The west of Sicily might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of outdoor activities. But beyond its churches and medieval villages, there are some beautiful landscapes to explore in some thrilling ways.
Several offer ideal conditions for aficionados.
Best of all, there are two international airports (Trapani and Palermo) so chances are you can get to your final destination quickly and easily.
Here are 11 exciting outdoor activities to try in western Sicily.
E-Biking in Palermo
If you want your trip to get off to a thrilling start why not take an e-bike tour around Palermo? There’s nothing quite as heart-stopping as hurtling through Palermitan traffic, dodging tourists, horse-drawn carriages, and scooters.
I was hosted by West of Sicily Tourism for this activity with Scicla Ecotourism and I can wholeheartedly recommend these guys. I’m not the most confident cyclist and the traffic in Palermo is a bit mad but it’s a lot of fun being guided through the chaos by a local.
We managed to hit all the main tourist areas plus the e-bike allows you to get off the beaten track in the allotted time. Palermo is a huge city and can be hard on the feet so I think e-bikes are a fab way to see the city. In fact, it’s given me a bit of a taste for it.
I didn’t take many photos because I was busy trying not to fall off.
They also offer rentals within the city. Or if you’d rather get some fresh air, Scicla can organise half or full-day private excursions outside the city. Some can be done by e-bike, some only by mountain bike.
Hiking in Monte Pellegrino
Monte Pellegrino is Palermo’s most iconic landmark, a large limestone hill to the west of the city (with Mondello Beach on its other side).
Hiking hasn’t been a traditional Sicilian pastime but they do love a pilgrimage. So you’ll find a well-marked cobbled trail that will take you to the top, to the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia – the patron saint of Palermo. The sanctuary is a church hewn into the side of the rocks, well worth a visit.
The trail starts north of the port but is easily reached with the number 812 bus from Politeama (but watch out to get off early enough as the bus goes all the way up to the Sanctuary).
You can keep walking to the Belvedere viewpoint for panoramic views of the city.
Hiking the Zingaro Nature Reserve
The Zingaro Nature Reserve is a beautiful and unspoilt section of coastline to the west of Palermo, towards San Vito Lo Capo. The 7km trail here is the most famous hike on the island and is a popular day trip from the surrounding area.
The area was made a park in 1981 when locals campaigned against a proposed coastal road. It has a humid microclimate which is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna including its recognisable dwarf palms.
Zingaro is a short drive from Scopello – a beauty spot on the coast that isn’t actually within the park but is well worth a quick visit.
The trail isn’t circular, it runs between the south and north entrances, so you’ll need to allow time (and energy) to double back. There are several rocky coves where you can stop for a swim (you might want to bring sea shoes).
For more advanced hikers there is a high route which might be an option in cooler weather.
Public transport is a bit tricky but you can check with local travel agencies near your accommodation to see if they can arrange transfers.
Cycling Trapani’s Salt Flats
The land between Trapani and Marsala is pancake-flat and perfect for an easy day of cycling.
I went on a guided tour organised by Sicicla and West of Sicily Tourism. It’s also possible to rent bikes in Trapani, but there are some tricky junctions on busy roads between the coastal sections. If you’re not confident then I recommend starting and finishing in Marsala.
The section between Marsala and Lo Stagnone Nature Reserve is nearly all cycle paths and super easy. You can take a boat to Mozia or Isole Grande, and call in La Bottega de Sale, a small museum inside a windmill (might be best to call ahead as they’re more used to dealing with tour groups).
There are also numerous snack bars and restaurants here catering. It’s a popular but relaxed leisure area with lots of kite-surfers, holidaymakers who come to boat and fish, sunset spots, and a few great beaches – San Teodoro is right next to the airport, but there are a few closer to Marsala too.
And on your way back you can call in at one of Marsala’s fantastic wineries for a tasting – see We Love Marsala for a few options.
Rock Climbing at San Vito Lo Capo
The northwest coast of Sicily is pitted with gigantic limestone karst formations and laced with volcanic rocks – an enticing proposition for rock climbing enthusiasts.
San Vito Lo Capo makes a good base, it’s a short distance from the main climbing area Salinella. You’ll find both sport climbing and multi-pitch around here, from 3a to 8b.
Climbing here is off-season only due to the heat. In November the sea will just about be warm enough for dips on your down days.
