Walking Holidays in sicily

Magna Via Francigena Self-Guided Walking Tour

The Magna Via Francigena is an ancient trade and pilgrimage route through Sicily from Palermo to Agrigento. 164 kms (plus optional 16.5kms) of wide-open scenery which gradually changes as you trek from north to south of the island. The trail has been used since Roman times up to the Norman period when both pilgrims and the Knights Templar crusaders, on their way to and from the Holy Land, trod it. The Normans called these roads Regie Trazzere.

Journey through Sicily’s unspoilt heartland, passing mountain villages, rolling hills, golden wheat fields and crystal-clear streams. Along the way, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a new generation of passionate Sicilians who are breathing life back into their towns and villages. Their pride, hospitality and deep connection to the land create an authentic and memorable experience at every stop.

The ideal time for this immersive trek is during the spring months of March, April and May, or in early autumn from late September through October and into November, when the countryside is at its most vibrant and inviting.

Covering approximately 20 kilometres per day over eight days – with some days shorter and others more challenging – this journey is best suited to those with a good level of fitness and previous hill walking experience. Trails vary between forestry tracks, open field paths and quiet country roads, offering a diverse and rewarding walking experience through rural Sicily.

Magna Via Francigena Self-Guided Walking Tour Detailed Itinerary >

Rock Climbing

With its mountainous landscape and mild climate, Sicily is a great location for rock climbing. Both the Nebrodi and Madonie mountains in northern Sicily offers great opportunities and San Vito Lo Capo on the north west coast, with nearly 4km of sea cliffs, is one of the most popular locations for climbers.

Horse Riding

Due to its abundance of family run farmhouse hotels, Sicily is an excellent location for those wishing to go riding. With acres of beautiful countryside and idyllic beaches to explore, horse riding is the perfect way to enjoy the spectacular Sicilian scenery. Many of our hotels can arrange horse riding excursions.

Tennis

There are tennis courts usually in hotel grounds and are open to guests all year round.

Watersports

Sicily's dramatic coastline provides some opportunities for watersports from basic pedaloes and canoes to Scuba diving, waterskiing and kitesurfing. If you are a novice looking to learn, watersports facilities are available on the beaches of some of our hotels, and for experts there are specialised dive and watersports centres with equipment to hire for you to experience the clear waters surrounding the island.

Visiting Mount Etna

Mount Etna, Europe’s highest (3,323m) and most active volcano, is the dominating landmark of Sicily’s east coast. With its constantly changing landscape, exploring Etna provides a great day out visiting some of the craters. 



There are guided excursions available from various locations or visitors can drive themselves up the slopes to various points on each side of Etna or the Park Headquarters located on the south side in Nicolosi.

There is a cable car (Funivia) at Rifugio Sapienza (south side) at 1,900m which takes visitors up to 2,500m and then connects with a 4x4 tour bus to continue the journey up to 2,800m where there are guided tours to some of the craters.

Alternatively you can experience the majestic volcanoes landscape by train starting in Catania and travelling in a loop around Etna’s base.

We recommend visiting Etna in the morning to allow plenty of time for this experience.

The cable cars operate from 9am-5:30pm April to November.

From December to February it is possible to ski or snowboard on the slopes of Mount Etna (snow fall dependent), the cable cars and ski lifts are open 9am-3.30pm and ski equipment can be hired on site.

Golf

Sicily has 6 spectacular golf courses to enjoy a game on the lush green fairways whilst enjoying some of the island’s beautiful sea views and mild climate.

Il Picciolo Golf Club - nestled amongst vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna with 18 hole course, 4km away from Linguaglossa and 31km from Taormina.

Il Monasteri Golf Resort – 18 hole course 17km inland from Syracuse.

Villa Airoldi Golf Club - putting & pitching green, practice bunker, 22-bay floodlit driving range, swimming pool on the coast in Palermo.

Verdura Golf Club – two 18 and one 9 hole courses overlooking the Med, 48km from Agrigento.

Donnafugata Luxury Golf Club - two 18 hole courses, 26km from Ragusa.

Le Madonie Golf Resort – 18 hole course, 16km from Cefalù and 2km from Campofelice di Roccella.

Family Holidays

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