Are you planning on hiking in Sicily? This beautiful mediterranean is a hiker’s dream, with breathtaking coastal trails, ancient ruins, and even a volcano you can hike on!
On our recent three-week road trip in Sicily we did five incredible hikes, each of them quite different. These are some of the best hikes in Sicily. You’ll find a mix of stunning scenery, fascinating history and culture, and none of them are too challenging.
In this post we will outline each hike, along with relevant trail maps and tips, and why we loved each one. We’ve created this interactive Google Map which has all five hikes which you can save for when you go hiking in Sicily. The .gpx files for the route we took on each hike are included in the map.
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The Rock of Cefalù Hike
Trail Name: Rocca di Cefalù
Distance: 3.4km with some side trails to ruins and viewpoints
Elevation Gain: 241m
Grade: Moderately challenging
Allow: 2 hours (plus photo stops and WOW time)
The Rocca di Cefaulù hike is a moderately challenging hike that takes you up the imposing limestone cliff that towers over Cefalù. You will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the surrounding coastline.
The trail follows a well-marked path through ancient ruins, medieval fortifications and remnants of the old city walls.
After parking along the waterfront, the hike begins with an uphill climb through the town’s narrow, cobbled streets. We enjoyed seeing the locals living their lives.
On arrival at the entrance to the nature reserve, you’ll need to pay a €5 entrance fee (you can pay by cash or card), and scan your ticket to go through the barrier.
The trail begins with steps that were built in the 1980s, to replace the old stone ramp.
After arriving at the first bastion, the path becomes uneven and rocky, steep but not too challenging. Take your time because arriving at the top is well worth it.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views that made the climb worthwhile. You can see up and down the coast for miles.
On the way down, take the path on the right to visit the archaeological site which includes the 9th century BC Temple of Diana. The stonework on this temple reminded us of the techniques used by the Incas in South America.
If you continue on you will come to a viewpoint looking out over the roofs of Cefalu, including the imposing cathedral.
Getting to the Rock of Cefalù Hike
You can start this hike from anywhere in the old town of Cefalu, and it’s just a short walk uphill to the entrance of the Nature Reserve.
If you’re staying out of the old town, and need to park, we recommend the parking at the train station which is €1 per hour. (Pay and Display). There are no height restrictions here.
Pantalica Gorge Hike
Trail Name: Giro Necropoli Pantalica via Ingresso Sortino
Distance: 5.8km circuit
Elevation Gain: 226m
Grade: Moderately challenging
Allow: 3 hours
The Pantalica Gorge circuit hike is located in the UNESCO-listed Pantalica Nature Reserve, a short drive inland from Syracuse. This scenic trail winds through limestone canyons, lush vegetation, and over the crystal-clear Anapo river.
The highlight of this hike is the Necropoli of Pantalica, ancient burial sites with thousands of rock-cut tombs dating back to the Bronze Age.
There is no entrance fee at the park, but we did need to register our details at the little cabin at the entry.
The first part of the hike took us along the edge of the canyon. It wasn’t long before we saw the first tomb sites. You can actually go into some of the caves.
The trail then heads down towards the river where you’ll cross on stepping stones. Then you’ll walk back uphill and along the other side of the canyon.
The trail joins a road for a short while, before heading down a steep path back to the river. When you get to the short tunnel, look out for the local cats. We had a couple of them follow us for a while.
Before the second tunnel (Galleria Bisanti), there is a small path off to the left which takes you along the river. This is the most challenging part of the walk, we lost the trail at one point and had to climb up and over some rocks.
Finally, the trail heads back up the hill, past a ruined cottage and back to the entrance gate.
Getting to the Pantalica Gorge Hike
There are several entrances to Pantalica Gorge Nature Reserve, we entered at the Ingresso Sortino (Sortino Entrance), which is near the town of Sortino.
From Syracuse we drove uphill and through the town of Sortino before heading across a gorge onto the promontory of high ground the trail starts from.
Path of the Saracens Hike – Taormina to Castelmola
Trail Name: Sentiero dei Saraceni
Distance: 2km one way
Elevation Gain: 279m
Grade: Moderately challenging
Allow: 1 hour to walk uphill
The Sentiero dei Saraceni is an historic trail from Toarmina to the hilltop village of Castelmola. Along the way you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Etna, the Ionian Sea, and the rugged Sicilian countryside.
This hike is moderately challenging, with a steady ascent along ancient stone pathways. The trail is very well formed, with good paths and steps along the way.
Near the top we visited the ruins of the 10th century Chiesa di San Biagio (Church of St Bagio). The church was closed but this is a great spot to stop for some photos.
At the top, the village of Castelmola welcomes you with with charming streets, cafes and restaurants. You can also visit the old castle ruins just above the town. The views from here are incredible!
We did this hike as part of a day long loop hike which started from a carpark at the bottom of the hill below Taormina. We walked up the path to Taormina to start the Sentiero dei Saraceni.
From Castelmola we walked down the other side of the hill and caught the Funuvia (cable-car) back down to the bottom of the hill. The cable car cost €6 per person one way (€10 return).
After the cable-car we walked down to the beach to see Isola Bella which is also worth a visit.
Getting to the Sentiero dei Saraceni Hike
This hike begins in the centre of Taormina old town, near the Piazza 9 April, before passing under the Porta Catania and heading uphill.
If you’re not staying in town, you can park near the train station and catch the bus up to town, or by the cable-car. We parked in a small free carpark and walked up to Taormina.
