Hiking in Sicily: An 8-Day Hiking Trail Through the West

Hiking in Western Sicily means following a beautiful route dedicated to nature. As you walk along the trails on Sicily’s west coast, from Palermo to Trapani, you’ll discover the island’s most authentic region. Limestone cliffs plunging into the crystal-clear sea, lush Mediterranean scrub, small villages, and archaeological treasures.

We describe the route as you can do it on your own; in that case, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation on days 1, 3, and 6. You can also take this hiking trip as part of an organized tour. In that case, your luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel, and the transfers mentioned above are included. Please fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

A trip that keeps you active but also helps you unwind. In addition to enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of enchanting places frozen in time, you’ll be delighted by local delicacies and wines, as well as by the friendliness and cheerfulness of the locals.

Hiking Highlights in Western Sicily

• Wild Nature and Archaeological Treasures

• Hiking Trip in the Zingaro Reserve

• Old mule trails and coastal towers

• Discover the Egadi Islands

• Surrounded by the blue of the Sicilian Sea

Day 1: Arrival in Sicily and transfer to Scopello

From Palermo Airport, take the highway toward Trapani to reach the beautiful village of Scopello. Legend has it that Scopello was Odysseus’s final stop before he returned to Ithaca, and the artifacts found in the area bear witness to the presence of ancient civilizations.

The rocky peaks rising from the crystal-clear waters off Scopello are the first sight from this hike that will stay with you. The beauty of nature is the beating heart of this hiking trail in Sicily. The coves carved into the cliffs, the ancient Tonnara, the beaches, and the pristine coves will surprise you.

Overnight stay in Scopello.

Day 2: Hike in the Zingaro Nature Reserve

20/14 km, +800/300 m, -800/300 m

The second day of this hike through western Sicily is a walking trail through the Zingaro Nature Reserve.

The Zingaro Nature Reserve stretches along the western side of the Gulf of Castellammare, in the San Vito lo Capo area. The reserve covers 1,650 hectares; the hiking trail includes a path along the coastal road and a section of the route through the interior. While hiking in the Zingaro Nature Reserve, you’ll see the rocky coastline with its limestone base. The cliffs overlooking the sea alternate with pristine coves. The highest point in the Zingaro Nature Reserve is Monte Speziale at 913 meters. There are several possible routes in the nature reserve, along the coast or inland, and the routes can be combined. For example, you can hike a 20-km route but also shorten it to 14 km.

An endless panorama where the sea and sky meet. As you walk along the trails of western Sicily, you’ll see just how wild and beautiful nature can be at the same time. The colors of the Mediterranean scrub, the intense blue of the sea, the carob trees, and the dwarf palms create a unique landscape. The average annual temperature here is 19 degrees, making it an ideal place for lush nature, with vibrant colors, at any time of the year.

Overnight stay in Scopello

Day 3: Hike from Erice to Trapani

10 km, +50 m, -600 m

This day of hiking is dedicated to the westernmost part of Sicily, the Trapani region, where the Mediterranean Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea meet.

After breakfast, transfer to Erice. From the top of the ancient medieval village, follow a trail through the wooded area of Monte Erice, where you can admire Mediterranean pines, oaks, and eucalyptus trees. Along the way, you’ll come across the sanctuary of Sant’Anna, a place of worship; from the top, you can see Trapani and the Egadi Islands.

The rest of the day is devoted to exploring Trapani. The historic center stretches across the small peninsula that juts out into the sea and ends at the small harbor, which comes to life in the morning with the fish market.

Overnight stay in Trapani

Day 4: Hiking Trail on the Island of Favignana

8 km, +300 m, -300 m

After breakfast, you’ll take the hydrofoil to Favignana, where you’ll spend this day of your walking tour through Western Sicily. The island of Favignana is the largest and most important island in the Egadi Archipelago. Favignana is a fishing island, and part of its charm comes from the fishing nets, small boats, and moorings in the tiny harbor. The very fine white sand meets the crystal-clear sea: one of the most beautiful beaches is Cala Rossa. The rocky coastline, with the cliffs of Punta Fanfalo and Grotta Perciata, stands out against the sea and hides beautiful sea caves. From Punta Lunga, you can watch a stunning sunset.

Fans of industrial archaeology can visit the former Florio factory and learn about the history of the Florio family, who were entrepreneurs in the tuna trade.

If you follow the suggested (organized) route, you can reach the summit of Mount Santa Cristina, the mountain that divides the island in two.

Return trip by hydrofoil and overnight stay in Trapani

Day 5: Hike on the island of Levanzo

10 km, +200 m, -200 m

Today you’ll explore Levanzo, the smallest island in the Egadi Archipelago, accessible via a short hydrofoil ride. Levanzo is located just 11 kilometers from Trapani; it covers an area of only 6 km², and the island’s small town has a total population of about 450. The landscape is characterized by white limestone cliffs and the caves carved into them. The island of Levanzo is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and white beaches and offers several trails with stunning views. The island’s highest point, Pizzo Monaco, is about 270 meters above sea level. Don’t miss a visit to the Grotta del Genovese, a cave featuring prehistoric rock paintings.

Return trip by hydrofoil and overnight stay in Trapani

Day 6: Hike in the Segesta Archaeological Park

4 km, +250 m, -150 m

Today is dedicated to the archaeological treasures of Segesta, an ancient city with Greek roots.

The Segesta Archaeological Park is located in a valley surrounded by hills. The theater, built in the 3rd century B.C., dominates the valley. It is perfectly preserved; the auditorium on the rocky slope of Monte Barbaro has a diameter of 63 meters. At the bottom of the valley stands the Temple of Segesta, flanked by Monte Bernardo and Monte Barbaro. The 36 columns that make up the temple are still completely intact. After the visit, you’ll reach Palermo, where you’ll spend the last two nights of your Western Sicily hiking route.

Day 7: Exploring Palermo

A day entirely devoted to Italy’s westernmost capital: Palermo is chaotic and lively, full of charm and rich in history. Lose yourself in the streets of Borgo Antico and discover the charm of the markets. Let yourself be swept away by the emotions and scents of this magical city.

Overnight stay in Palermo.

Day 8: Palermo

The last day of your walking tour through Western Sicily

TIPS: Hiking in Western Sicily

• Before you set out on the hike, be sure to check the weather forecast and adjust your route accordingly if necessary
• The route described above ranges from 4 to 20 km per day and includes some elevation changes, but is perfectly manageable if you’re in good shape
• Be sure to pack appropriate clothing, hiking shoes, and swimwear for the trip
• Several boats operated by various companies depart daily from Trapani for the Egadi Islands
• Sicily has a long tourist season. It is recommended to hike this route in the early or late season due to the temperatures and crowds during the high season.

Hiking in Western Sicily on a map