Trails of Western Sicily

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.3 Read 7 reviews

Uncover the secrets of Sicily’s off-the-beaten-track Western coast
Pristine and undiscovered nature reserve of Zingaro
The ancient city of Palermo, rich in culture and architecture
Charming Egadi Islands of Levanzo and Favignana boasting a long history
Classic local cuisine and wines specific to Western Sicily, such as Marsala

Discover Sicily’s windswept and unspoilt Western coast and its intriguing mix of nature, history and culture. The sweeping views of the mountains that meet turquoise seas in the nature reserves of Zingaro and Monte Cofano are a sight to behold, as are the vistas upon reaching the dizzying heights of Erice, an impregnable hilltop town, perched at 750m above sea level. The Segesta Archaeological Site and its well-preserved Greek Theatre is a highlight. Levanzo and Favignana, two of the Egadi Islands, are charming with their white-washed cubed houses, more reminiscent of Greece than Italy. The excellent culinary tradition here draws on many influences and the revolution in the Sicilian wine industry during the 1980s has produced some remarkable local wines.

What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

The walks on this tour are rated easy to moderate and the distances very manageable, giving you time to discover this part of Sicily’s incredible history and culture. Another great reason to visit are the excellent restaurants serving unforgettable local cuisine. If you are a wine lover you will appreciate the local wines, such as Marsala and Nero d’Avola.

Tour Type:

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 5 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Foodie
Wine
Islands
Coastal Walking

Activity Level & Terrain

Although this trip is graded easy to moderate overall, it is advisable that you will have had previous walking experience. You will be walking on large dirt roads, mule tracks and on paths. You should be in good physical fitness to fully enjoy the walking on this tour. Although the distances are fairly short there are some elevation gains and losses, but mostly only about 200-300m. However on the Zingaro Nature Reserve walk the elevation gain is 500m and on the Erice walk the elevation loss is 650m.

Navigation

The route is at times waymarked (in the Nature Reserves) but outside of this there will be little way-marking. Detailed routes note and maps will provided for you.

Accommodations

7 Nights in good quality B&B’s, and 3* hotels. The accommodation normally used is detailed below. However we may use alternatives of a similar standard should the dates you request not be available.

Solo Walkers & Single Rooms

This trip is available to solo walkers, although there is a supplement due to the fact that some of the costs (such as transfers) are not shared. Single rooms are available on request and a supplement is payable.

Meals

A breakfast will be provided by your accommodation every morning. Usually they are buffet-style or continental breakfasts. Dinners are not included, however there are options to dine out either at your accommodation (if they have a restaurant) and in the village and towns in which your accommodation is situated. Lunch is also not included, but you can find small stores in which to purchase items for a picnic lunch. In your route notes we give advice on where you can eat/pick up lunch.

Included

7 Nights in B&B’s, & 3* hotels
7 Breakfasts
Baggage transfers
Private transfers on Days 1, 3, 6 & 7
Route notes, maps and detailed information pack
24-7 Emergency telephone support

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to and from Palermo
Lunches & Dinners
Drinks and snacks
Ferries or entrances
Tourist taxes (usually €1.50 per day)
Personal equipment

Extras

Extra nights before, during or after your walk

When To Go

As with much of Italy, Spring is a lovely time of year for walking due to the wild flowers popping up everywhere. Also the Autumn is great and you can walk when any crowds have left. The height of summer can be hot to walk so you will need to start out early and take plenty of sun protection and water.

Getting to the Start

By Air: You can fly into Palermo Airport.

There are flights to Palermo from the UK. (Ryanair and Easyjet). At the time of writing this, Alitalia, Lufthansa and Air France also have flights from Europe into Palermo. From Palermo Airport there is an included transfer to Scopello. Please let us know what time your flight arrives so that we can set up the transfer for you.

Should you wish to take a ferry from the mainland Italy there are overnight ferries from places such as Naples, Civitavecchia and Genoa.

Getting from the End

Your last night will be spent in Palermo. You can take either a bus or taxi to the airport. Buses leave every 30 mins from the Central Station and take 45 mins. We can arrange a private taxi transfer from your accommodation to the airport. Please ask your Destination and Adventure Specialist for details.

Luggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight stay. On this particular tour your luggage will be transferred at the same time as you. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sunhat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a daypack.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with us that you have suitable travel insurance that covers you for cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury.

How fit do I need to be?

How far in advance do I need to book?

What personal equipment do I need?

What happens if I can't walk a stage?

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Scopello and overnight Day 2 Zingaro Natural Reserve Walk 7 miles / 12 km

Walk directly out of your hotel and into the Zingaro Natural Reserve. This is Sicily’s first natural reserve and established in 1976. It is home to towering limestone hills, interspersed by spectacular caves and a coastline dotted scattered with coves and cliffs. During your walk you will visit various coves with the opportunity to swim in the turquoise waters if the weather permits.

During your walk spot the great diversity of flora and fauna with over 600 species of plants, ferns and lichens. Keep your eyes peeled for the Bonelli eagle, the swift peregrine, plus the Sicilian lizard!

Overnight Scopello

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Pensione Tranchina | Pension

Situated in the medieval town of Scopello, less than 2 km from the Zingaro nature reserve, this small guest house is noted for its warm atmosphere, it’s delicious cuisine and its cleanliness. The guest house has been run for 30 years by Marisin and Salvatore Tranchina.

For breakfast you may choose from fresh fruit, Sicilian cheeses, bread cooked in the wood oven, and homemade olive oil and jam. Dinner will be a traditional first-course pasta dish followed by fresh fish. (on request we also provide meat or a vegetarian option), seasonal vegetable side-dishes, fresh fruit and homemade desserts. (Dinner is payable locally)

Hotel Baglio Dello Zingaro | 3 Star | Hotel

This small hotel is situated just outside the ancient village of Scopello on the hillside with views over the coastline below. The staff pride themselves on providing an attentive service to all their guests. The cosy rooms are equipped with a TV, minibar, and air conditioning. There is WiFi access in the common areas.

B&B Talia | Bed and breakfast

Sit out on the terrace which looks out over the sea. Admire the views as you eat your fortifying breakfast. All the colourfully decorated rooms boast Wifi and a spacious sitting area. You are very close to the main piazza of this small village.