The Madonie is a local mountain reserve, the highest peak of which rises to 1,979 metres above sea level. It is a destination primarily for lovers of hiking, which can be combined with exploring mountain villages, allowing you to get a little off the beaten track.

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The hikes offer beautiful views not only of Mount Etna, but also of the volcanic cones of the Aeolian Islands peeking out from the sea. You can also sample and taste local wine.

Hiking and views

The Madonie Mountains are a hiker’s paradise. An undeniable advantage is the fact that, even in peak season, you’ll encounter very few people on the hiking trails.

The landscape is stunning, with evergreen forests alternating with mountain meadows and pastures, and bare peaks covered in Mediterranean vegetation. Hiking trails and mountain roads wind their way through small villages where life goes at its own pace; you can visit local pubs and enjoy the ever-present views of the countryside.

Official information about the park can be found atwww.parcodellemadonie.it; unfortunately, however, it is only available in Italian, so you’ll need to use a translator. The main hiking routes are also marked on mapy.cz.

Where to stay

The main centres and starting points for hiking trails are the villages of Castelbuono and Isnello, where you’ll find plenty of private guesthouses and self-catering flats.

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If you’re travelling by car and would prefer to stay in larger towns, then suitable starting points for exploring the Madonie are the historic town of Enna in the south or the seaside resort of Cefalù in the north.

How to get there

The best form of transport is definitely a hire car, which offers the greatest freedom when travelling through the mountains.

By bus, you can mainly reach the towns of Castelbuono and Isnello, which are served by the AST company from Cefalù. However, there are only a maximum of two services a day to both towns.

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