Trekking in Western Sicily: from Palermo to the Egadi islands
Starting from Palermo, the capital of Sicily with its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage, the journey winds along the coast of Trapani, where the most picturesque corners of Sicily are concentrated, then continue to the Egadi Islands, a small paradise for lovers of unspoilt nature, trekking but also the sea.
The Zingaro Reserve will be the first step of our journey: it is here that we will come into contact with the typical Mediterranean vegetation and the richness of Sicilian landscapes, which will be discovered slowly at the pace of walking.
The salt pans of Trapani, besides being an interesting example of economic activity carried out still with traditional methods, give rise to a spectacular scenery with changing colors, as well as Erice enriches the journey immersing us in the atmosphere of the medieval village. A visit to Mozia is a must, this island preserves an extraordinary plant biodiversity and an archaeological heritage of great value.
Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo offer instead the possibility of trekking in environments that recall the whole mountain environment (Marettimo) but always offering the frame of the sea and the relaxed atmosphere of the seaside villages, as well as historical and cultural richness (think of the extraordinary Genovese Cave in Levanzo).
A stop in Segesta allows us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of the ancient Greek world, a visit among the temples will be a real journey back in time. We will spend the last afternoon in Palermo to discover its beauty.
The journey is characterized by the alternation between trekking and cultural visits, nature and culture, sea and mountains, enriched by the Sicilian gastronomic tradition.
Discover the accompanied Trekking Holiday “Western Sicily: from Palermo to the Egadi islands”
A guided trip for trekking enthusiasts and for those who want to visit art heritage cities. A perfect mix of nature and culture, this trip has been designed to show you the best Sicily has to offer!
Day 1 – Palermo
Palermo
Arrival at Palermo airport, private transfer to the hotel. Meeting with the guide for briefings in the late afternoon.
Depending on the time of arrival, you can independently visit this extraordinary city. Capital of Sicily, it was home to multiple ethnic groups and cultures. It preserves its richness in architecture, which varies from the Arab style to the Norman style, from the Baroque to the Liberty, and in the gastronomy that maintains many traces of the not distant Arab culture. Its colorful outdoor markets are an unmistakable feature of the historic center/centre of this city.
Dinner at the restaurant and night at the hotel.
Day 2 - Favignana
Favignana
Breakfast at the hotel, transfer by private minibus to Trapani, and embarkation to Favignana. Hotel accommodation. Crossing the streets of the village you reach the castle of Santa Caterina for a beautiful excursion that will lead us to enjoy a magnificent view of the other islands and the salt pans of Trapani. Packed lunch during the excursion. Depending on the season, possibility to take a tour of the island by bicycle to visit the tuff quarries or to take advantage of the innumerable “coves” for a dip in the crystal clear water. Dinner at the restaurant and night at the hotel.
Day 3 – Marettimo
Marettimo
Breakfast at our hotel and embark for Marettimo, the “wildest” of the Egadi islands.
We begin our trek at the port, taking the path that goes round the north-east side of the island and which leads to the Castello di Punto Troia, a Spanish fort perched right above the sea. The smells of the wild aromatic plants will enrich our trek and add to the beauty of the sea views.
N.B. This is a demanding trek due to the pathway which is in places crumbling and is right on the cliff-edge. Much care is needed, as is suitable equipment (good trekking boots and a stick).
Day 4 – Levanzo
Levanzo
Breakfast at our hotel and embark for Levanzo. From the port, we start our climb towards the top of the island. Packed lunch during the trek.
Returning back down, we will cross a wooded area in order to reach, on the other side of the island, the Grotte del Genovese where we will be able to admire some prehistoric cave paintings.
Return to Favignana. Dinner in a restaurant, overnight stay in hotel.
Day 5 - The Saltpans of Trapani, Mozia, Erice
The Saltpans of Trapani, Mozia, Erice
Breakfast at the hotel and boarding for Trapani. Transfer by private minibus to the Salt Pans of Marsala. Visit of the center where it will be possible to understand the traditional extraction techniques and visit one of the water mills used for this activity. The pools of the salt pans give rise to a very suggestive landscape. On board a small boat, we will move to the island of Mothia, where we will be awaiting a local cultural guide to lead us to the discovery of the extraordinary plant biodiversity and immense archaeological wealth of the island. Packed lunch. Transfer to Erice, a charming medieval village. Free time to visit the center.
Dinner in restaurant in Trapani, night in Hotel.
Day 6 – Riserva della Zingaro
Riserva della Zingaro
Transfer by private minibus to the Riserva della Zingaro.
The first natural reserve to be established in Sicily, it is a place for beautiful walks surrounded by crystal-clear sea and the typical Mediterranean vegetation. Packed lunch during the trek.
At the end of our trek, we transfer to Trapani, a city which is famous for its red coral craftwork and for its food with its strong Arabic influence.
Dinner in a restaurant, overnight stay in hotel.
Day 7 – Segesta and Palermo
Palermo
Breakfast at the hotel, Transfer by private minibus to Segesta, in Palermo, free day for the discovery of this magnificent city. Option to have an authorized cultural guide for a guided tour of the city center. End of guide service before dinner.
Dinner in a restaurant, night at the hotel.
Day 8 – Palermo (Falcone Borsellino) Airport
Palermo (Falcone Borsellino) Airport
Private transfer to the airport.
End of our trip.
Technical information:
- Luggage transport: during the day you will take/will bring with you only the necessary for the daily excursion.
- Climate: Predominantly mild in spring and autumn, warm in summer (30 ° – 35 ° degrees in July)
- Accommodation: hotel (three stars)
- Meals: breakfast + dinner in hotel or restaurant, lunch is always provided in a packed lunch solution (during the excursion) unless otherwise indicated by the program.
- Placement: the local tour leader/guide for the duration of the stay. The guide will have three dinners and evenings during the week, including the evening of the seventh day. The guide is still available and available until your transfer to the airport.
- Group: minimum 6 persons- maximum 15 persons.