Sicily off the beaten track – hidden and unpredictable places not found in guidebooks

More attractions in Sicily!

If after reading my ultimate guide to Sicily you thought:
“Great, but I have more than a week and I want more!”,
then you've come to the right place!

This text is a supplement to basic sightseeing plan. A sort of "second plate" for those who aren't afraid of a second helping.
Here you'll find a selection of additional Sicilian destinations: beaches, reserves, necropolises, baroque towns, and viewpoints that perfectly complement the route in the main post. Each one has:
– a short description (to initially verify whether it is “your style”),
- trivia,
– specifics: where to fit them into the route, how much time to plan, where to park (with GPS coordinates, of course).

The attraction numbers start from 21 here because they are a continuation lists from the main guideThis makes it easy to see where you can add San Vito, Zingaro, Pantalica, or Tindari to your departure point without completely changing your plan.

Who is this “supplement” for?
– for those who have more than 7 days to spend in Sicily,
– for people who return to the island for the second time and are looking for new places,
– for all those who like to turn off the main route from time to time and see something “outside the travel agency folder”.

Straight to the point?

Yes! This time I've omitted all the introductory information related to the organization of the guide. If you're coming here after skipping the first part of the post, simply go to main guide in SicilyThere, I describe in detail how to effectively and quickly use all the data from guidebooks (additional links, GPS coordinates, car rental, etc.).
Here I focus solely on expanding the database of attractions with new, interesting places.

Map of basic and additional attractions

Below, you'll find a map from the main Sicily guide (points 1-20) with additional attractions marked (points 21 and up). This way, when planning or planning a trip, you'll quickly see what other attractions are close at hand on the island.

Detailed descriptions of attractions

21. San Vito Lo Capo – Sicily's Caribbean beach

San Vito Lo Capo is an all-inclusive experience for the eyes: light, soft sand, turquoise water, and the mighty Monte Monaco rock guarding the entire bay. The beach is shallow, so children feel like they're in a giant bathtub, while adults can pretend they're swimming, standing waist-deep in water. The town lives a peaceful, summery rhythm: promenades, ice cream, fried fish, and slow sunsets.

In summer, a large section of the beach is occupied by paid sunbeds, but there are still sections open to the public (you just need to walk a bit). The town itself has the atmosphere of a typical resort, but with a Sicilian twist: instead of kebabs, there are arancini and pane cunzato, and instead of discos, there are pubs serving wine and local delicacies.

Curiosity:
On sunny days, the color of the water can be deceptive. It's easy to think it's the Caribbean until you hear Italian everywhere.

Practical information
Where on the route: an ideal excursion after Scopello (3) and before Erice (4) or Castellammare (5).
Time: at least half a day, and preferably a whole day for a typical "beach day".
Address: winding road from Scopello / Castellammare, during the season there are frequent traffic jams at the entrance to the town.
Car Parking: paid parking lots at the entrance to the city and closer to the beach (arrive early in the morning during the season).

A gigantic parking lot close to the beach and the center, GPS coordinates:
38°10’09.2″N 12°44’36.9″E
38.169216, 12.743578 - click and route
The beach is about 300-400 meters from the parking lot, and it's probably not worth pushing deeper and fighting for a spot 100 meters closer to the beach, although those interested can try. As you head toward the water, you'll pass other, smaller parking lots.

22. Zingaro Reserve – wild coves between the cliffs

Riserva dello Zingaro is Sicily's first official nature reserve and one of its greatest treasures. The path runs high above the sea, between cliffs, with small coves of crystal-clear water appearing every now and then below. This is a place for those who enjoy combining beach time with light hiking.

Unlike many beaches on the island, there are no hotels or bars right on the shoreline. Upon entering the reserve, all that remains is the trail, the sea, rocks, and maquis shrubs. You can descend to several different beaches (e.g., Cala Capreria, Cala dell'Uzzo), each slightly different, but all with water so clear that you can see the fish without a mask.

Interesting facts:
The reserve was established after large protests by residents who stopped the construction of a road along the coast, leaving the area wild.
This is one of the best snorkeling spots on the entire island.

