Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PARCO NATURALE REGIONALE DELLE MADONIE
Travellers making their way between Palermo and Cefalù have the option of visiting two
very different destinations within the space of a few days. After spending time jostling with
armies of sun-seeking holidaymakers on the overdeveloped coast, savvy visitors inevitably
choose to abandon their deckchairs and head to the hills to savour the spectacular scenery
The Monti Madonie (Madonie mountains) are crowned by Pizzo Carbonara - at 1979m
the highest mountain in Sicily after Mt Etna - and the regional park takes in farms, hilltop
towns and ski resorts.
Here, the seasons are distinct: spring sees spectacular spreads of wildflowers carpeting
the mountain slopes; autumn brings with it wild mushrooms and the rich hues of forest fo-
liage; winter prompts downhill action on the ski slopes; and June and July offer blissfully
cool temperatures and an escape from the coastal crowds.
This is an area where people live and work, not just a nature reserve, meaning that you
can combine hiking with visits to historic hilltop towns and meals in some of Sicily's best
restaurants. It's perfectly suited to slow, culturally rich travel.
Park offices in Petralia Sottana and Cefalù offer details about several one-day walks, as
well as information about transport and accommodation. They also stock the 1:50,000
Madonie/Carta dei Sentieri e del Paesaggio
map (€3), which highlights the region's walk-
ing trails.
Getting There & Away
The best way to explore the Madonie Regional Park is by car, but it's also possible to ac-
cess the major towns by bus from the coast.
BY CAR
To access the park from Palermo and other points west, head east along the coastal SS113
to Campofelice di Roccella and then turn off for Collesano, 13km inland. From Cefalù it is
even easier: just follow the directions for the Santuario di Gibilmanna (Sanctuary of Gibil-
manna), 14km to the south on the SP54bis.
BY BUS
From Palermo, SAIS Trasporti (
Click here
) operates services to Castelbuono (€8.30, 1¾
hours, three Monday to Saturday, one Sunday), as well as two to three buses per day to
