Itinerary: religious
7-8 days
The Way of St. James in Sicily is a spiritual, cultural, and naturalistic itinerary that winds through the evocative landscapes of the Sicilian hinterland, passing through ancient villages, countryside, and mountainous areas. Inspired by the famous Camino de Santiago, this route is dedicated to St. James the Greater, one of the most revered figures in Christian tradition, and is recognizable by its typical symbols: the shell and the yellow arrow.
The route unfolds in several stages, passing through places of great historical and religious significance such as Caltagirone, known for its ceramic tradition and monumental staircase, and other towns such as San Fratello and Capizzi, which preserve churches, sanctuaries, and traditions linked to the cult of St. James. Beyond its devotional aspect, the route offers an authentic immersion in inland Sicily, characterized by silence, pristine nature, and genuine hospitality.
The Camino can be undertaken independently or with the support of local associations, and is suitable for pilgrims, hikers, and slow travelers eager to discover a different side of the island, away from the most popular tourist routes. It combines spirituality, exploration of the area, and the valorization of local communities, representing an example of sustainable and regenerative tourism.
Link:
https://www.camminosangiacomosicilia.it
This stage begins at the Church of San Giacomo in Caltagirone, renowned for its Baroque ceramics. After a short urban stretch, the route follows the disused railway line along SS 124, through olive groves and agricultural hills. Around 7 km in, stop at San Michele di Ganzaria, where the Church of San Michele Arcangelo offers the official pilgrim stamp. The journey then continues to Mirabella Imbaccari, across tranquil rural landscapes deep in inland Sicily.
From Mirabella Imbaccari, the route follows the Via Vecchia Ferrovia—a flat, shaded green track. Around 5 km in, the path crosses the Vallone Quattro Teste, a scenic stream passage perfect for reflection. The stage ends in Piazza Armerina, renowned for the UNESCO-listed Villa Romana del Casale and the Domus Hospitalia, a welcoming stop for pilgrims
Leaving Piazza Armerina from the Domus Hospitalia, the trail enters the Rossomanno‑Grottascura‑Bellia Nature Reserve, with dense eucalyptus and pine forests. Along the way stands the symbolic Iron Cross, where pilgrims leave a painted stone as a personal mark. The descent leads into the welcoming town of Valguarnera, set amid lush nature. En route, consider a short detour to Aidone, rich in ancient history with the Morgantina archaeological site and the Norman Castle of Pietratagliata.
This stage crosses the fertile Dittaino Plain, with cultivated fields and gentle landscapes, and climbs to Assoro, perched on a hill. Dominated by the Basilica of San Leone and the Signoria Palace, the town preserves its medieval heritage. It's an ideal point for regeneration, offering romantic views and authentic Sicilian atmosphere.
From Assoro, the path follows the old railway route with spectacular stone arches. It winds through a rocky gorge, water crossings, and terraced agriculture. In Nissoria, pilgrims can pause at the Church of San Giuseppe and sample local delicacies. The landscape transitions through fields, olive groves, and Mediterranean scrub to Nicosia, the “City of 24 Barons,” known for its imposing Cathedral and medieval charm.
From Nicosia, a city steeped in medieval history, the route climbs into the Nebrodi Mountains, reaching around 1,200 m above sea level. It’s a panoramic and demanding stage, rewarded by breathtaking views. It ends in Capizzi, known as the “Gateway to the Nebrodi,” where the Mother Church houses relics of Saint James the Greater—an important spiritual milestone for the pilgrim.