Practical information
Where on the route: a great addition between Scopello (3) and San Vito Lo Capo / Castellammare (5).
Time: minimum 3-4 hours, all day if you want to sunbathe in several bays.
Address: entrances from Scopello and San Vito; you drive to the parking lot, then continue on foot.
What to bring: plenty of water, something to cover your head, walking shoes (the trail is rocky), water shoes (like Crocs) are welcome.

Parking at the entrance from Scopello, GPS coordinates:
38°04’54.3″N 12°48’30.0″E
38.081742, 12.808332 - click and route

Parking at the entrance from San Vito Lo Capo, GPS coordinates:
38°07’30.3″N 12°47’16.8″E
38.125086, 12.787989 - click and route

23. Segesta – a lonely temple and theater in the mountains

Segesta looks like a movie set: a solitary Doric temple stands on a hill, surrounded by rolling hills and fields. A little further on, on another rise, you'll find a theater carved into the slope, overlooking the mountains and sea in the distance. It's one of the most photogenic archaeological sites in Sicily. Less well-known than Agrigento, but many people find it even more appealing.
Interestingly, the temple was never completed. For example, the typical frieze decorations are missing. Scholars still debate whether it was built by the Greeks or by the local Elymians, who adopted Greek patterns.

Interesting facts:
The ancient theater still hosts summer performances and concerts, and at sunset the audience has the best "screen" in the world.
The temple is visible from the highway. Many drivers make a spontaneous exit, "because what's that Parthenon in the bushes?"

Practical information
Where on the route: easy stop between Palermo (1)/Monreale (2) and the areas of Castellammare (5) – Scopello (3) or Erice (4).
Time: 1,5–3 hours (temple + theater).
Address: from the parking lot near the ticket offices there are buses going to the hill with the theater (you can also go on foot).
Tickets: joint ticket to the archaeological park; in the season it is worth arriving in the morning or afternoon because the sun is scorching.

Tourist parking at Segesta, GPS coordinates:
37°56’29.8″N 12°50’10.0″E
37.941623, 12.836099 - click and route
Full-day organized tours (e.g., from Palermo) are also available, covering several attractions (e.g., Segesta, Erice, Nubia). The offer is flexible, and you can find currently available options at the link below.

check out: offers from local guides, including sightseeing in Segesta – [click] (provider: GetYourGuide)

24. Trapani and the salt pans – pink salt pans and windmills

Trapani is a coastal city with a long peninsula of the old town and a port, but the real highlight lies a little further afield: the Saline di Trapani e Paceco reserve. Its vast salt flats, with water tinged with pink, orange, and purple hues, old windmills, and salt piles, look like a scene from another planet, especially at sunset.

It's also an important bird sanctuary. If you're lucky, you might spot flamingos wading in the shallow pools. In part of the reserve, you can walk along a designated path between the pools and visit a small salt museum, which explains the traditional process of extracting sea salt.

Interesting facts:
The salt pans here are designated as Ramsar sites, an area of ​​international importance for waterbirds.
In Trapani, be sure to try couscous alla trapanese. It's a dish inspired by North African cuisine, but with a Sicilian fish twist.

Couscous alla trapanese (or cuscusu) is a Sicilian, specific version of couscous originating from Trapani, which, instead of meat or vegetables, is traditionally served with a rich, aromatic fish broth with seafood (fish, shrimp, mussels), seasoned with garlic, onion, tomatoes, saffron and parsley.

Practical information
Where on the route: the perfect complement to Erice (4). You can combine both places in one day.
Time: 1-2 hours in the reserve + walk around Trapani (min. 1-2 hours).
Address: the most convenient way to get to the salt pans is by car.
The best time: late afternoon and sunset (the colors are cosmic then).

The salt flats are a very large area (made up of many salt flats), and most people travel there by bike or car. Below, I've listed some landmarks. Travel between them, keeping an eye out for cool spots along the way, and try to find safe parking bays (or side roads where you can briefly drive).

