Madonie: What to see. Villages and trekking itineraries.

For those who love nature and Sicily, an experience in the Madonie National Park is an absolute must. This square of land encompassing 40 hectares in 21 municipalities, known as the green heart of the island, is a collection of unique natural beauty, starting with the rich flora and fauna, combined with historic villages where time seems to have stood still. The Madonia can be explored at a slow pace, in stages, with the trekking and, alternatively, by mountain bike or on horseback, moving through the hills, up to the summit of Pizzo Carbonara (1.979 metres), the highest mountain in Sicily after Etna.

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Get inspired

First of all, fill your eyes with a biodiversity that you will rarely find elsewhere. The low hills of the Madonie are covered with olive groves and vineyards, while in the upper part the prevailing ones oak, beech and fir forests (the rarest is the Madonie fir), pines and chestnuts. As for wildlife, during your walks you'll easily encounter deer, foxes, wild boars, and a wide variety of birds, including the peregrine falcon and the red-billed chough, a rare species that nests on the high peaks of the Madonie. The natural beauty also includes some places you should definitely try to visit during your walking tour.

The Gorges of Tiberius

In a valley on the border between Castelbuono and San Mauro Castelverde, in the eastern Madonie, there is a magical place, where the protagonist is precisely the water, together with the rock. Here, the waters of the Pollina River, rushing during the winter months, have eroded and shaped an outcrop of Mesozoic limestone over millions of years, creating one of the most fascinating and evocative environments in Sicily. It is a small canyon called "Mirìcu" and better known as the Gole di Tiberio, after the nearby Case di Tiberio, a small rural village now almost completely abandoned. The gorges are approximately 200 meters long, with walls up to 15-20 meters high: you can explore them on foot. ARTISTIC, taking into account that there are no handholds, or in a dinghy.

The Mangiapane Cave

Another historical wonder of the Madonie is the Mangiapane Cave, located in the municipality of Custonaci, At the foot of Mount Cofano. This cave is famous for having been used as a refuge since ancient times. Today, the cave hosts a living nativity scene, where every year during the Christmas season, local residents dress up as historical and religious figures, recreating life as it once was.

Geraci Siculo

The first village not to be missed, in the heart of the Madonie Park, is Geraci Siculo. The name "Geraci" could derive from the Greek term gerakion, meaning "place of the eagles," referring to the town's elevated position, overlooking a vast area of mountains and valleys. Geraci Siculo's origins date back to antiquity, with traces of settlements dating from the Phoenicians to the Romans, through the medieval period. The town, in fact, became an important center during the Middle Ages, especially under Norman rule. In the 13th century, Geraci became a fiefdom of the Counts of Geraci, who consolidated its strategic role in the region. The heart of Geraci Siculo is its historic center, a labyrinth of narrow streets and stone stairways that wind between ancient houses and historic churches. Among the main places of interest is the Church of San Giovanni Battista, a building that testifies to the religious and cultural importance of the village. The church, with its simple yet elegant façade, houses valuable works of art. Another significant monument is the Castle of Ventimiglia, which stands on the hill above the village. Built by the Normans in the 12th century, the castle is a fascinating testimony to Geraci's feudal history and offers spectacular views of the valley below.

Petralia Sottana

The historic center of Petralia Sottana is a perfect example of medieval Sicilian village, characterized by narrow, winding streets, stone houses, and an intimate, charming atmosphere. Among the streets of the center, you can admire numerous historic buildings that tell the story of the town's long history. The urban layout is typical of Sicilian mountain towns, with buildings constructed on different levels, climbing the slopes of the surrounding hills. One of the most significant buildings in Petralia Sottana is the Mother Church of Santa Maria, which dominates the town's main square. This place of worship dates back to the 14th century and is an important example of religious architecture. The church has undergone several renovations over the centuries, but still retains its medieval charm. Inside, there are several works of art that testify to the spiritual and cultural richness of Petralia Sottana. Furthermore, the town is rich in noble palaces and monuments which evoke the ancient nobility and prestige that Petralia Sottana has enjoyed over the centuries. Among these, the Palazzo Giardino is one of the most beautiful examples, with its Baroque decorations and gardens offering panoramic views of the valley below.