It’s popular for club trips. Stay at Camping El Bahira (which has rooms and apartments too) or Timbuktu Hostel where you’ll find other climbers. Timbuktu has a bouldering wall too.
The Rockfax Sicily climbing guide is recommended for technical info.
Read more: A Quick Guide to San Vito Lo Capo
Hiking in the Madonie Mountains
The Madonie Regional National Park is a beautiful mountain range in the centre of north Sicily which is an enjoyable hiking area.
It forms the Sicilian part of the Apennine Mountains and is a member of the UNESCO Global Network of National Geoparks. The park is notable for its geological features and biodiversity, with hundreds of endemic plants.
Coastal hotspot Cefalù sits at the foothills of the Madonie and makes a great staging point for trips inland, or for a relaxing few days at the beginning or end of a longer hike.
The landscape is lush and green with medieval hilltop towns like Gangi.
The Friar’s Walk is a long-distance path that runs from Caltanissetta to Cefalù.
If hiking isn’t an option for you then you can also find horse-riding, quad bike and mountain bike excursions.
Read more: A Quick Guide to Cefalù
Cycling Around Favignana
If you like your activities laid-back and easy to organise then head to the stunning little island of Favignana, just off the coast of Trapani. This island is surely one of Europe’s best-kept island secrets.
Favignana is one of 3 inhabited islands in the Egadi Archipelago. You can take a quick 25-minute ferry from Trapani (they run every half an hour in the summer season) and as you disembark you’ll soon notice a sea of bike rental outfits.
For around €10 you can rent a bike or e-bike and explore Favignana’s coastline at your leisure. The coastal roads are fairly flat and there’s plenty of bike parking. The coastline is a mix of golden rocky platforms and the occasional sandy beach.
The atmosphere here is very chilled, you won’t want to leave.
Kite Surfing near Marsala
Lo Stagnone Nature Reserve near Marsala isn’t just a beauty spot in the salt pan region but one of the best places in Europe for kite surfing.
The combination of flatwater lagoon with consistent thermals makes for perfect conditions for both beginners and freestyles. It has around 300 windy days per year and the water is warm and rarely deeper than 1m.
There are several kite surfing schools based in the area, some offer accommodation and food too. And Trapani Airport is just a short drive away.
Boat Trips in the Egadi Islands
The Egadi Islands near Trapani are known for their dazzling turquoise waters, making them an ideal spot for a boat trip. Luckily there are plenty on offer – most depart from Trapani harbour but you can also find excursion boats from San Vito Lo Capo and Marsala.
Most itineraries sail around two of the islands, making a couple of stops for swimming and snorkelling.
You can find a variety of boats offering these itineraries, for both private hire and group trips. You’ll only find a small selection online – such as this one.
Hike the Magna Via Francigena
This one is for the long-distance hikers. The Magna Via Francigena is a 180km route crossing Sicily from north to south (or vice versa) in nine stages, from Palermo to Agrigento, via ancient gravel tracks.
As a hiking trail, it’s relatively new – the paths were rescued from obscurity by dedicated locals who mapped them from the texts of Norman knights.
The paths were once part of the Via Francigena, one of Europe’s great pilgrimage routes. The Magna Via Francigena was granted Pilgrimage status in 2018 – you can pick up your passport in Palermo.
Allow 9-10 days for hiking the route’s entirety and expect to have large chunks of it to yourself. The route is waymarked and it’s possible to book your accommodation through self-guided tours. There’s an official guidebook if you’d prefer to do it DIY.
Diving in Ustica
Palermo attracts over a million tourists per year but for some reason a day trip to the low-key island of Ustica remains firmly off the beaten track (perhaps because it is devoid of beaches).
Located 60km north of Palermo, it’s mostly visited by local patrons who come for the superb snorkelling and diving. It’s possible to visit on a day trip from Palermo but if you want to get underwater it’s better to stay at least overnight.
Ustica is a rocky volcanic island and the surrounding seas are part of a Marine Protected Area. Imagine spellbinding emerald seas, plenty of sea caves, and an abundance of sea life.
There are many dive centres here and it’s also possible to get your PADI.
Read more:
Where to Stay in Sicily: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Sicily
Image credits:
Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia: © katatonia / Adobe Stock
Madonie Mountains: © Danita Delimont / Adobe Stock
Kite surfers near Marsala: © Z O N A B I A N C A / Adobe Stock
All other images © The Mediterranean Traveller