The way of the friars: 5 stages through faith, nature and sicilian villages

From Caltanissetta to Cefalù, 166 km on foot through sanctuaries, mountains, and medieval villages of the Madonie

There is another Sicily — the inland one — scented with woods, warm bread, and silences broken only by the sound of footsteps. “La Via dei Frati” (The Way of the Friars) is a 166-kilometre trail that crosses the heart of the island, connecting Caltanissetta and Cefalù through the Madonie mountains.

Following the ancient routes of the Franciscan monks, this trail offers a journey through spirituality, nature, and culture, weaving through authentic villages, age-old sanctuaries, and breathtaking views stretching from Mount Etna to the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The route is divided into five main stages, each with its own soul: it begins among the gentle hills of the Caltanissetta area and ends by the sea, passing through some of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
It is a slow and profound experience, to be lived step by step, in tune with the ancient rhythm of Sicily’s interior.

Stage 1: From Caltanissetta to Resuttano

The journey begins in the heart of Sicily, leaving behind Caltanissetta to cross a landscape of golden hills, dry stone walls, and oak forests. The route passes through Marianopoli, a small village rich in history and faith, and continues towards the Gabara Forest, where the Salito River presents the first crossing challenge.

From there, the trail reaches Resuttano, a medieval village dominated by the ruins of its ancient castle. Along the way, walkers encounter the Sanctuary of Castel Belici, a pilgrimage site since the 17th century, which houses a wooden crucifix by Frate Innocenzo da Petralia. A place of silence and peace — perfect for those in search of authentic spirituality in the heart of Sicily

Stage 2: From Resuttano to Petralia Sottana

After leaving Resuttano, the route passes through Blufi, where every spring the famous wild red tulips bloom, and where one can visit the unique Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Olio, with its mineral oil spring known for its healing properties.

The path then reaches Polizzi Generosa, a treasure trove of medieval art and birthplace of director Giuseppe Tornatore, before continuing on to Petralia Sottana, nestled in the heart of the Madonie Mountains.

Stage 3: From Petralia Sottana to Geraci Siculo

After exploring the narrow streets of Petralia Sottana, the route continues towards Petralia Soprana, one of the highest and most evocative villages in the Madonie mountains, and then towards Gangi, which has been awarded the Orange Flag and is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Here, time seems to have stood still: among stone houses and medieval churches, there is an air of ancient sacredness. The itinerary continues to Geraci Siculo, where the Ventimiglia castle stands tall. Don’t miss the “Salto dei Ventimiglia,” a balcony suspended in midair from which you can admire a breathtaking view.

Stage 4: From Geraci Siculo to Gibilmanna

From Geraci, the trail descends along ancient paths toward Castelbuono, a medieval village famous for its Ventimiglia Castle and for Manna, the sweet sap extracted from ash trees. After visiting the historic center, the route continues toward the Sanctuary of Gibilmanna, nestled in the woods of the Madonie mountains.

Founded in the 16th century, the Sanctuary is today one of the main Marian pilgrimage sites in all of Sicily. In addition to sacred artworks, the Capuchin Library is worth a stop, housing manuscripts dating from the 1500s onward.

Stage 5: From Gibilmanna to Cefalù

The final stage is a long descent toward the sea. Passing through Isnello and ancient woodlands of downy oaks and wild pear trees, you reach Cefalù, a stunning Norman town overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Arriving at the Cathedral of Cefalù, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a deeply emotional moment: after days spent among mountains and silence, the view of the sea and its crystal-clear waters marks the perfect conclusion to a spiritual and inner journey.

Dipping your feet into the water becomes the symbolic gesture of the modern pilgrim: the end of a path, the beginning of a new way of seeing Sicily.

Regional web map of trails and routes for sustainable mobility created by LabGis Osservatorio Turistico della Regione Siciliana in collaboration with FIAB Sicilia and CAI Sicilia.