Mention the Camino and most people think of Spain. But Sicily has its own pilgrimage route – the Magna Via Francigena, an ancient road of around 180 km across the heart of the island, from Palermo on the north coast to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento on the south coast. It is quiet, authentic and a world away from the crowded beaches.
What is the Magna Via Francigena?
For centuries, the “vie francigene” were the roads that connected Sicily’s ports, towns and holy places. Pilgrims, merchants and soldiers used them on their way to Rome, Jerusalem or the Holy Land. The Magna Via Francigena follows one of the oldest of these routes, linking the Arab-Norman city of Palermo with the Greek temples of Agrigento.
Today it is a waymarked walking route through farmland, wheat fields, olive groves and sleepy hill towns. Like on the Camino de Santiago, you can carry a pilgrim credential and collect stamps along the way.
The route from Palermo to Agrigento
The route crosses the island from north to south and passes through a string of small towns, each with its own churches, piazzas and bakeries:
- Palermo – the cathedral, the Norman palace and the street food of the Ballarò market
- Santa Cristina Gela – an Arbëreshë village, founded by Albanian settlers
- Corleone – far more than its film reputation, with a fine old centre
- Prizzi – a hill town high above the surrounding valleys
- Cammarata – at the foot of the wooded Monte Cammarata
- Sutera – perched on a rock, with views across the whole of central Sicily
- Racalmuto – the home town of the writer Leonardo Sciascia
- Agrigento – journey’s end at the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The paths are mostly farm tracks, quiet country roads and old mule trails. There are climbs between the hill towns, but no high mountains, and the way is well marked.
When to walk the Magna Via Francigena
Spring and autumn are the best seasons. From March to May the countryside is green and full of wild flowers; from late September to November the heat has gone and the harvest is in. Summer in inland Sicily is very hot, with little shade, and is best avoided.
How hard is it?
The Magna Via Francigena is rated Moderate: you walk on easy terrain, but the days can be long and there are steady climbs up to the hill towns. If you walk regularly and are comfortable on your feet for most of the day, you will be fine.
Magna Via Francigena or Camino de Santiago?
The Camino Francés is the world’s most famous pilgrimage, with a lively social atmosphere and thousands of fellow walkers. The Magna Via Francigena is the opposite: you may not meet another walker all day, and the villages still see few visitors. If you have already walked the Camino Francés from Sarria and want something quieter, Sicily is a perfect next step.
Walk the Magna Via Francigena with us
On our self-guided Magna Via Francigena hike (8 days / 7 nights) you walk from Palermo to Agrigento with your accommodation booked, your luggage transferred and detailed route notes and GPS tracks. You start with time to explore Palermo and finish among the temples of Agrigento.
Looking for another island walk? The Sardinia hiking tour along the wild east coast of Orosei is another great walk for spring and autumn.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Magna Via Francigena?
The route from Palermo to Agrigento is around 180 km long and is usually walked in stages between the hill towns.
Is the Magna Via Francigena waymarked?
Yes. The route is marked with signs and painted waymarks, and our route notes and GPS tracks guide you on every stage.
Can you collect pilgrim stamps?
Yes. Like on the Camino, you can carry a pilgrim credential and collect stamps in churches, town halls and guesthouses along the way.
Ready for Sicily? See all our tours in Sicily and our other hiking tours.
