7 days in a motorhome in northern Sicily
Our RV tour through Sicily continues! After visiting the
eastern part
of the island we want to explore the northern one, always keeping the city of Messina as our starting point.
Day 1 – Messina
As mentioned in the article focused on the east area, we set out to discover the world’s largest mechanical clock in Messina Cathedral, the Orion Fountain, made by a pupil of Michelangelo that has been called “the most beautiful of 16th-century Europe” by art historian Bernard Berenson.
The monument depicts Orion, who according to myth founded the city, along with four statues representing the rivers Nile, Tiber and Ebro and the Camaro stream, which feeds the fountain.
Don’t miss the opportunity to take a picture of the Statue of the Madonnina, set atop a 35-meter stele at the entrance to the harbor, which is the very symbol of Messina.
Where to stay
In the center of Messina, just a few meters from the highway interchange, the tramway line, the train station and the port, convenient stopping point for the camper passing through, arriving or departing from Sicily. Annual opening.
Day 2 – Milazzo
The fortified citadel covers seven hectares. It is a delightful and quaint old town, with very long beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, a clear and enchanting sea, and nature trails full of unforgettable views.
After bathing in culture at Milazzo Castle and being carried away by its atmospheres and legends, we recommend that you continue the RV route northward, which will take you to the most extreme tip of the peninsula.
Here you can leave your vehicle and admire the view of St. Anthony Bay. It is characterized by its half-moon shape, which gives rise to a kind of natural swimming pool, with the backdrops of emerald and turquoise colors.
Where to stay
It is located only 500 meters from the Riviera di Ponente and about 3 km from the city center. It has ample areas for Camping and for parking Caravans, Campers and Caravans. There are 20 dedicated vehicle parking spaces, all equipped with dedicated electrical outlets.
Day 3 – Lipari
We suggest leaving the camper parked in Milazzo and taking the ferry to Lipari. After about 1 hour you will be greeted by one of the most beautiful islands. By renting an electric bike, scooter, car, or mehari, it is possible to visit Lipari in a single day.
What to expect? Sleepy villages, enchanting beaches, paths from trekking, vineyards, hidden coves to swim in and unforgettable viewpoints.
Marina Corta is considered one of the most beautiful villages on Lipari. Canneto, on the other hand, one of the most famous beaches. Ponticello is a former pumice stone quarry directly on the sea, and Quattropano is the sanctuary with viewpoint.
Day 4 – Nebrodi Park
We leave Lipari and Milazzo, and with the camper we set off to explore the Nebrodi. The evocative name comes from ancient Greek and means “fawns” and is a must-visit destination for hikers. The area around the mountains is considered the ultimate nature reserve and forest area in Sicily!
What to visit:
-Rocche del Crasto. It is located between the municipalities of Alcara Li Fusi and San Marco d’Alunzio. It is a rocky massif on whose flanks griffon vulture and golden eagle nest.
-Catafurco Falls. One of the most beautiful spots in the Nebrodi Park. It is a 100-foot drop of the San Basilio Creek. The waters of the waterfall rise into the so-called Muffler of the Giants, a natural cavity carved into the rock where it is possible to bathe.
-Mistretta Falls. In total, there are seven water jumps. The largest of these is the Pietrebianche Falls, more than 100 feet high.
-Tassita Forest. Fifty hectares of forested area located in the territory of the municipality of Caronia. The forest is famous for the presence of ancient Taxus baccata.
-Monte Soro. It is the highest peak in the entire Nebrodi Park. Once you reach the top, you will enjoy unparalleled views: you will see the Aeolian Islands, the Serra del re, the Peloritani Mountains, Mount Etna, the Erei Mountains, and the Madonie Mountains.
-Lake Biviere. In the territory of the municipality of Cesarò. It is a large body of water surrounded by beech forests. Lake Biviere is the habitat of numerous bird species.
-Lake Maulazzo. It is located on the slopes of Mt. Soro. It is an artificial lake made around the 1980s by the Forestry Department.
Where to stay
In a well-ventilated area close to the beach, Agricamping Alessandra offers comfortable, well delineated pitches of 100sqm each for a maximum occupancy of 6 adults. The considerable size allows ample room for maneuver and reserves large exclusive spaces for each of the guests and their families.
Day 5 – Cefalù
After the nature and views of the Nebrodi Mountains, we set off to discover the charming town of Cefalù. Its sandy beach is one of the most beautiful on the northern coast of Sicily and invites one to spend a long afternoon by the sea, even during the mild Sicilian winter.
Also certainly worth admiring is the medieval old town, the beautiful cathedral and the Marian Sanctuary of Gibilmanna, one of the oldest extant Christian structures, allegedly dating from the time of St. Gregory the Great (540-601).
Where to stay
Camping Sanfilippo is located on the outskirts of Cefalù just 50 km from Palermo. The facility has direct access to the sea with a small beach located in a beautiful natural golf course in a unique setting. The free beach is adjacent to the campground and alternates between a fine sandy shore and picturesque rocks sculpted by the force of the sea. Moreover, thanks to the bus and shuttle services, it is possible to easily reach the city center and its Cathedral (only 3km away). The facility also has a bar and a convenience store where you can enjoy the goodness of local and homemade products and the best local wines.
Day 6 – Madonie
The Piano Zucchi plateau is the heart of the Madonie Mountains and is an excellent starting point for many hikes. From Piano Farina you have the most beautiful views of the nature reserve, and in the Madonie Adventure Park climbing forest you can have even more adventures and even make tents in the trees.
Where to stay
Savochella RV Parking Area in Petralia Sottana
Day 7 – Palermo
Finally, Palermo, where one is spoiled for choice by the extreme beauty of this city, as fascinating and contradictory as all of Sicily.
What do we recommend? A visit to the Norman Palace, also known as the Royal Palace of Palermo, is a must. But also not to be missed is the Ballarò Market, where you can fill your fridge with regional delicacies at an affordable price.
Finally, the Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele is the largest theater building in Italy and offers a 360-degree panorama of the city from its terrace.
Where to stay
Open from March 21 to October 15, the International Camping “La Playa” covers an area of 15,000 sq. m. of land amid the silver color of the centuries-old olive trees that cover all the pitches, stands a few meters from the sea on a stretch of low cliffs. Five hundred meters from the campsite is the fishing village called Isola delle Femmine. Ideal starting point for sightseeing accessible by train (train station 800 m away).
Unfortunately, seven days is not enough time to visit the entire northern area of Sicily, but it is enough to make it enter the heart of every traveler and prompt him or her to return.
Paola Crippa