Large (paid) parking lot near the historic part and the beach in Trapani, GPS coordinates:
38°01’10.3″N 12°31’00.8″E
38.019513, 12.516895 - click and route

Lots of parking spaces on the street and square Piazzale Ilio near the Olympic swimming pool, GPS coordinates:
38°00’53.8″N 12°31’24.3″E
38.014949, 12.523427 - click and route

The characteristic Mulino Maria Stella windmill at the salt pans, GPS coordinates:
37°59’48.9″N 12°32’09.7″E
37.996914, 12.536032 - click and route
You can stop for a moment on the side of the road near the windmill.

The characteristic building of the Saltworks Museum (Museo del Sale), GPS coordinates:
37°58’59.3″N 12°29’51.9″E
37.983151, 12.497757 - click and route
The museum is located in the Culcasi di Nubia Saline. It is well-known from photographs and is a popular place.

If you like ruined buildings that you can't guarantee you'll be able to reach, try this one. Remember, Never try to enter places where entry is clearly prohibited, restricted or dangerous! Be sensible.
37°59’09.8″N 12°30’37.5″E
37.986066, 12.510407 - click and route

25. Piazza Armerina – Villa Romana del Casale

At first glance, Piazza Armerina seems like a quiet town inland, but a few kilometers away lies a true gem: Villa Romana del Casale. This massive 4th-century Roman residence is renowned for its best-preserved mosaics in the entire empire, covering approximately 3500 square meters of floor space.

The most famous scene is "Girls in Bikinis." The mosaic depicts female athletes practicing various sports (running, discus throwing, dumbbell exercises). The sight of Roman athletes in something very reminiscent of modern sportswear is always impressive.

Interesting facts:
The villa was buried by a landslide and mud, thanks to which the mosaics were "protected" for centuries and survived in excellent condition.
Scenes include exotic animal hunts, children playing chariot races, and a virtual “reportage” of late Roman elite life.

Practical information
Where on the route: an ideal stopover between Agrigento (7) and Enna (8)/Morgantina (9).
Time: 1,5–2,5 hours for the mosaics alone.
Address: large parking lot at the entrance to the complex; short walk up the hill.
Tickets: paid admission, queues may occur during the season (it is best to arrive in the morning).

Tourist parking at Villa Romana del Casale, GPS coordinates:
37°22’06.8″N 14°19’59.6″E
37.368545, 14.333209 - click and route

26. Modica

After Ragusa (11) you can make a little Baroque extra: Modica and Scicli (next point) are other treasures of the Val di Noto, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Modica lies in a deep valley, with houses climbing the slopes. It's most famous, however, not for its churches, but for its chocolate. It's made using the so-called "cold process": the cocoa is mixed with sugar without fully melting, giving the bar its characteristic, slightly grainy texture. The Spanish brought this style here, inspired by pre-Columbian cocoa processing methods.

It is best to leave your car at the bottom (Modica Bassa) on the blue lines (paid) or look for free parking (white lines) a little further from the center, and then walk up or take the tourist train (Trenino Barocco) if you don't want to bother.

Interesting facts:
Chocolate from Modica is sometimes described as "Aztec," although the Aztecs actually made chocolate drinks, not bars. This is more of a marketing shortcut.
Modica and Scicli often appear in Italian crime series because the baroque style is said to work well with "crime scenes."

Practical information
Where on the route: around Ragusa (11) – e.g. Ragusa in the morning, Modica in the afternoon, Scicli for an evening walk.
Time: 2-3 hours to Modica (with chocolate tasting), 1,5-2 hours to Scicli.
Address: winding roads between valleys, but everything is close together. Perfect for one intense day.

Lots of parking spaces in the lower town (Modica Bassa), GPS coordinates:
36°51’13.8″N 14°45’20.5″E
36.853832, 14.755696 - click and route

If you want to seek happiness in the upper town (Modica Alta), then head to the following landmark, GPS coordinates:
36°51’48.8″N 14°45’35.0″E
36.863557, 14.759716 - click and route
The coordinates point to parking spaces on one of the main streets, Corso Umberto I. There are quite a few along the road (white lines indicate free spaces, blue lines indicate paid spaces). Chances are, with a bit of luck, you'll find something.