A curious fact not to be underestimated: this small village received electricity much earlier (in 1908) than many other Italian municipalities, even in the northern regions, thanks to a hydroelectric plant decommissioned in 1972 following a flood. Today, the plant is a jewel of industrial archaeology.

Polizzi Generosa

One of the most characteristic villages in the Madonie is Polizzi Generosa, a small town located about 800 meters above sea level. The town is famous for its Cathedral of St. Peter, built in the 12th century, and the Civic Museum, which houses archaeological finds and works of art that tell the story of the area. Polizzi Generosa is also the starting point for many hikes in the Madonie National Park. The name "Polizzi" likely derives from the Greek "polis," meaning city. The term "Generosa" was added during the Norman period, when the city was granted special privileges and rights due to its role in the territory. The Normans, who ruled Sicily from the 11th to the 12th centuries, were in fact one of the first major European powers to appreciate the town's strategic position, using it as a base for controlling the Madonie. This period marked the beginning of a period of prosperity for Polizzi Generosa, which continued to prosper during the Swabian, Aragonese, and Bourbon periods.

Where to sleep

The advice for choosing the right place to sleep in the Madonie Park is to opt for solutions within the villages, where you can find small and very refined hotels.

The Castle. Housed in a historic building in Petralia Sottana, it is also famous for its pizzeria, awarded in 2022 as the best in Sicily.
Woman Vi. In Geraci Siculo: few rooms (just 18), in the heart of the mountains, with a very well-equipped and complete spa.
Ancient farmhouse. Another small, charming hotel in Polizzi Generosa.

Where to eat

In the Madonie Park, you'll be spoiled for choice with its many restaurants serving local cuisine, featuring locally sourced products of extraordinary quality.

Nicuzza In Petralia Sottana, in a stunning location, classic cuisine revisited with a modern twist and a touch of fusion.
Saint Anne: the classic Sicilian trattoria in the beautiful village of Gangi.
To Suprana: Here too, in Petralia Soprana, classic Sicilian cuisine of high quality.

How to Get There

The Madonie are fairly equidistant from Palermo and Catania, from where they can be reached, as is the case with Messina, by car.

From Palermo

The most common starting point for those heading to the Madonie Mountains is the city of Palermo, Sicily's capital. From there, you can follow the SS643 towards Caltanissetta, which passes through several towns and will lead you directly to the Madonie National Park. Alternatively, you can follow the SS120, which passes through towns like Cefalù and then enters the mountains.

The journey from Palermo in the Madonie requires about an hour and a half, depending on traffic and road conditions. If you're starting from the city, we recommend stopping in Cefalù for a visit to the beautiful beach and historic cathedral, a perfect prelude to your mountain adventure.

From Catania

If you come from Catania, the journey by car will take you along the A19, which connects Catania to Palermo, exiting at Caltanissetta. From there, follow the signs for the SS120, which will lead you to the Madonie area. The drive from Catania to the Madonie takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

From Messina

If you come from the city of Messina, you can take the A20 motorway Head towards Palermo and exit at Cefalù. From there, follow the SS120 to reach the Madonie Mountains. The journey time is similar to that from Catania, about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

By train

If you prefer not to drive, you can reach the Madonie Mountains by train. The closest train station to the mountain range is Cefalù, which is well connected to major Sicilian cities such as Palermo and Messina. From Cefalù, you can take a bus or rent a car to continue to the mountain resorts.

From Palermo to Cefalù

The distance between Palermo and Cefalù is approximately 70 km, and the train journey takes about an hour and a half. Trains depart regularly from Palermo Central Station and arrive at Cefalù Station. Once you arrive in Cefalù, you can take a bus or taxi to reach the mountain resorts of the Madonie Mountains.

From Catania to Cefalù

Although train journeys from Catania to Cefalù aren't as frequent as those from Palermo, it's still possible to do this route with a change in Messina. Alternatively, you can travel by train to Palermo and then take a direct train to Cefalù. The total journey time from Catania to Cefalù by train is about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

By plane

If you are arriving from abroad or from a distant city, the closest airport to the Madonie is Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport, located about 100 km from the mountain range. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to reach the Madonie. Catania Fontanarossa Airport, further away, offers international flights and is another option for those arriving by plane. From Catania, the journey to the Madonie takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes by car or train.

Image source: Wikipedia

Madonie: Sicilian villages immersed in nature