The Madonie mountains offer family-friendly hikes with forests, views and charming villages. Here are 5 easy-to-intermediate ideas, including routes from Piano Battaglia.

1) Piano Battaglia – Pizzo Carbonara (loop)
Difficulty: medium
Time: ~3–4 h
Why go: highest peak in western Sicily, wide-open alpine meadows and vistas.

2) Giant Hollies Ring (Piano Pomo)
Difficulty: easy
Time: ~1.5–2 h
Why go: ancient holly trees, shaded fairy-tale forest, great for hot days.

3) Monte Mufara from Piano Battaglia
Difficulty: easy–medium
Time: ~2–3 h
Why go: sweeping views across the Madonie, straightforward path for most hikers.

4) Pomieri Forest Nature Trail
Difficulty: easy
Time: ~1–2 h
Why go: educational woodland walk among beeches and oaks, perfect with kids.

5) Nebrodi Fir Trail (Abies nebrodensis)
Difficulty: medium
Time: ~2–3 h
Why go: encounter a very rare endemic fir in cool, scenic valleys.

Best time
Spring and autumn. In summer start early and carry water. In winter, snow/ice possible at Piano Battaglia: bring proper gear and be cautious.

What to bring
Hiking shoes, water, sun hat/sunscreen, light rain shell, offline map or GPS track.

Where to stay
Our hotel is a perfect base for these routes.