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.
📍 Agrigento, Sicilia · 👥 55367 residents
Agrigento is a Sicilian city located on the island's southwest coast, renowned for its rich historical, archaeological, and cultural heritage. Founded around the 6th century BC as a Greek colony called Akragas, Agrigento...
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.
📍 Agrigento, Sicilia · 👥 21369 residents
Palma di Montechiaro is a municipality located in the province of Agrigento, Sicily. Its history dates back to antiquity, with traces of settlements dating back to Greek and Roman times. The municipality's name derives f...
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.
📍 Agrigento, Sicilia · 👥 34290 residents
Licata is a municipality located on the southern coast of Sicily, in the province of Agrigento. With a rich history and cultural influences, Licata boasts a strategic location that has favored its development over the ce...
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.
📍 Caltanissetta, Sicilia · 👥 2039 residents
Butera is a municipality in central-southern Sicily, located in the province of Caltanissetta, with a population of approximately 4,000. The area is strategically located between the hilly hinterland and the coastal stri...
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.
📍 Caltanissetta, Sicilia · 👥 70856 residents
Gela is a municipality located on the southern coast of Sicily, known for its rich history dating back to antiquity. Founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC, the city has endured various dominations over the centurie...
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.
📍 Caltanissetta, Sicilia · 👥 12411 residents
Niscemi, located in the province of Caltanissetta, strategically positioned between the island's southern coast and the mountainous hinterland, has a town center characterized by narrow alleys and ancient churches. The r...
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.
📍 Catania, Sicilia · 👥 35610 residents
Caltagirone is a Sicilian municipality located in the province of Catania, known for its rich history and ceramic tradition. Its name derives from the Arabic term "qal'at-al-jarar," meaning "fortress of the terracotta va...
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.
📍 Catania, Sicilia · 👥 12353 residents
Grammichele is a municipality located in the province of Catania, Sicily. Its history dates back to ancient times, when it was known as "Casale di Gerbi." In 1693, a devastating earthquake struck the region and completel...
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.
📍 Catania, Sicilia · 👥 6747 residents
Militello in Val di Catania is a municipality located in the province of Catania, Sicily, in a geographical position between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. The municipal territory covers an area of approximately 25 km² a...
An unusual segment that uses train travel to bypass the heavily developed Catania plain and the Sigonella air base, concluding in Paternò.
📍 Siracusa, Sicilia · 👥 21450 residents
Lentini is a Sicilian municipality located in the province of Syracuse, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The city has ancient origins, dating back to Greek times, when it was known as Leontini. Subsequen...
📍 Catania, Sicilia · 👥 298680 residents
Catania is a fascinating city located on the eastern coast of Sicily, at the foot of the imposing Mount Etna. With a millennia-old history and a profoundly Mediterranean soul, it is one of the island's most vibrant and c...
A shorter stage mixing countryside paths and provincial roads, moving from Paternò to Adrano, with urban landscape increasing toward the end.
📍 Catania, Sicilia · 👥 44954 residents
Paternò is a municipality located in the province of Catania, Sicily. Its history dates back to antiquity, with traces of settlements dating back to prehistoric times. Over the centuries, Paternò has been dominated by va...
To avoid heavily built-up areas near Mount Etna and the Simeto River, the trail diverts into volcanic farmlands, concluding in Bronte.
📍 Catania, Sicilia · 👥 33781 residents
Adrano is a municipality located in the province of Catania, Sicily. Its history dates back to antiquity, with traces of settlements dating back to prehistoric times. Over the centuries, Adrano has been the scene of nume...
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.
📍 Catania, Sicilia · 👥 18222 residents
Bronte is a municipality located in the province of Catania, Sicily. Known for its pistachio production, the town lies at the foot of Mount Etna, surrounded by a breathtaking landscape of lush green hills. Bronte's histo...
The journey concludes in Randazzo, a medieval town built of lava stone—where Norman history, architecture and vistas of Mount Etna merge.
📍 Catania, Sicilia · 👥 2071 residents
Maniace is a municipality located in the province of Catania, Sicily. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, when the area was dominated by the Normans. The municipality's name derives from the famous Norman leader M...
📍 Catania, Sicilia · 👥 10151 residents
Randazzo is a municipality located in the province of Catania, Sicily. Its geographical location on the slopes of Mount Etna makes it a place of great natural and scenic interest. The municipal territory covers an area o...
