Walk off the beaten track in the Madonie Mountains
If you're eager to book an idyllic break walking in Europe while avoiding the popular tourist areas, consider Sicily's Madonie Mountains as your destination. Well off the beaten track, this quiet location is perfect for getaways exploring the great outdoors.
Situated in the north of the island, these rugged mountains are little-visited, but offer holidaymakers a wealth of glorious scenery and peaceful trails to follow, ideal for self guided walking holidays. Walking through these stunning peaks, you can make your way to the glittering shores of the Tirrenian Sea.
Your walking holiday in Sicily will begin in Petralia Sottana, which you can spend the first day of your break exploring. Indeed, you could select a route that takes in both this charming town and its twin, Petralia Soprana, while also traversing the lower slopes of the Madonie Park.
Alternatively, you can simply peruse the tiny shops and charming churches of these pretty settlements.
The next day, you will leave Petralia Sottana behind and make your way along a mixture of woodland paths and countryside trails en route to your next hotel. This will be nestled in the heart of the Madonie Park, and to reach it you'll cross a peaceful valley and climb to the top of a ridge before making your final descent.
Affording you the chance to traverse part of the long-distance Sentiero Italia, the next day will take you into exciting terrain where you can see examples of the endemic species Nebrodi Fir. Once upon a time, these beautiful trees could be found across a large portion of the Sicilian mountains.
As you travel in a circular loop, you'll enjoy some incredible views from the highest points.
The following morning, you'll embark on a scenic route through a wide limestone valley. During your walk, you'll be surrounded by some of the Madonie's highest peaks.
This trail is wonderfully tranquil, running through the Pomo Plain's attractive woods and green pastures. Along this section of your journey, take the time to look at the stunning 14 m high holly trees, many of which are 300 years old.
Reaching Agrituristica Bergi, you'll have the option to continue your walk down to Castelbuono if you wish. Home to an impressive fortress, this busy town is renowned for its cake shops, which may particularly appeal to those with a sweet tooth.
The next day, you'll bid farewell to the centre of the Madonie Park and walk to your final hotel. The afternoon can be dedicated to relaxing, ahead of tackling your final trail the following morning.
However, you can simply spend the last day of your getaway unwinding at the hotel. Those keen to take one last picturesque walk, meanwhile, are able to make their way to the sanctuary of Gibilmanna.
From here, you can choose between continuing your walk or hopping on a bus to the sea at Cefalu. Home to some fabulous attractions, this historic town is a joy to explore. Among the amazing places you can visit is the Norman cathedral, which houses some fascinating mosaics.
If you're feeling energetic, you might like to ascend to La Rocca to visit the 13th-century castle, which offers incredible views over the Aeolian Islands.
