Itinerary: religious
4 days
The Saint's Trek, known as the Etna-Nebrodi Trail of Saint Nicholas Politi, is a hiking and spiritual itinerary that winds for approximately seventy kilometers between Mount Etna and the Nebrodi Mountains, retracing the steps of the pilgrimage undertaken by Saint Nicholas Politi in the 12th century. The trail begins in Adrano, the Saint's birthplace, passes through forests, lava flows, plateaus, and mountain ridges, and ends in Alcara Li Fusi, the village where the saint lived as a hermit during the last years of his life.
The route is divided into four main days. The first stage starts in Adrano and ascends to the Saint's Grotto, a symbolic site immersed in the lava landscapes at the foot of Etna. The second stage passes through the Bronte area and leads to Maniace, amidst the rural and wooded areas of the northwestern slope of Etna, also passing by Nelson Castle. On the third day, we enter the heart of the Nebrodi Park, crossing the Mangalaviti Forest and reaching Portella Gazzana. The final stage is a descent along the Nebrodi trails that leads to the hermitage of San Nicolò and finally to Alcara Li Fusi, where the walk concludes in the square dedicated to the saint, next to the church that houses his relics.
The walk is challenging, suitable for experienced hikers, but deeply evocative. It combines the value of a pilgrimage with the beauty of extraordinary natural landscapes, including volcanic craters, beech forests, streams, and villages steeped in history. It is suitable in spring or autumn, when temperatures are ideal and the trails offer their best charm. The experience is not just a trek, but a journey of the soul, in the footsteps of a saint who chose solitude and nature as a path to spirituality.
Link:
http://www.vaicoltrekkingsicilia.com/trekking-del-santo
The route begins in Adrano, the birthplace of Saint Nicolò Politi, and ascends through lava trails, oak forests, and volcanic landscapes toward the Grotta del Santo, the saint’s first hermitage. This stage marks the start of a deeply spiritual and scenic journey on the slopes of Mount Etna.
From the Grotta del Santo, the trail leads through mountain woods and flowery clearings to reach Prato Fiorito, a peaceful plateau surrounded by nature. This spot offers open views and a serene environment perfect for rest and reflection.
From Piano dei Grilli, the trail descends toward Bronte, renowned for its DOP pistachios, and continues to Maniace, home to the historic Nelson Castle. This stage marks the transition from the volcanic landscapes of Etna to the greener, more wooded environment of the Nebrodi mountains.
A long and immersive stage through the heart of the Nebrodi Park. The trail winds through forests, streams, alpine pastures, and beech groves, passing through locations such as Petrosino and Mangalaviti. It ends at the remote Hermitage of Saint Nicolò, a place of solitude and deep spiritual resonance.
The final leg descends gently toward Alcara Li Fusi, a village nestled among the Nebrodi hills. Along the way, hikers encounter natural springs like Acqua Santa and panoramic views. The arrival in Alcara, where the saint’s relics are preserved, concludes the journey in an atmosphere of devotion and serenity.