Path of the Orchids Hike – Scopello
Trail Name: Path of the Orchids Hike
Distance: 5.8km circuit
Elevation Gain: 226m
Grade: Moderately challenging
Allow: 3 hours
The Path of the Orchids in Zingaro Nature Reserve is a stunning coastal hike that winds through Mediterranean scrubland, with panoramic views of the turquoise sea, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves. The trail is named for the wild orchids that bloom there in spring, but we were surprised to see a few in early January!
Normally this hike takes you up to the top of the hill and along the ridgeline before dropping back down and returning along the coast. We decided to just do an up and back along the coast.
There is a €5 entry fee for the Nature Reserve.
Fun fact: This nature reserve was created in 1980 after a people’s protest march. There were plans to build a road along the coast between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo. After a successful campaign, the plans were abandoned and the Nature Reserve was created.
The tunnel you walk through at the beginning of the hike is all that remains of the road, and it now stands as a monument to the protesters.
The trail is well formed, although it was wet and slippery in places. Fortunately there was a hand-rail for support in the slippery spots.
Along the trail you will pass several ruins, and there are a couple of small beaches where swimming is possible.
Getting to the Path of the Orchids Hike
The Path of the Orchids Hike begins at the South Entrance to the Zingaro Nature Reserve, just north of Scopello.
From Scopello, head north, and there is a small (free) carpark right at the entrance. In the off-season, quite a few people in campervans park overnight here.
Mt Etna Hike
Trail Name: Crater Silvestri Superiori – Monte Calcarazzi (we did a modified version of this trail)
Distance: 4.5km circuit
Elevation Gain: 171m
Grade: Moderately challenging
Allow: 2 hours
When you think of hiking in Sicily, undoubtedly you’ll think of Mount Etna. The tallest and most active volcano in Europe offers some fantastic opportunities for hiking in Sicily, especially the guided hikes up to the top of the mountain to look into the crater.
Sadly, when we visited Etna on 9 January 2025, there was sufficient volcanic activity that access to the summit was closed and in fact erupted just a few weeks later.
We did drive up as far as possible – to the Refugio Sapienza, and hiked around the a couple of smaller craters on the flanks of the mountain.
The trail is quite steep and loose underfoot, but the views are worth it! We recommend wearing long pants or gaiters to prevent the scoria getting into your boots. I would also recommend trekking poles
If you’re not keen on a long hike at altitude this hike is an excellent alternative. We didn’t complete the hike we followed on the AllTrails app. Rather than walking up to the Monti Calcarazzio crater, we walked up and around the crater from the 2001 eruption (marked as Cono Eruzione 2001 on the maps).
While it was disappointing to miss the summit hike, we will be back to Sicily to tick off this unfinished business!
Getting to the Mt Etna Hike
This hike begins at the Refugio Sapienza. This is also where the cable-car departs to go up to the summit hike.
There is a mountain road that leads to the Refugio either from Catania or Taormina. We drove up the mountain from Catania, and back down the other side towards Taormina.
While both sections of road are narrow and with lots of switchbacks, we had no problems driving up or down the road in our 6.4m campervan.
NOTE: Between December and March it is mandatory to be carrying snow chains if you are driving on Mt Etna. We bought chains in Belpasso (see our Mt Etna video for that adventure!) We did also see a roadside stop selling chains on the way up the mountain, but they may have only had regular car tyre sizes.
Essential information for Hiking in Sicily
When is the best time for hiking in Sicily?
Anytime is good for visiting Sicily, but the best time to hike in Sicily is probably the winter. Why? Good question! It gets very hot in Sicily in the summer. With the exception of the Pantalica Gorge hike, almost all of these trails are completely exposed, with no shade.
In the winter we had mild temperatures (warm enough for just a t-shirt on a few of these hikes). It was really pleasant weather for hiking.
If you do plan to go hiking in Sicily in the summer, we would recommend heading out early in the morning before the sun gets too hot. Make sure you take plenty of water with you!
Do I need any special gear for hiking in Sicily?
There are a few gear recommendations for hiking in Sicily:
Hiking boots: A good pair of well-fitted hiking boots is a must! Not just for hiking in Sicily, but anywhere. In Sicily, the trails are often uneven and rocky, so having ankle protection and good non-slip soles will help keep you on your feet.
Trekking poles: If you have dodgy knees you’ll want to bring a good pair of trekking poles. Often the downhills are quite steep, and poles really help save your knees from pain.
Daypack with water bladder: Especially if you’re hiking in summer, you’ll need to carry plenty of water (and snacks!!). We also found that the temperature varied quite a bit on the hikes we did. We started the Cefalù hike in t-shirts, and ended up in puffer jackets and beanies after the sun went down. Having a backpack to carry all those extra clothes was great.
AllTrails App: We always use the AllTrails App to research our hikes, and to navigate while we are on the trail. With the paid version of the app (which is only around $35 a year) we can download the trail details and map. So even when we are out of mobile service area, we can stay on track.
Health Insurance: While this might not seem like an obvious thing to include on the gear list, we wouldn’t travel without this peace of mind. Knowing that we are covered if we should slip and fall, or have any injury while we are on the trail. We use and recommend CoverMore insurance.
Watch our Hiking in Sicily adventure travel film
We made a compilation video of our 5 best hikes in Sicily. You can watch it on our YouTube channel here:
Where to next?
Why not explore Sicily further on the Ultimate Road Trip or head to the capital Palermo for some history, culture and amazing street food!