What to see (here are the attractions arranged in a sensible order):

Duomo di San Pietro Apostolo
The cathedral stands within the boundaries of Modica Bassa (the lower town). Its distinctive feature is a staircase adorned with life-size statues of the 12 apostles who "greet" those who enter. For centuries, the inhabitants of Modica Alta and Bassa have vied over whose patron saint (St. George or St. Peter) is more important. This rivalry led to the construction of two cathedrals.
GPS coordinates:
36°51’38.2″N 14°45’37.5″E
36.860604, 14.760409 - click and route

Antica Dolceria Bonajuto
The oldest chocolate factory in Sicily (opened in 1880). They offer free tastings. Located opposite the Duomo di San Pietro Apostolo.
GPS coordinates:
36°51’36.8″N 14°45’35.6″E
36.860231, 14.759894 - click and route

Cathedral of St. George
This isn't just a church, it's an icon of all of Sicily. It stands tall in Modica Alta, and is reached by some 250 steps. The façade is designed to appear to float in mid-air, especially when illuminated at night.
Notice how the church isn't perfectly straight relative to the stairs. This asymmetry was deliberately employed by Baroque architects to add dynamics.
GPS coordinates:
36°51’50.6″N 14°45’40.7″E
36.864048, 14.761317 - click and route

Belvedere Pizzo viewpoint
If you want to get that one perfect photo of the entire city cascading down the valley, you have to climb Pizzo Belvedere in Modica Alta. Ideally, it's at sunset, when the city begins to glow with a thousand yellow lights.
GPS coordinates:
36°51’59.8″N 14°45’35.2″E
36.866606, 14.759772 - click and route

27. Scicli

Scicli is quieter, more "local." Narrow streets, churches, and palaces squeeze into the rocks, and the ruins of ancient buildings tower over the town. For many, it's the prettiest of the smaller Baroque towns. Fewer crowds, more authentic life.
Of course, it is also included on the UNESCO list.

What to see:

Via Francesco Mormino Penna walking street
This main street looks like a theater set. It's closed to traffic, paved with pale stone, and flanked by gems of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Here you'll see the Palazzo Beneventano (with its incredible, grotesque gargoyles on its facade, some of the strangest in Sicily) and the Palazzo Spadaro. At night, the street transforms into one large outdoor restaurant.
GPS coordinates (landmark in the middle of the street):
36°47’36.7″N 14°42’20.1″E
36.793526, 14.705569 - click and route

The Town Hall (Municipio) or the Montalbano Police Station in the series
For fans of the series, this is a must-see. The town hall building on Via Mormino Penna "plays" the Vigata police station in the series. You can go inside (a ticket costs a few euros) and see Commissioner Montalbano's office. Even if you're unfamiliar with the series, the early 20th-century interiors have a unique charm.
GPS coordinates:
36°47’37.2″N 14°42’24.4″E
36.793679, 14.706789 - click and route

San Matteo Church and the "million euro" view
An abandoned church on a hill overlooking the city. Reaching it requires a bit of a climb up winding streets and a path, but the view from the square in front of the church is worth it.
GPS coordinates:
36°47’34.3″N 14°42’32.2″E
36.792858, 14.708935 - click and route

Chiafura
The slope of San Matteo Hill is dotted with hundreds of caves. This is Chiafura, a former slum where people lived in caves carved into the rock until the 50s (similar to Matera). Part of it is open to the public as an archaeological park, but even from below, it's incredibly impressive. It reminds us of how difficult life was in Sicily until quite recently.
GPS coordinates:
36°47’28.2″N 14°42’35.4″E
36.791176, 14.709830 - click and route

Parking (paid) near the historic center of Scicli, GPS coordinates:
36°47’30.1″N 14°42’28.3″E
36.791706, 14.707861 - click and route

Parking at the end of Via Francesco Mormino Penna (it can be tight), GPS coordinates:
36°47’38.4″N 14°42’11.3″E
36.794003, 14.703124 - click and route

28. Vendicari Reserve – wild beaches and flamingos

Between Noto (12) and Marzamemi (13) stretches one of the most beautiful stretches of Sicily's rugged coastline: the Vendicari Nature Reserve. It covers over 1300 hectares and features several types of landscape: lagoons, dunes, beaches, rock fragments, and the remains of an old tuna fishery and watchtower. The entire reserve stretches along the sea for approximately 8 km.

