Itinerary: religious
8 days
The Via dei Frati (Friars' Way) is a trail that crosses Sicily, starting in the heart of the island and ending at the sea near Cefalù. It winds through hills, woods, and ancient paths, following the traces left over the centuries by the friars who traveled these lands to reach convents and small towns. Along the way, rural landscapes alternate with villages steeped in history, profound silence, and authentic encounters with the locals.
The trail invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in the nature of the Madonie, with challenging climbs and panoramic stretches offering spectacular views all the way to Etna and the Aeolian Islands. Each stage is punctuated by churches, convents, and spiritual symbols that tell the story of a still-vivid past. The welcome is warm and simple, often entrusted to small establishments managed with a spirit of sharing and typical Sicilian hospitality.
Arriving in Cefalù, after days of walking, is a true achievement: the sea suddenly appears bright, the Norman cathedral looms on the horizon, and you breathe a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The Via dei Frati is much more than a trek; it's an inner journey, a way to discover the most authentic Sicily and rediscover yourself.
Link:
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This stage kicks off just outside Caltanissetta on Via Pietro Leone (S.P. 128), winding through provincial roads and yellow‑arrow‑marked trails. You cross the countryside and pass beneath the Mimiani railway tunnel, then climb through an ancient olive grove to Masseria Mimiani and an old Moor’s‑head fountain. After passing a chapel shrine on a rocky spur, a final uphill stretch rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views before arriving in Marianopoli
Leaving Marianopoli, the route heads along the SP 121 toward Caltanissetta, then turns into rural terrain descending to a stream. The path climbs toward the Santuario di Castel Belici, following the SP 112. After crossing a small valley bridge, a left‑hand trail leads through fields and groves to Resuttano, offering a moderate elevation gain in peaceful countryside scenery
From Resuttano, the route leads toward the Castle and the River Imera, with an optional winter variant to bypass a ford during wet conditions. The path reaches the Sanctuary of Madonna dell’Olio, traverses Blufi via the Via Turistica, and crosses over an unfinished dam bridge. The scenery alternates forests, valleys, and small villages before arriving at Polizzi Generosa, covering around 24 km with approximately 700 m of ascent
One of the most demanding stages: you pass under the arches of an ancient Roman aqueduct next to a large watering trough, then pass through a conifer forest and climb up to about 1,810 m. At mid‑route there’s a spring near the Madonna dell’Alto. The views over the Imera valley are spectacular; this 18‑km segment includes significant elevation gain immersed in lush natural scenery
A gentler stage compared to the previous one: you start at the war memorial on Corso Agliata, climb toward the area known as “the Cross,” cross the provincial road and continue on a rural trazzera toward Petralia Soprana. You pass through the historic center and visit the Church of Loreto. In total approximately 14 km with moderate elevation change and characteristic scenic views
From Gangi’s cathedral square you descend along historic streets to the state road, passing pasturelands and small cultivated plots. A narrow trail and ancient mule-track lead to a stone bridge at the low point. From there, you climb toward Geraci Siculo through serene, rural landscapes, immersed in the authentic atmosphere of the Madonie mountains
Final and challenging stage that traverses Castelbuono, Isnello, and the Sanctuary of Gibilmanna before reaching Cefalù. It covers about 25.9 km with a total ascent of 797 m and descent of 1,156 m. The route offers breathtaking mountain‑to‑sea panoramas in a mystical, natural setting — a fitting conclusion to the pilgrimage
