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Walk Sicily Sicily’s many varied landscapes are a must for the walking enthusiast. For the mountain lovers you can chose from climbing the wooded slopes in the Madonie and Nebrodi to scaling the snow covered peaks of Mount Etna. Whilst walking in Sicily there are many distractions, the trees, flowers, animals and local bird life, and not to forget the local people and of course the land itself. The best way to truly experience Sicily is on foot, so much is missed when traveling by car or bus. When on foot you are able to investigate what is up that path, under that bridge or around that rocky out crop. At the moment in the Madonie Mountains there is a shortage of the very good walking maps which were published for walkers use, and are regularly referred to in the popular guide books.  If looking for the walking map you will be disappointed as it has been discontinued and is now only available to view behind glass in the tourist offices like some treasured historical document! There are walks advertised on the Parco delle Madonie website and also in walking guide books but these are often out of date and confusing to the newcomer in Sicily. The best way to ensure you make full use of the walking day and benefit from arranged transport is to hire a local guide who can direct and arrange your days walking. Sicilians rarely walk anywhere! It is historically seen as a sign of poverty to walk, the local shepherds looking after their flocks of sheep, goats and cows are often the only local walkers you will come across. This often ensures especially out of the summer season that you will often not see a soul all day, so different from the many busy areas in the rest of Europe. Care should be taken as the weather in the mountains can change quickly, the fog and mists of the higher regions in Sicily are famous for their sudden appearance and a simple walk can become a much more challenging prospect. Many of the walks are sign posted but if you leave the trail it is often difficult find your way back to the way marked paths. So you will get to know very quickly to look out for the faint red and white paint splashes on the rocks which often are the only way markers on the hill tops. One of the best walking areas is the area around Piano Battaglia on the Carbonara Massif. The climb to the peak of Pizzo Carbonara makes a lovely walk and is a must on a fine day as the 360 degree views from the top of the second highest peak in Sicily are hard to be beat.  If you are thinking of going out walking the following is essential on the often rocky terrain: A strong pair of boots with good ankle support, warm clothes, water bottle, day pack and light waterproofs. It might be bright sunshine for those lounging on the beach in Cefalu but on the top of the peaks it can be more unpredictable. The best period for walking in Sicily depends on what routes you are planning. It is OK in the summer months to go on some of the less strenuous walks in the valleys and low lying hills but in the summer heat, the longer, more arduous walks can become very hot and uncomfortable. The spring and autumn months are fantastic in the mountains especially if you like to walk in the snow, enjoy the wild flowers that emerge during the spring or appreciate the autumn colours in the forests as the trees turn many shades of golden brown and orange. Walking tours in certain areas of Sicily are possible by careful planning, booking accommodation in the local alpine refugio and hostels well in advance of your arrival. Come and experience “off the beaten track Sicily” that is worlds away from the coaches and tourist crowds. |
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