Walking in Sicily : 46 walking routes including Mt Etna and the Egadi and Aeolian islands

Sicily is one of the Mediterranean's most dramatic and varied walking destinations. From the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, and the ancient ruins of Selinunte and Pantalica to the turquoise coastlines of the Egadi Islands and the still-smoking summit of Stromboli in the Aeolian archipelago, no other Italian island packs such extraordinary diversity into a single walking destination. This guidebook features 46 day walks ranging from 2 to 23km (1 to 14 miles), suited to both beginner and experienced walkers, spanning Sicily's most diverse landscapes from the northeast coast and the Alcantara River Valley to the Madonie and Nebrodi mountains, the Monti Iblei, and Palermo's surrounds. Mount Etna routes are described in full, including the North-South Traverse, crater circuits, and lava field walks on one of the most iconic and unforgettable walking experiences in Italy. Ancient ruins and archaeological sites feature throughout, from the Greek temples of Selinunte and the prehistoric necropolis of Pantalica to the medieval hilltop town of Erice and the Byzantine churches of the southeast. The Aeolian Islands are covered comprehensively, with walks on Vulcano's Gran Cratere, the spa trails of Lipari, Salina's Monte Fossa delle Felci, and the famous ascent to the active crater of Stromboli. Clear route descriptions are accompanied by sketch maps and practical information on accommodation, food and drink, and travelling around the island. Routes start from key bases across Sicily—including Catania, Messina and Taormina in the northeast, Palermo in the northwest, and Agrigento in the south—making it straightforward to plan walks from wherever you are staying. Gillian Price, one of Cicerone's most prolific and trusted Italy authors, brings her characteristic clarity and enthusiasm to every route in this guidebook.