The most beautiful paths in Sicily
A journey through the most beautiful and evocative paths to take in Sicily. From Magna via Francigena
to that of Archangel and the Transversal Sicula.
So many are the alternatives and surprises that only this Island wonderful can give.
The Magna via Francingena: a path through history
Our special tour can only start from what is considered one of the most exciting and characteristic trails in all of
Sicily: the Magna via Francigena. Already from the name we can tell that what awaits us is something historical and at the same time unique from a landscape point of view, which also allows us to admire unique views.
About one hundred and eighty kilometers with the departure from the city of Palermo and arrival in the beautiful and historic Agrigento. From sea to sea, we are talking about a route consisting of eight to nine stages with an average of twenty-five kilometers. You will find yourself treading roads once trodden by Greeks, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Romans.
The trail passes through historic and lesser-known towns, countryside, peaks and the sea. The best time to be able to tackle this trail is definitely in spring or fall, when the days are not yet too hot and you can enjoy these wonderful views tinged with unique colors.
For more information and to request credentials, i.e., the document found to be in the possession of those who travel that route, you can contact the association directly Cammini Francigeni d’Italia, who will give you directions on how to best undertake this “path,” where to sleep at favorable prices and other useful information.
Archangel’s Way: from Calatafimi to Alcamo
An interesting and equally fascinating path is that of the Blessed Archangel. È a beautiful trail, little traveled and also little marked, but this is what also makes it distinctive and suitable for nature and vegetation lovers. A pleasant valley, rich in waterways, connecting the town of Calatafimi to that of Alcamo.
The route is recommended for everyone and more or less fourteen kilometers long, starting from the
Sanctuary of Giubino, located about two kilometers from the center of Calatafimi. From here begins a descent of about eight kilometers between paved roads and nature trails to the valley floor. The Archangel’s Way is included among those definitely to be able to do to best savor the smells of this land. This tract is part of the
Franciscan Walks of Italy, six walking routes spread over five provinces in Sicily.
The sun will accompany your walk along with a breathtaking view: from the top of the trail you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Gulf of Castellammare. A little tip: as mentioned, the trail is not properly marked but there are several cell phone apps that can help you in walking this trail safely.
Trasversale Sicula: an immersion in Sicilianity
Did you know that there is a path that allows you to cross the whole of Sicily? His name is Transversal Sicula, a total journey that guarantees not only to see wonderful places but also to fully immerse oneself in true Sicilianity. From West to East, between nature and culture, symbolically uniting the whole Island.
The ancient Trasversale Sicula is a path of more than six hundred kilometers that crosses Sicily and runs through its deepest meanders, among monuments, disused railways and Unesco heritages of which this island is full.
Pergusa Lake and the Rock of Ceres, Gurfa Caves and Segesta, just to name a few of the places you can admire and discover the purest soul of the largest Mediterranean Island. A small curiosity: the last part ending on the island of Mozia, it is possible to do it by canoe. The Transversal with time has involved more and more scholars and enthusiasts, so much so that in 2018 the event of the First International Walk of the Sicilian Transversal.
Davide Donnarumma
opening photo by Rubrica Sicilia