Current as of: January 9, 2025 - 00:07

Walking the Highlights of Western Sicily Walk

Walking the Highlights of Western Sicily Walk Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
  • Destination: Italy
  • Programmes: Walking & Trekking
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate

  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 13+
  • Trip Code: W07MR

Trip Overview

Discover Sicily’s sapphire waters, hidden sandy coves and unexplored islands

Starting at the Moorish village of Scopello, this seven night walking holiday allows you to uncover the secrets of one of the most remote areas of Sicily. The national parks and unexplored islands are the perfect place to appreciate the peace and tranquillity and explore the cultural highlights including ancient ruins, medieval churches and prehistoric caves.

At a Glance

  • 7 nights accommodation in 4* hotels
  • 5 days circular walking
  • Low altitude and well-marked paths
  • Self-guided holiday.

Highlights

  • Turquoise seas, coral-lined grottoes and unspoilt sandy beaches
  • Exotic Mediterranean flora: orange groves, dwarf palms and olive trees
  • Medieval churches, ancient villages and pre-historic caves
  • Visit the 2,500-year-old temple at Segesta
  • Fantastic bird spotting opportunities

Is This Trip for You?

This holiday follows mainly stony paths with some paved tracks and frequent ascents and descents, some of which are steep and uneven; walking boots are essential throughout. The route is suitable for anyone looking for walks of 4-6 hours and confident with daily ascents/descents of up to 700m. Walkers don’t need specific hiking experience, however, good health and a reasonable level of fitness is required.

This is a self-guided tour, as such there will be no group or tour leader and you are free to complete the walks at your own pace.

You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference:

http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the routes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route directions and maps are provided in our app. The app contains an emergency telephone number. In an emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi. They may wish to charge for this service.

Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.

Adult min age: 13

Itinerary

Walking the Highlights of Western Sicily Walk

Land Only

  • Start City: Scopello
  • End City: Trapani

Flight Inclusive

  • Start City: London
  • End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Scopello

Arrive at your hotel in Scopello where we brief you on your walking week before dinner. You spend three nights here.

 

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 2
Zingaro Nature Reserve

Wind your way up through asphodel, wild fennel, dwarf palm, pomegranate and citrus trees to amazing viewpoints overlooking the stunning coastline of tiny sandy coves lapped by sapphire waters.

 

Distance covered: 9mi (14km)

Activity hours: 4.5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Monte Inici

There’s a short transfer (10 mins) this morning before you set off on a winding uphill path past dwarf palms, holm oak and eucalyptus on the flanks of Monte Inici – with luck you can spot buzzard, peregrine falcon or the Sicilian rock partridge which is a protected species here. The vistas open up over Scopello and the Zingaro reserve, before a final uphill push, rewarded with truly outstanding views onto the Gulf of Castellammare. Descend to the gorgeous and quintessentially Sicilian town of Castellammare with its Aragonese castle and maze of medieval streets.

 

Distance covered: 9mi (15km)

Activity hours: 4.5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Segesta, medieval Erice and Trapani

Transfer to the 2,500 year old temple of Segesta and the marvellously preserved theatre, then on to the hilltop town of Erice with its winding marble streets, old city gates, medieval churches, ancient squares and stunning Norman castle. Continue to Baroque Trapani and the 4* Room of Andrea.

 

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Levanzo

It’s a 50 minute 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 – admire the marvellously well preserved 11BC cave paintings and engravings lining the cavern walls. Back in Trapani, why not grab a granita at the Torre di Ligny at sundown to savour the location’s stunning sunsets!

 

Distance covered: 7mi (11km)

Activity hours: 4

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Favignana

Take the hydrofoil (30 minutes) to the largest of the Egadi islands, Favignana, with its pretty bays framed by azure seas. From the cluster of whitewashed houses in Favignana town, head uphill to the panoramic 15th century Castello di Santa Caterina, from where there are superb 360 degrees vistas of Favignana and the other Egadi islands on a clear day. Return to the port via the Neogothic Palazzo Florio and the golden sands of Spiaggia Praia.

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Activity hours: 3.5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Monte Cofano

A scenic lift to the foot of Monte Cofano is followed by a gentle ascent through twisted olive trees with breathtaking views over the Bay of Bonagia. Descending, you reach an old tonnara (tuna factory) where nearby coves with sapphire waters are perfect for a dip. Then a cliff path fringed with red valerian and field gladioli leads into the village of Cornino for a late lunch before we meet you and take you back to your hotel.

