Sicily has a great reputation for enchanting cities and delicious foods, but I think it’s a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re an ardent trekker or prefer to spend your trips out in nature, you won’t want to miss these superb hikes in Sicily.
Over the years, I’ve explored dozens of different trails in Sicily, from short and leisurely coastal hikes to strenuous volcano climbs. No matter what level of difficulty or type of scenery you’re looking for, there’s a hike in Sicily that’ll perfectly match your preferences.
I’ve picked out some of my favorite Sicily hikes that I’ve completed to give you some food for thought ahead of your adventure-filled visit!
Mount Etna
I couldn’t possibly kick off this list of the best hikes in Sicily with anything other than the Mount Etna climb. Europe’s tallest and most active volcano attracts thousands of visitors each year and is almost as popular with seasoned hikers as it is with novices.
You can tackle most of this trail with or without a guide, but if you want to trek to the summit, you’ll need to join a tour. Either way, you’ll start your journey from Rifugio Sapienza, which you’ll reach by car, bus, or tour group shuttle.
Although steep and rocky in parts, I found the route to be pretty moderate and took around 6 hours to complete. Adjusting to the altitude did pose a bit of a challenge for me and many others in the group. At its peak, Mount Etna is over 3,300 meters in height, so I’d advise packing some altitude sickness tablets!
Mount Etna can be visited year-round, but access may be restricted at the last minute because it erupts frequently. As such, unfortunately, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to complete the climb on any given day.
Stromboli Volcano
Mount Etna might be one of the most famous hikes in Italy, but Stromboli could give it a run for its money when it chooses to put on a show. At less than a 3-hour round-trip, it’s a much shorter hike than its counterpart, but I found the ascent much steeper and strenuous than I’d anticipated.
This active volcano lies on its namesake island, some 68 km north of mainland Sicily. All hikers must travel with a guide, and most tours, mine included, start in the village of Piscità. It’s a rather painstaking climb to the viewpoint, which marks the end of the accessible trail. Despite sitting at just 400 meters, the views are absolutely astounding.
While I’d imagine it remains a wondrous sight no matter what time you arrive, visiting at night is just something else. Each time Stromboli erupts, which is quite often, you’ll watch as the vibrant red lava and scorching hot rocks gush downwards and into the water below.
Rocca di Cefalù
The Rocca di Cefalù is among my favorite walks in Sicily, as it seamlessly combines history and nature. Taking approximately 80 minutes in total to complete, this route is ideal if you’re looking for a short and easily accessible hiking path.
Itria Church, along Cefalù’s northern coast, is a handy starting point, as it’s just a quick stroll from Salita Saraceni. When you reach the cobbled paths of the hilly Salita Saraceni, you’ll begin the gradual ascent to La Rocca. I felt a little burn in my legs at around the halfway point, but the vista of the surrounding city walls and terracotta-topped buildings kept me distracted.
When you arrive at the top, you’ll be greeted by the crumbling ruins of the Cefalù citadel. Needless to say, the stony remains of a once-imposing castle are fascinating, but looking out over the vivid Tyrrhenian Sea from above was a pinch-me moment.
Zingaro Nature Reserve
The Zingaro Nature Reserve is a nature lover’s paradise in northwest Sicily. Abundant in gorgeous flora, untouched coves, and wilderness-like landscapes, the Coastal Walk within the reserve showcases some of Sicily’s most remarkable vistas.
This is a one-way path rather than a loop, and the journey to the end of the route and back can take 4 to 6 hours. I made a whole lot of stops along the way, so my travel time was on the higher end of this scale. It doesn’t matter too much where you start the trail from, but I opted for the southern entrance near Scopello.
Some parts of the trail are slightly steep or uneven, but with so many stunning spots to stop at and enjoy, it’s a relatively moderate walk compared to other hiking tour spots in Sicily.
Depending on how much time you have, you may want to limit the number of beaches and landmarks you visit. If your schedule is quite tight, be sure to prioritize beaches like Cala Capreria and Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo and hidden gems like Grotta dell’Uzzo.
Monte Fossa delle Felci
We’re heading to the Aeolian Islands once again, this time to Salina, home to one of the most beautiful hikes in Sicily. Monte Fossa delle Felci is the island’s highest point and the best place in Salina to marvel at the lush green landscapes and neighboring volcano, Monte dei Porri.
I only recently completed this hike, and in truth, had I not gotten a recommendation from a friend, it wouldn’t have been on my agenda at all. However, the panoramas of the rolling hills, expansive vineyards, and brightly-colored flowers were breathtaking, and the trail was remarkably quiet.
The pathway begins in the quaint village of Valdichiesa, and the round-trip takes roughly 3 hours. For the most part, the hike isn’t too demanding, but the final section of the trail is noticeably more challenging than the rest, so prepare yourself in advance.
Capo Milazzo
Milazzo, a laidback city in northern Sicily, is often overlooked as merely a gateway to the Aeolians. What many visitors don’t realize is that Milazzo’s narrow peninsula boasts an incredibly picturesque trail that’s among the easiest day hikes in Sicily.
I’ve actually completed this hike a handful of times, but most recently, I did so at sunset. The glistening blue waters, rocky coastline, and cactus-lined pathways were even more splendid under the orange and pink-hued skies. It takes less than an hour to finish the loop, and the steady, mostly flat path is suitable for most fitness levels.
Kick off your leisurely stroll at the Chiesa di San Antonio, and you’ll stumble upon picture-perfect spots like the Capo Milazzo Lighthouse and the Pool of Venus. This natural rock pool is a lovely spot for a quick dip if you happen to visit on a particularly warm day.
Vendicari Nature Reserve
Also known as the Oasi Faunistica of Vendicari, the Vendicari Nature Reserve is a protected area that is somewhat of an under-the-radar hiking spot. Its historical ruins and bird-watching opportunities are just some of the highlights of the reserve’s delightful coastal pathway.
You can take your pick from one of the five entrances, but I went for the most popular of these, which is at Torre Vendicari. Over 90 minutes, I passed through stretches of dense vegetation, marshy landscapes, and peaceful coves. If you’re an avid birdwatcher, watch out for the flamingos, spoonbills, and ospreys that frequent the area.
Between the diverse terrains and unspoiled sea views, everywhere I looked, I saw a vista more awe-inspiring than the last. Nature aside, there were some other spots along the route that piqued my interest. These include the Sveva defensive tower and the Byzantine-era catacombs of Trigona, both of which are musts for history fans.
Cavagrande del Cassible
Though it can often seem like it, not all of the hiking trips in Sicily involve scaling a volcano or ambling along the waterfront! For something a little different, check out the stellar limestone-covered Cavagrande del Cassible, a nature reserve in southeast Sicily with fantastic trails.
The most popular option for hikers is the downhill climb to Laghetti di Cavagrande, the valley’s natural pool. Much of the journey follows the Scala Cruci path, and it took me a little under an hour to make my way down from the trailhead. It was slippery and uneven in parts, but it was all worth it once I reached the sparkling emerald pools enclosed by towering mountains on either side.
I first tackled this hike a number of years back, but since then, it’s been subject to temporary closures depending on the safety conditions. Many hikers decide to ignore this, but it’s important to check closer to your visit if the route is officially open.
Experience Another Side of the Island With These Spectacular Hikes in Sicily
As if Sicily’s exceptional food, dreamy beaches, and intriguing history weren’t enough, the hiking opportunities on the island are just as impressive.
If you’re searching for the perfect place for an active vacation or simply looking to squeeze a couple of outdoor activities into your itinerary, Sicily is as good as it gets. Get ready for jaw-dropping scenery, amazing trails, and unparalleled natural beauty!