It's a paradise for birds (including flamingos), walkers, and those who want a beach without the hotel backdrop. There are several entrances to the reserve, each offering access to a different beach, from more unspoiled beaches to picture-perfect ones like Calamosche.

Interesting facts:
Due to its location closer to Tunisia than to northern Italy, Vendicari is an important stopover for birds migrating between Africa and Europe.
The ruins of the tuna factory are a reminder that once upon a time, Sicily's wealth was determined not by Instagram, but by tuna fishing.

Practical information
Where on the route: a natural addition between Noto (12) and Marzamemi (13).
Time: minimum 3-4 hours (walking + sunbathing), easy to spend the whole day here.
Address: several parking lots at different entrances (often gravel roads, can fill up quickly in high season).
What to bring: water, food, sunscreen. Inside the reserve, infrastructure is very limited.

Parking at the edge of the reserve, near the ruined tuna factory, GPS coordinates:
36°48’28.3″N 15°05’20.4″E
36.807863, 15.088986 - click and route
It is about 1,3 km to the ruins.

Calamosche Beach, GPS coordinates:
36°49’27.9″N 15°06’20.2″E
36.824412, 15.105622 - click and route
From the tuna farm, you can walk to Calamosche Beach via a path along the shore. The route is approximately 3,5 km each way.

29. Necropolis of Pantalica

If you're looking for something completely different from churches and squares in Syracuse (14), head up into the mountains to Pantalica. This gigantic rock necropolis contains thousands of tombs carved into the walls of the Anapo and Calcinara river canyon, most dating back to the 13th-7th centuries BC.

Paths lead along the slopes and valley floor, between rocks, former railway tunnels, and greenery. The impression is powerful: the cliffs are literally "dotted" with tomb openings, and below flows a river, where many people soak their feet in the summer. It's a combination of trekking, archaeology, and wildlife.

Interesting facts:
It is estimated that there are over 4,000-5,000 tombs here. The numbers vary depending on the sources, as some are difficult to access.
Pantalica, along with Syracuse, forms a joint UNESCO site. It tells the story of Sicily before the Greeks and in the time of the great polis.

Practical information
Where on the route: best as a trip from Syracuse (14) towards the mountains if you later go to Etna (15) or to Catania.
Time: 3-5 hours depending on the chosen route (there are trekking loops).
Address: usually starting from the area of ​​Sortino or Ferla; the roads in the mountains are winding, narrow and of poor quality, but offer beautiful views.
What to bring: good shoes, plenty of water, something to protect against the sun; some paths can be demanding in the heat.

Parking (Sortino) at the entrance to Pantalica, GPS coordinates:
37°08’29.8″N 15°02’13.4″E
37.141616, 15.037053 - click and route

Parking (Ferla) at the entrance to Pantalica, GPS coordinates:
37°08’22.1″N 15°01’57.3″E
37.139476, 15.032591 - click and route

30. Aci Trezza and Aci Castello – Riviera of the Cyclops

A few kilometers north of Catania, on the route towards Taormina (17), begins the so-called Riviera dei Ciclopi, a coastline lined with the small towns of Aci Castello and Aci Trezza. It's a good stop to see what the "sea of ​​lava" looks like: black basalt cliffs, fishing boats, and the famous faraglioni (rock spires jutting out of the water).

