A chain of mountains runs along Sicily’s northern coast: the Peloritani in the east, followed by the Nebrodi and the Madonie. The Madonie mountain range, which became a regional park (www.parcodellemadonie.it) back in 1989, consists of rocky limestone mountains whose forests are home to the richest variety of plant life in the Mediterranean.

Cefalù has an unmistakable silhouette. The mighty Norman cathedral towers above the tiled roofs of the old town, with the impressive Rocca di Cefalù behind it. Follow the pretty alleys and explore the little port and the medieval wash house. The cathedral, with its marvellous mosaic decoration, was built at the behest of King Roger II in the 12th century. It’s ideal to combine a visit to Cefalù with a walk up to the Rocca di Cefalù, the northernmost spur of the Madonie Mountains. 

Described as walk 19 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴). Have a look at the editors web site with current updates: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product/walking-in-sicily/.

One of Sicily’s great natural wonders awaits you on the Piano Pomo. More than 200 holly trees (Ilex aquifolium) stand together and form a magical grove. These trees, hundreds of years old, have grown to a colossal size and are unique in Italy. From November onwards, they are covered with shiny red berries.

Described as walk 20 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴). Have a look at the editors web site with current updates: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product/walking-in-sicily/.

Magnificent mountain landscapes and botanical rarities await you on this walk. The woodlands of the Madonie range boast the largest number of species in the Mediterranean. Some plants only grow here — for example last specimens of the Nebrodi fir (Abies nebrodensis), which still survive in the Vallone Madonna degli Angeli and are extinct everywhere else. One of the most impressive mountain formations of the Madonie is the Quacella, which opens in a wide arc to the west. If you take the option of doing the longer walk up to Monte S. Salvatore, you will overlook most of the highest peaks in the Madonie and much of Sicily besides.

Described as walk 21 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴). Have a look at the editors web site with current updates: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product/walking-in-sicily/.

You will climb the highest peak (1979m/6491ft) of the Madonie in a fascinating limestone landscape. It has been found that the water which seeps into the basins of the Carbonara massif rises back to the surface as a spring at the foot of the Rocca di Cefalù. Great flocks of sheep are lead up to these high-altitude pastures in summer and autumn.

Described as walk 22 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴). Have a look at the editors web site with current updates: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product/walking-in-sicily/.

Monte Zimmara is the highest elevation between the Madonie and Nebrodi and so offers excellent views. But despite its listed status in the Mediterranean bio-geographical region, the State electricity company has erected a wind farm on the ridge!

Described as walk 23 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴). Have a look at the editors web site with current updates: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product/walking-in-sicily/.