Self guided 
Walking
Magna Via Francigena, Complete Tour
SiciliaDifficulty path:
Highlights
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The magic of Palermo: historic markets and traces of ancient cultures
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Santa Cristina Gela: at the heart of Arbëresh tradition
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Amidst wheat fields, olive groves, and Sicily’s rural soul
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Racalmuto: the Sicily of Leonardo Sciascia
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The Platani Valley: nature and timeless landscapes
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Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples: the grand finale of the journey
Program
Welcome to Palermo
Welcome to Palermo, the capital of Sicily and the starting point of the Magna Via Francigena. Take the time to explore the city and let yourself be guided by the aromas of its historic markets, the magical blend of architectural styles in the old town, and the many traces of its fascinating, millennia-old history. In the shadow of the Quattro Canti, you will discover an enigmatic and complex city—one that holds a tapestry of stories delightfully told through its rich local cuisine. Here are the five most famous Palermo specialties you simply must try.
From Palermo to Santa Cristina Gela
12km, +380m -340m
After a comfortable private transfer from Palermo to Piana degli Albanesi, the walk along the Magna Via Francigena officially begins.
The route leads to Santa Cristina Gela, a small town of Arbëresh origin, where the culture and traditions of the Albanian community remain an integral part of the local identity to this day.
→ If you wish to explore Palermo at your leisure, we recommend booking an extra night in this magnificent Sicilian capital at the beginning or end of the tour
From Santa Cristina Gela to Corleone
23km, +450m -620m
After a hearty breakfast, the journey along the Magna Via Francigena continues, revealing a more authentic side of Sicily far removed from standard tourist routes. Today’s stage leads to Corleone, a town set amidst a landscape rich in natural beauty and marked by a complex history—one from which it has managed to rise again thanks to the dedication of many young people. In this regard, the *Laboratorio della Legalità* (Legality Workshop)—housed in a property confiscated from boss Bernardo Provenzano—and the CIDMA (International Documentation Centre on the Mafia and the Anti-Mafia Movement) are well worth a visit.
Da Corleone a Prizzi
19km, +750m -350m
Lasciata Corleone, continua a camminare nel cuore della Sicilia, attraversando un territorio fatto di pascoli, colline e ampi panorami. La destinazione della giornata è Prizzi, fondata dagli esuli della mitica città di Hyppana, uno dei borghi più antichi dell'entroterra palermitano, situato in posizione panoramica tra gli splendidi Monti Sicani.
From Prizzi to Castronovo
25km, +529m, -835m
The walk along the Magna Via Francigena continues through the agricultural landscape of the Sicani Mountains. You will walk along trails and country roads, immersing yourself in the slow pace of rural Sicily. After passing Kassar Hill, you will reach Castronovo di Sicilia—an ancient inland village—where you can discover a historical and cultural heritage that tells the story of the various civilizations that have inhabited this region.
From Castronovo to Cammarata
19/25km, +450/550m -550/800m
Another day of walking through the Sicilian hinterland. You will traverse countryside and hilly terrain, eventually reaching Cammarata, situated at the foot of the imposing Mount Cammarata. This stage is one of the journey's most spectacular highlights, offering sweeping views of the enchanting Sicani Mountains landscape.
→ Upon request, today's stage can be shortened from 25 km to 19 km. odierna da 25 a 19km.
From Cammarata to Sutera
20km, +700m -750m
After leaving Cammarata, continue your journey towards Sutera, traversing the landscape of central Sicily
You will reach the village at the foot of Mount San Paolino, where you can stroll through the streets of the historic center and discover traces of its past. Sutera is included in the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" network and is one of the most distinctive places you will encounter along the Magna Via Francigena.
→ Today, too, the stage can be shortened from 20 km to 13 km with a short transfer at the start of the day..
From Sutera to Racalmuto
22km, +750m -900m
The trail leads ever deeper into the territory of Agrigento. Amidst rural roads, rolling hills, and landscapes shaped by agriculture, you will reach Racalmuto, a town closely linked to the writer Leonardo Sciascia. It is an opportunity to discover another side of Sicily—one defined by literature, culture, and local traditions.
From Racalmuto to Agrigento
13km, +250m -400m
This is the final leg of the full Magna Via Francigena walking route. The landscape gradually shifts as one approaches Agrigento, the journey's ultimate destination. The fascinating Petra di Calathansuderj points the way, while the surrounding scenery speaks of a past linked to mineral deposits.