According to mythology, this is where the Cyclops Polyphemus hurled boulders at the fleeing Odysseus. Today, instead of Cyclopes, there's ice cream, fried calamari, and boat trips around the rocks. Aci Castello also boasts a castle on a lava rock. From its walls, there's a magnificent view of the entire bay.

Practical information
Where on the route: a pleasant stop between Etna (15)/Catania and Taormina (17) and the Alcantara Gorge (18) for those who have time and do not like to rush.
Time: 2-4 hours – walk, coffee, maybe even a short boat trip.
Address: easy access from Catania via the coastal road; in high season it is worth looking for parking a little further from the center.
What to do: a walk along the promenade, a swim from the jetties on the rocks, a cruise under the Faraglioni, a visit to the castle in Aci Castello.

Parking at the port of Aci Trezza, GPS coordinates:
37°33’41.9″N 15°09’40.9″E
37.561636, 15.161353 - click and route

In Aci Castello, look for parking on the access road near the castle, GPS coordinates:
37°33’12.6″N 15°08’52.4″E
37.553488, 15.147876 - click and route
Heading towards this point, you'll drive along streets with plenty of parking. You'll just have to look for something available.

31. Tindari

Between Savoca (19) and Cefalù (20), above the Bay of Patti, Tindari hangs on a cliff, a former Greek colony with a sanctuary of the Black Madonna and a well-preserved theater overlooking the sea. From above, you can also see the characteristic Marinello lakes: narrow, sandy peninsulas and lagoons shaped by currents and tides.

The Greek-style theater, later expanded by the Romans, still serves as a stage for summer performances. The sanctuary attracts pilgrims venerating the Black Madonna, and the observation deck next to the church is one of the so-called super viewpoints on Sicily's northern coast.

Interesting facts:
The city was founded by the tyrant of Syracuse, Dionysius I, in the 4th century BC, and later Tindari became an important Roman center.
The Italian Nobel Prize winner Salvatore Quasimodo dedicated his famous poem "Vento a Tindari" to this place, about wind, longing and Sicilian landscapes.

Practical information
Where on the route: on the way by car from the Taormina / Savoca area (17–19) to Cefalù (20).
Time: approx. 2 hours (sanctuary, viewpoint, theater and ruins).
Address: winding road uphill, parking under the sanctuary; short walk to the amphitheater and archaeological site (see Antiquarium, Isolato IV, Basilica)

Parking at the sanctuary (Parcheggio degli Ulivi), GPS coordinates:
38°08’26.9″N 15°02’43.0″E
38.140815, 15.045279 - click and route

Tindari Amphitheater, GPS coordinates:
38°08’37.4″N 15°02’33.0″E
38.143721, 15.042493 - click and route

32. Selinunte – ruins by the sea

Selinunte looks a bit like the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, but in XXL size. A vast area, temples dotted across the hills, the outlines of the city walls, and in the background... a beach and a turquoise sea. It's one of the largest archaeological parks in Europe. Around 270 hectares of ancient remains, you can wander through them practically all day long.

Some temples are located on the acropolis overlooking the coast, while others (like the reconstructed Temple E) stand lower, right next to the sea. The ruins are less polished than those in Agrigento, but this gives the impression of discovering something more remote. After exploring, you can head down to the beach at Marinella di Selinunte and end the day with a complete Greek-beach experience.

Interesting facts:
The city was founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC, and razed to the ground by the Carthaginians in 409 BC. The extent of the destruction is still evident today.
Celery appears on coins from Selinunte. The plant was so important here that it was included on the city's official logo.

Practical information
Where on the route: a natural stop between Trapani / Erice (4) and the Steps of the Turks (6) and Agrigento (7).
Time: minimum 2-3 hours, easily extended to half a day.
Address: the park is accessed by car from the parking lot; pedestrian traffic is allowed in the area, and there are also buses that shuttle between sectors during the season.
What to bring: plenty of water, headgear, the area is very sunny and open.

