The Via dei Frati (Way of the Friars) Walking Trail

One of the variant routes of the Via dei Frati spotlighted here, is the 7 days summer friendly route, a shorter and cooler walking experience. It’s possible to join the trail at Gangi, where it enters the scenic Madonie mountains - a section rich in biodiversity, shaded woodland, and historic charm. The full route is recommended as from September.

The Via dei Frati is a newly revived pilgrimage trail with ancient roots, reimagined by Sicilian psychotherapist Santo Mazzarisi. Inspired by the great pilgrim routes of Europe, he asked why Sicily so rich in spiritual and natural heritage had none of its own. His research and dedication led to the restoration of this sacred path, opened to the public in 2017.

Stretching from Caltanissetta to the coastal town of Cefalù, the trail once carried friars, mystics, and pilgrims bound for Jerusalem. 

Today, it's a journey of eight thoughtfully designed stages, each ending in a village rich with food, welcome, and a beautiful church.

In the Madonie mountains, the path winds through a landscape that feels lifted from a Renaissance painting - grazing goats, wooded valleys, and golden light pouring through ancient forests. Walkers slow down not just for the climbs, but for the rock formations and silent chapels that invite reflection.

The Via dei Frati offers more than scenery - it offers a connection to the rhythms of the land, to memory, and to an inner transformation.