Ancient Trasversale Sicula
Detail
The need to connect to nature keeps growing, the need to travel on routes where the destination doesn't matter so much as the wealth of memories, beauty and wonder that emerge along the way.
Trekking in nature attracts thousands of travellers from all over the world every year in Sicily, but it's often not just about exploring the surrounding area and admiring its amazing biodiversity: it's about taking a journey back in time, following the ancient paths traced centuries ago by Sicilian ancestors.
Of all of these, the Ancient Trasversale Sicula leads you to discover the most mysterious and authentic version of Sicily. The best time to set out is spring and autumn.
It’s a 650 km trail that cuts across Sicily from west to east, passing through the backcountry, connecting the ancient Carthaginian city of Mothia (today Mozia, in the province of Trapani), to the Greek cities of Kamarina and Morgantina (in the province of Ragusa).
It winds through 8 provinces, 57 municipalities, 6 archaeological parks, 47 historical and archaeological sites, 1 park and 7 nature reserves.
It’s a journey back in time that keeps us anchored to the land of Sicily with its scents and flavours: you proceed on the ancient roads of wine, wheat, salt, oil, honey and sulphur, in landscapes that bear witness to different cultures and picturesque places, through ancient abandoned railways, unspoilt nature and Greek, Sicilian, Sicanian, Elymian and Carthaginian settlements, many of which are recognised as part of the UNESCO Heritage.
On foot through Sicily, backpacking, for around 40 days, sleeping in tents with the chance of being guests of Organisations, Associations and Prolocos (grassroot movements), crossing enchanting spots between cities and villages, coast and backcountry. Would you like a few examples?
The great city of Kamarina (today known as Scoglitti), Castello di Donnafugata in Ragusa, Comiso, Chiaramonte Gulfi, Giarratana.
Ferla, Palazzolo Acreide, the great hub of Pantalica (the largest prehistoric necropolis in Europe), the Syracusan colony of Akrai, Cassaro and Buccherii.
Vizzini, Licodia Eubea, Grammichele, Palagonia, Ramacca, Mineo and the Sicilian site, Palikè.
Enna and the Rocca di Cerere (known for having been a sanctuary dedicated to Demeter), the wonderful Morgantina, Aidone, Valguarnera Caropepe, Lago di Pergusa, the Byzantine village of Calascibetta, Villarosa, Villapriolo.
Resuttano and Vallelunga Pratameno; Alimena, Castronovo di Sicilia, Corleone, Campofiorito, Prizzi and Hyppana, the city on the mysterious Montagna dei Cavalli, the amazing Grotte della Gurfa.
Poggioreale, Santa Ninfa, Nuova Gibellina, Salemi, the Terme Segestane in Calatafimi Segesta, the Segesta archaeological park and the Rocca di Entella in Contessa Entellina
And there’s still Fulgatore, Mozia…
For more information, visit the Facebook page or contact transversalesicula@gmail.com.
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