Sicily

Hi,

I would suggest checking out the Madonie Mountains. Cefalu is technically part of the park, but it is a fairly large park with a variety of hiking options and beautiful views. There are a handful small towns (Collesano, Isnello, Castlebueno) within the park. Unsure of why type of hiking you are looking for on your vacation, but we enjoyed it. I would say most of them are off the beaten path, but are easily reachable from Cefalu (the base we used) or about an hour from Palermo unless you decided to stay in the park. I believe you will need a car to really explore the area.

Enjoy!

Here are a few suggestions of off the beaten path towns based on my experience. No help for hikes.

One small town that really impressed me with its uniqueness was Mazara del Vallo. It is located on the tip of Sicily closest to Tunisia. Christian, Tunisian and Jewish influence is very notable in the Old Town. The historic center is small, flat and easily walkable and many of the narrow alleyways are decorated with tile murals depicting scenes of historic or cultural significance for the area. If you go, stop by to see the Dancing Satyr, pulled by local fisherman from the sea. There is a train station very close to the historic center. Mazarra del Vallo is on the coast, not very far from the huge impressive archaeological park of Selinunte. I took a train from Mazara del Vallo to Castelvetrano and from there a bus that dropped off near the park entrance. Most tourists go to see the ancient Greek ruins in Agrigento and are not even aware of this park's existence. It is uncrowded, right at the water's edge, and expansive and you are free to wander among and explore all the ruins.

Last year i also visited two other places you might like. Not far from Palermo, on the outskirts of Partinico there is a very small village that was once almost abandoned and has now been renewed artistically and is drawing in curious visitors. Research Borgo Parrini. Could be worth a stop for an hour or two as you head to Segesta or Erice. We also visited the very eerie Cretto di Burri, a most unusual experience in the middle of agricultural lands. This is the original site of the town of Gibellina. The whole town was destroyed by a major earthquake in 1968. The artist, Burri, encased all the ruins in cement preserving the routes of the original streets. It is well worth a visit for something very somber and different. The day we went, we were the only ones there. The town of Gibellina was relocated several miles away and is now also a hub for artwork, some of which is quite unusual. Check out the horse sculptures outdoors at the Museo delle Trame Mediterranee.

Check to see if any of the small towns in the areas you are visiting are celebrating their traditional feast days. What fun experiences you will have and you will get to see the local color, traditions and fervor of the people.

The middle of the island is largely "off the beaten path" and compared to the mainland, the whole island is pretty much so.

Once you have figured out what interests you, just search alltrails for hikes that fit your criteria

Monte Cofano, and Monte Monaco are great hikes. Rewarding. Close to Castelluzzo, and Trapani.
Also hot, without shade in Sicilia.
Start early, pack water, and experience the challenge and adventure.

Enjoy SIcilia!

Scopello might be one good spot for you. It is a tiny town on the west coast, about halfway between Palermo and Trapani. Nearby is the Zingaro Nature Reserve, with a gorgeous 4-mile hike beside the sea.

The town itself is just a handful of restaurants & shops & b&b’s … which we loved, after a stay in busy Palermo.