The walk concludes in the heart of the Valley of the Temples—one of the Mediterranean's most important archaeological sites—where the history of Greek Sicily meets the Mediterranean landscape.
Bye bye Agrigento!
After breakfast, end of service.
We recommend taking some time to visit Agrigento and the extraordinary Valley of the Temples. This will allow you to dedicate your final day to exploring one of Sicily's iconic landmarks before concluding your journey along the Magna Via Francigena.
Variazioni del programma
A causa delle condizioni meteorologiche, di motivi organizzativi, di disposizioni emanate dalle autorità locali, l'itinerario potrebbe subire alcune modifiche prima e/o durante la vacanza. Lungo la strada si possono trovare deviazioni temporanee (ad esempio lavori stradali) che non possono essere previste; in questo caso ogni trekker può decidere autonomamente come affrontare questi tratti.
What's included
Our offer includes
- 9 nights with breakfast in double room
- Private transfer day 2
- Credential of Magna Via Francigena
- Detailed route description with maps
- Travel App (maps, tracks, route notes)
- Luggage transportation hotel to hotel
- Assicurazione medico-bagaglio
Not included
- Transfer OUT
- Other meals and drinks
- Public transport day 9
- Entrance fees and tips
- Hotel tourist taxes
- Insurance and everything not listed as "Included"
Departures and prices
Supplements per person
Other Information
The terrain in this part of Sicily features significant elevation changes to be tackled over the course of the hike. For this reason, the tour is best suited for those with a good level of walking fitness. The daily stages vary in length—from a minimum of 12 km to a maximum of 25 km—with estimated walking times ranging between 2.5 and 6 hours.
The route follows mostly dirt paths and country lanes, with only a few brief crossings of busy roads and some short stretches along water channels.
To ensure a safer and more comfortable journey, we recommend bringing comfortable hiking shoes suitable for the terrain, trekking poles (highly recommended), a hat, an ample supply of water, sunscreen, and a raincoat.
The walking itinerary along the Magna Via Francigena is designed to combine nature, culture, and local discovery, without compromising on comfort during the trip.
This tour offers accommodation in central B&B and selected 3* hotel.
All rooms are ensuite.
- 1 night in Palermo
- 1 night in Santa Cristina Gela
- 1 night in Corleone
- 1 night in Prizzi
- 1 night in Castronovo
- 1 night in Cammarata
- 1 night in Sutera
- 1 night in Racalmuto
- 1 night inAgrigento
9 breakfasts included.
→ We will take care of your luggage while you are walking.
For the whole duration of your tour, you can contact our assistance numbers.
A few days before departure you will receive by email the Service List with instructions for using the Travel App.
On day 2, during your first private transfer you will receive:
- updated Service List;;
- luggage Labels;;
- detailed Route Description with Maps;
- Credential of Magna Via Francigena.
Getting there
Palermo is easily reachable by train, bus, car and by air.
BY TRAIN. Trenitalia connects the main Italian cities with the capital of Sicily. From Milan it takes from 15 to 20 hours of travel, with 1 or two changes; from Rome about 11/12 hours with direct line. On www.viaggiatreno.it you can find update informations about train routes.
BY AIR. Palermo Airport Falcone e Borsellino is well connected to the most important Italian and foreign cities.
The airport is about 35km from the city and is well connected with the bus service of the Prestia e Comandè bus lines. More information at the following link.
The train service to and from the airport has also been reactivated, for information and timetables refer to the Trenitalia website.
BY BUS. Palermo is also accessible by bus. Here some of the major operating companies: Marinobus, Baltour & Flixbus, Sais autolinee, Buscenter.
BY CAR. To get to Palermo by car, there are convenient maritime connections departing from Naples, Livorno, Genoa, Tunis. Instead, crossing the Strait of Messina, take the A20 Messina-Palermo, a very suggestive but very busy route.
Back to Palermo
From Agrigento, the last stage of the Magna Via Francigena, it is possible to reach Palermo using the regional connections of the State Railways. The train ticket is about € 10.00; travel time is approximately 2hrs. The rides are reduced during Sunday and public holidays.
→ If you prefer to travel in total comfort, you can book a private transfer on the days of arrival and departure..