Itinerary: historical
11 days
The Via Fabaria is a fascinating historical trail that crosses southeastern Sicily, following an ancient route that connected the cities of Agrigento and Gela to Syracuse. Its name recalls the ancient presence of "fabae," or broad beans, cultivated and traded along this rural and coastal route. Walking the Via Fabaria, you'll encounter captivating landscapes, including cultivated fields, nature reserves, golden beaches, and small villages that retain the authentic Sicilian atmosphere. The trail allows you to discover archaeological remains, evidence of the ancient civilizations that inhabited the island, as well as churches, farmhouses, and places where agricultural traditions and local culture are still expressed today. Traveling the Via Fabaria means immersing yourself in Mediterranean nature, crossing reserves like the Irminio River and areas of natural interest, until you reach the sea, where the journey often ends with breathtaking sunsets. It's a slow travel experience, ideal for those who want to experience the most authentic Sicily, savoring the rhythm of the land and meeting its communities.
Link:
http://www.viefrancigenedisicilia.it/Fb.php
The journey begins descending from the rocky ridge of Agrigento, with more than one-third of the stage on asphalt. It features frequent ups and downs—quite challenging in terms of length and elevation—leading out of the city across urban edges and Mediterranean countryside.
Departing from the “Gattopardo” town, the route heads southeast into the Licata plain, partly retracing the ancient Roman road described in the Itinerarium Antonini. Coastal and rural landscapes accompany pilgrims all the way to Licata.
A short stage tracing the mouth of the Salso River along the Gulf of Gela. It bypasses the SS115 by following a coastal route reminiscent of the ancient Roman roadway.
The path winds between sandy beaches and clay cliffs—scenic yet exposed terrain—so ample water is essential. This stage concludes with entry into seaside Gela.
Leaving the coast behind, the route delves into Gela’s verdant plain. Elevation changes are modest and the surrounding farmland stretches all the way to Niscemi, where historical and scenic viewpoints await.
A medium‑length stage crossing the inland farms of southeast Sicily, following old royal farm tracks (regie trazzere) from Niscemi to Caltagirone, the core of the Via Fabaria—an interplay of flatlands and gentle hills.
From Caltagirone’s historic core, the trail ventures into farmlands once ruled by the Baron of Vizzini, arriving at Grammichele—famed for its hexagonal urban layout and orderly central square.
A long and demanding stage in terms of length and elevation profile that penetrates inland Catania’s hills, woods and valleys—always with Mount Etna in view—ending in Militello.
Although long, this leg is moderate in difficulty: it reaches Lentini via sections of urban roads, some with traffic, and offers a rest stop in Scordia.
An unusual segment that uses train travel to bypass the heavily developed Catania plain and the Sigonella air base, concluding in Paternò.
A shorter stage mixing countryside paths and provincial roads, moving from Paternò to Adrano, with urban landscape increasing toward the end.
To avoid heavily built-up areas near Mount Etna and the Simeto River, the trail diverts into volcanic farmlands, concluding in Bronte.
Leaving Bronte, the path follows the Saracena stream west of the volcanic ravines of the Simeto, leading to the Maniace Abbey within the Nelson Castle.
The journey concludes in Randazzo, a medieval town built of lava stone—where Norman history, architecture and vistas of Mount Etna merge.