Parking and main entrance to the Selinunte Archaeological Park, GPS coordinates:
37°35’03.1″N 12°50’13.3″E
37.584194, 12.837015 - click and route

33. Sciacca

Sciacca sprawls across the seafront in terraces: at the bottom, the fishing port and ships; above, the old town with its squares, churches, and viewpoints. It's a good place to see Sicily at its best: fishermen in the harbor, locals in bars, ceramics in shop windows, and above it all, the faint smell of sulfur from the nearby thermal springs and the Stufe di San Calogero steam cave.

The city's main balcony is Piazza Scandaliato. From this terrace, you have the entire port and bay before you. The narrow streets surrounding the piazzas reveal fragments of ancient walls, palace portals, and small churches. If you enjoy local festivals, Sciacca is famous for one of the oldest and most atmospheric carnivals in Italy. The colorful, satirical floats and the official mask of Peppe 'Nnappa can keep the city buzzing for days.

Practical information
Where on the route: a pleasant stop between Selinunte (32) and the Steps of the Turks (6)/Agrigento (7).
Time: 2-4 hours for a walk around the center + port; more if you want to go to the thermal complex and caves on Monte Kronio.
Address: best by car; from the port to the center there are stairs and steep streets.
What to do in town: a walk through the old town, Piazza Scandaliato, the Duomo, a viewpoint over the port, a fish and seafood dinner in the evening.

Piazza Scandaliato, GPS coordinates:
37°30’24.2″N 13°04’55.4″E
37.506727, 13.0820415 - click and route

The Duomo, or Cathedral of Sciacca, GPS coordinates:
37°30’23.6″N 13°05’01.8″E
37.506546, 13.083821 - click and route

Viewpoint by the access road (there is a parking lot, you can park your car), GPS coordinates:
37°30’13.6″N 13°05’20.0″E
37.503777, 13.088889 - click and route

Piazza Mariano Rossi Parking near the historic center, GPS coordinates:
37°30’27.6″N 13°04’48.0″E
37.507664, 13.080008 - click and route

Parking at the port, GPS coordinates:
37°30’18.4″N 13°04’48.3″E
37.505117, 13.080086 - click and route

34. Castelbuono

If Enna (8) and Piazza Armerina (25) have had enough ruins and baroque, head for the Madonie Mountains. This is the green heart of northern Sicily: forests, valleys, limestone peaks reaching almost 2,000 meters above sea level (Pizzo Carbonara), and small towns clinging to the slopes. Here you'll find one of the largest concentrations of plant and animal species on the island.

The most pleasant base is Castelbuono, a medieval town with Ventimiglia Castle perched on a hill. Inside, you'll find a chapel containing the relics of St. Anne, the town's patron saint, and around it, a labyrinth of narrow streets, bakeries, cafés, and shops selling local "manna" (sweet resin from ash trees, a local specialty). At night, the town takes on a cinematic feel: the castle is illuminated, the bars are packed, and the cooler mountain air hangs over it all.

Interesting facts:
Manna from Madonia really exists. It's not a myth, but a Slow Food product: white, brittle "icicles" formed from drying ash resin, used as a natural sweetener and medicine.
Castelbuono is home to one of the oldest street races in Europe (Giro di Castelbuono, since 1912) and the Ypsigrock music festival (rock sounds completely different under the castle).

Practical information
Where on the route: after Enna (8) and Cefalu (20)
Time: one day at Castelbuono + short trekking; more if you want longer trails in the park.
Address: winding mountain roads, but of good quality; fog and cold possible in winter (this is already a "different Sicily").
What to do: a walk through the center of Castelbuono, Ventimiglia Castle, tasting of semolina and local cheeses, short trekking in the park (e.g. around Piano Battaglia).

WARNING!
The town has a restricted parking zone (ZTL). Before parking, check if you're eligible!