 

Distance covered: 7mi (11km)

Activity hours: 4.5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Leave Trapani

If you have pre-booked a transfer through Headwater, you will be picked up by taxi for the drive back to Palermo airport in time for your flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Hotels

Walking the Highlights of Western Sicily Walk

Your hotels are each special in their own contrasting ways. In the sleepy village of Scopello, you stay at the 4* Baglio di Scopello, with its tempting outdoor swimming pool, perfect for a post walk dip, whilst in Trapani, your accommodation is the 4* Room of Andrea, located in the spectacular Palazzo Platamone, and boasting superb views from its roof top pool.

All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs. Please call for further details.

Single supplement from £ 346

Food & Drink

Daily breakfast included.

Sicily’s typically southern Italian cuisine is interspersed with many more exotic dishes reflecting the island’s jumbled cultural past. Italian dishes like pasta alla norma (made with tomatoes, aubergine and grated ricotta) are often found on menus along with couscous (a north African speciality), or even pasta con le sarde (a pasta dish dating back to Phoenician times made from sardines, raisins, pine nuts, fennel, saffron, parsley and capers).

The Arabs introduced citrus groves to the island and a popular drink today is granita made with crushed ice and lemon. This was traditionally drunk with sweet bread dipped in it as a lunchtime snack by Sicilian peasants.
Fish is of course also abundant. Local specialities include pesce spada alla ghiotta (swordfish cooked with tomatoes, capers, onion, celery and potatoes) or tonno fresco alla brace (grilled fresh tuna).

Sicily is famed for its desserts. Why not try cannolo, a crunchy pastry tube filled with ricotta cheese and studded with candied fruits, pistachio and chocolate? Or cassata, the Arab influenced cake made with ricotta cheese, candied fruit and chocolate pieces.

Sicily is not traditionally famous for its wines, so it is surprising to learn that the island boasts one of the largest wine producing areas in the whole of Italy. Look out for the Etna DOC label and Corvo di Salaparuta. One of Sicily’s most popular wines is Alcamo Bianco – a soft white which goes well with fish dishes.

Transport

Luggage transfers between hotels are included and are subject to al least 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. Your transfers are included on days 3, 4 and 7 . If you have booked a flight inclusive package, your airport transfers are included.

Weather & Seasonality

Sicily has a good all year round climate, with plenty of sunshine and warm/hot temperatures. The summer departures ought to have daily hot sunshine and temperatures can reach 30 to 35 degrees Celcius. The earlier and later departures are likely to be cooler with a slightly higher chance of rain. In late summer there is the possibility of heavy thunderstorms, but these are usually short-lived.

Weather Charts

Walking the Highlights of Western Sicily Walk

Joining Instructions

Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Scopello on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Hotel check-in times are normally from around 4pm.

We can book your flights from London to Palermo, as well as your transfers from Palermo to Scopello and Trapani to Palermo; please contact us if you’d like us to organise this for you.

 

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Scopello
Location end: Trapani

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Good walking boots
Small daypack for camera, guidebook, etc.
Water bottle to use when walking and sightseeing (2 litre)
Sun cream
Hat
Sunglasses
Waterproofs
Warm clothes

Optional Equipment

Walking poles
Swimming costume

Reading List

– DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to Sicily
– Cadogan Guide: Sicily
– The Insight Regional Guide to Sicily
– Lonely Planet Regional Guide to Sicily
– Michelin Green Guide: Sicily

Practical Information

Passport

Passports: check if you need to renew

You may need to renew your British passport earlier if you’re travelling from 1 January 2021.

On the day you travel, you’ll need your passport to both:

  • have at least 3 months left after the day you plan to leave the country (check the ‘expiry date’)
  • be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left – check the ‘date of issue’)

Certain European nationalities may be able to travel within Europe on their national identity card. Check carefully with the relevant authorities if you intend to do this.

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Vaccinations and Health

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz

Walking the Highlights of Western Sicily Walk

Money

Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)

ATM Availability

ATMs are in general widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

You will need money for lunches, dinners, local taxes (€6), snacks and drinks and any sites you wish to visit. Lunches can be inexpensive if you buy produce from local markets or shops and make a picnic. However, if you stop at a café you can easily spend €15. We would recommend budgeting for €10-15 for lunches and €20-40 for dinners depending on what type of restaurant you eat in. Allow an additional €10 a day for any extras. Please allow approximately €68 for entrance fees to the Zingaro Nature Reserve, Segesta, the ferry to Favignana and Levanzo, and admission to the caves.

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

Seatbelts

All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.