Maps
Beck and I used both of the Sicily guidebooks listed below to help plan our hiking trip. In these books, you’ll find fantastic trail descriptions and maps.
Sicily Hiking Essentials
These are our gear essentials for taking on the best hikes in Sicily.
Osprey Skarab 30
The Osprey Skarab 30 is our go-to hiking backpack for day hikes. This well-designed unisex backpack is comfortable and spacious, so you’ll have plenty of space to pack everything without feeling the strain on your upper back.
Osprey Ultralight Raincover
A waterproof backpack cover is an absolute must when you’re adventuring outdoors. The Osprey Ultralight Raincover Medium is a high-quality waterproof cover that’ll keep your backpack bone dry.
GRAYL Reusable Water Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best water filter bottle that allows you to purify 710mL (12 ounces) of water. This bottle will make water safe to drink wherever you’re hiking.
BUFF Original Ecostretch
The BUFF Original Ecostretch is a great option when it comes to multifunctional headwear. We use the Ecostretch as a neck gaiter to keep the sun off our necks and it helps us keep warm in cooler climates.
Sony Cybershot RX100 VII
Capture epic photos and videos with the Sony Cybershot RX100 VII. This is hands-down the best compact camera. We love using this simple point-and-shoot camera when we’re hiking as it’s lightweight and durable.
To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.
Travel Insurance
You’ll want to get travel insurance for any trip abroad, especially when you’re climbing volcanoes and mountains!
Heymondo is one of the best budget travel insurance providers on the market. They provide comprehensive travel and medical insurance that won’t break the bank. Whether it’s single trip insurance, annual multi-trip insurance or long stay insurance, Heymondo offers affordable travel and medical insurance to suit all of your needs. Personally, we use Heymondo travel insurance and highly recommend it. To find out more about Heymondo travel and medical insurance, read our Heymondo travel insurance review.
Travel Insurance
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Bonus Tips
- Other hikes in Sicily: of course, there are many other Sicily hiking trails not included in this guide. Let us know in the comments about any of your favourite hikes in Sicily that aren’t listed.
- Sicily walking tours: personally, Beck and I mostly did self-guided hiking in Sicily. But, for some hikes in Sicily (well, the active volcano hikes), you’ll need a guide. This includes the Mount Etna Hike and the Stromboli Volcano Hike.
- Visit Sicily outside of peak season: for cooler weather, fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation and flights, visit outside of summer. Beck and I visited in the non-peak season in March and April and had a great time. Although, keep in mind, that the active volcano hiking tours (Mount Etna and Stromboli Volcano) often don’t run during winter.
This guide will help you smash out the best hikes in Sicily. Bookmark this guide as your ultimate online Sicily hiking resource.
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