Parking near the castle, GPS coordinates:
37°56’06.3″N 14°05’16.0″E
37.935077, 14.087787 - click and route

If there are no places near the castle, you can look for a parking space along Via Giuseppe Manzini, where there is another parking lot at the end:
37°56’12.9″N 14°05’33.7″E
37.936920, 14.092699 - click and route

35. Capo Milazzo and Piscina di Venere

Between Messina and Cefalu, the northern coast has a small "hook." This is the promontory of Capo Milazzo, and at its end, hidden beneath the cliffs, lies the Piscina di Venere, a natural rock pool that fills with water at high tide. The basin is crystal clear and calm, and beyond the edge lies the open sea.
You begin your walk at the end of the road on the headland. The path descends slightly, passing viewpoints of the coast and rocks along the way. At the end, there are stone steps leading down to the rocks at Piscina di Venere itself. It's worth wandering around the paths among the surrounding rocks for a while, as they are picturesque.

Interesting facts:
From the path you can turn off to the rock sanctuary of Sant'Antonio, a small hermitage wedged into the cliff face.

Practical information
Where on the route: between Taormina/Savoca (17–19) and Cefalù (20); a good stop if you are driving along the north coast.
Time: 2–3 hours (walking + swimming); add more if you plan on having a picnic and sitting on the rocks for a longer time.
Address: by car to the end of the promontory in the Capo Milazzo area; at the end of the road there are designated parking lots and a viewing area. From there, it's just a matter of walking.
What to bring: hiking shoes or good sports shoes (flip-flops are a bad idea), water shoes for rocks, plenty of water to drink.

Parking at the end of the road, then only on foot, GPS coordinates:
38°16’06.6″N 15°14’00.8″E
38.268500, 15.233556 - click and route

Piscina di Venere natural rock pool, GPS coordinates:
38°16’08.8″N 15°13’29.0″E
38.269115, 15.224721 - click and route

Hermitage of Sant'Antonio, GPS coordinates:
38°16’08.8″N 15°13’45.5″E
38.269107, 15.229314 - click and route

36. Cretto di Burri – a concrete ghost town

In western Sicily, in the Belìce Valley, lies a white desert of cracks – Cretto di Burri. It's not a rock, but a town shrouded in concrete. After the January 1968 earthquake, the old Gibellina was not rebuilt; a dozen years later, artist Alberto Burri flooded the ruins with light-colored cement, leaving a labyrinth of cracks where the former streets once stood, which today replicates the town's plan. Work began in the mid-80s, was interrupted in 1989 due to lack of funds, and was not completed until 2015. The work covers approximately 85-86 m² and is considered one of the largest land art memorials in the world.

Walking through the narrow "canyons," you hear the echo of footsteps, and the sun reflects off the white as if it were snow—a strange, moving walk through a city that no longer exists. It's best to arrive at golden hour, with a hat and water; it's Sicily, but it smells more of history than vacation.

Interesting facts:
Cretto di Burri is sometimes called "Il Grande Cretto" ("The Great Crevice") and is one of the world's largest landscape-scale land art works.
New Gibellina, built about 11 km away, was designed as a "city of art" – full of sculptures and installations by contemporary artists, so you could have a small "contemporary art day" here in the open air.

Practical information
Where on the route: good stopover between Trapani / Erice / Segesta (4, 23, 24) and Selinunte (32) and Sciacca (33).
Time: 1-2 hours on site (walking through the "maze" + photos) + transport.
Address: best by car, Cretto is located on Strada Provinciale Gibellina-Salaparuta, near the A29 motorway exit. Public transport is very limited.
What to bring: plenty of water, hat, sunscreen; the area is completely exposed and heats up like a frying pan.

Parking at Cretto di Burri, GPS coordinates:
37°47’12.9″N 12°58’26.6″E
37.786917, 12.974056 - click and route

Curiosity:
During the 1968 earthquake, three cities were destroyed. One was simply abandoned and left. It is called Poggioreale (Search online for "ruderi di Poggioreale"). You can see for yourself which version is more depressing: the concreted-over one or the abandoned one. They are several kilometers apart.

You can get to the town itself here:
37°47’29.9″N 13°01’42.4″E
37.791625, 13.028430 - click and route
Due to the high risk of collapse and the extremely high risk to health and life, the town is fenced and no entry to its premises, but you can also see a lot from behind the fence. You don't even have to go in, and more photos can be found online.

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