dossier

Islands of Sicily Walk

Day 1: Arrive in Scopello
We meet you at the airport and brief you on your week then take you to your hotel (40mins) in time for aperitifs on the terrace before dinner.

Day 2: Zingaro Nature Reserve  8mi/13km/3.5hr or 12mi/20km/6hr

There's lots of choice of distance for your first day - so you can walk as much or as little as you like.  Wind your way up through asphodel, wild fennel, dwarf palm, pomegranate and citrus trees to amazing view point overlooking the stunning coastline of tiny sandy coves lapped by sapphire waters. 

Day 3:  Segesta and Trapani

By private transfer (30 mins) to the 2,500 year old temple of Segesta and the marvellously preserved theatre.  After lunch in Trapani to taste the famous granite - lemon, almond or even coffee flavoured  - you catch the ferry to Marettimo (1 hr), arriving in time for a swim before you first dinner in the old town.

Day 4:  Punta Libeccio Lighthouse Walk 9mi/14km/4.5hr

A path through pine woods and across citrus-carpeted hillsides takes you from the east to the south west coasts, with striking views from high above the village.  There's complete peace and quiet as you picnic by the lighthouse - look out for red kites and Bonelli's eagles cruising the thermals - and gaze down at the sparkling waters at the Egadi Islands shimmering in the distance.

Day 5:  Levanzo  4mi/7km/3.5hr

It's a short crossing to Levanzo where a coastal path bright with lilac scabious leads past deserted stone farm houses and olive trees to the Grotta del Genovese.  Time to admire the marvellously well preserved 11BC cave paintings and engravings lining the cavern walls.  The bay here is a good picnic spot.  Time for a swim in the pool or jacuzzi before your final evening meal in Marettimo.

Day 6:  Medieval Erice

Today you return to the mainland and visit the hilltop town of Erice.  Its smooth marble streets reveal medieval churches, old city gates, ancient squares and a stunning Norman castle set against a backdrop of the entire north western shoreline.  A private transfer takes you to Daniels' charming little hotel where you spend your final two nights.

Day 7:  Monte Cofano 6mi/10km/4hr

Anscenic ride to the foot of Monte Confano is followed by a gentle ascent through twisted olive trees - breathtaking views over the Bays of Bonagia.  Descending, you reach an old tonnara (tuna factory) whose sapphire waters are perfect for a dip. Then a cliff path fringed with red valerian and feild gladioli leads into the village of Cornino for late lunch before we meet you and take you to San Vito Lo Capo.

Day 8:  Leave for home

We take you to the airport (1 hour) in time for your return flight. 

Walking Details:

This holiday follows mainly stony coastal paths, with frequent small ascents and descents.  There's a good choice of walks at different levels on Marettiom, however, walking boots are essential throughout.