Sicily and Egadi Islands Walking Holidays

On your first day of these walking holidays, you’ll arrive in the charming medieval town of Erice, located on a mountain overlooking the city of Trapani and the western coast of Sicily. Upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this enchanting town, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Today, you’ll take a scenic route that will take you through the hilly countryside surrounding the picturesque medieval town of Erice. Despite being a short walk, you’ll still have ample time to explore the historic center of Erice, with its labyrinth of narrow alleyways, renowned pastry shops, and numerous churches. Don’t miss out on the local specialty, Genovesi, a delectable shortcrust pastry filled with cream.

Erice is known for its dramatic hilltop location that boasts the impressive 12th-century Castello di Venere, a Norman fortress atop a rocky outcrop, offering sensational and far-reaching views of the surrounding landscape. After exploring the town, you can have dinner at a local restaurant to sample some of Sicily’s famous cuisine.

To kick off your day, you’ll depart from Erice and descend towards Trapani via a panoramic trail that winds across the western slopes of Monte Erice, offering stunning views of the Egadi Islands. Once you reach Trapani, you can either continue on foot to the Old Town via the main shopping street or take a bus to cover the remaining distance (pay locally). 

We recommend setting aside some time to explore Trapani’s vibrant historic quarter before meeting with your luggage for a late-afternoon boat journey (30 minutes) to Favignana, the largest of the Egadi Islands. You are in for a relaxing stay on the picturesque island of Favignana, where you can enjoy the island’s natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and laid-back lifestyle.

The Egadi Islands are a beautiful addition to your Sicily Walking Holidays, with their whitewashed houses, colorful fishing villages, sun-kissed hills, and lush tropical vegetation. The islands have a distinct North African influence.

You can choose among three walking routes on the Egadi Islands over two days. 

The Cala Rossa circuit follows quiet tracks and dusty roads across the interior, passing ancient tufa quarries and the Giardino dell’Impossibile botanical garden (pre-booking required). Your route then leads to the craggy coastline and several inviting coves where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters before returning to Favignana.

The Monte Santa Caterina route ascends the island’s highest hill. You will hike up a steep, paved path to reach the ruins of the Norman castle, where you will bask in the stunning views of the whole archipelago. You can also continue to Punta Grosso’s summit cross.

Finally, you can take a boat (pay locally) to Levanzo, the smallest of the three Egadi Islands, for the 9-km Levanzo hike. With no real roads, Levanzo is perfect for exploring on foot. You can walk across the grazing pastureland, shaded pine woods, and idyllic coves.

Apart from our recommended walking routes, you can enjoy leisurely al fresco lunches at traditional trattorie and take refreshing dips in the clear turquoise waters. Additionally, you can rent bikes to explore the islands at your own pace.

On the fifth day of your walking holidays in Sicily, you can choose one of the two remaining options from the day before. All of them are equally charming and scenic, meaning you cannot go wrong with any.

You will commence the day with a morning boat ride to Trapani, where a taxi awaits to transport you to the tranquil and remote Sicilian countryside. As you trek through the peaceful rural scenery, the terrain transitions into a rocky and rougher landscape, revealing magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea. Your hike ends with a descent into Scopello, a charming village where you will stay for your final two nights.

After breakfast, you will embark on a breathtaking walking journey through the stunning Zingaro Nature Reserve, just a stone’s throw away from Scopello. This wild and rugged stretch of coastline is a true paradise, boasting soaring cliffs that plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.

Our circular route takes you through the reserve’s southern entrance and guides you through panoramic open hillsides before leading you onto a coastal path. This lower path is surrounded by lush vegetation and fringed by inviting white-shingled coves, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters.

On your final day in Scopello, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before taking the remaining time to explore the surroundings however you wish. We can coordinate a transfer for your departure.