1. Colle Calandra Loop

Route: 7 Km
Max altitude: 1093 m
Min altitude: 940 m
Difficulty: F
Joelette accessible: Yes

The trail is very easy and accessible to everyone. It can be walked, or done with mountain bikes, e-bikes, horses, and Joëlettes. The Joëlette is a special off-road one-wheeled wheelchair designed to allow people with motor disabilities to tackle trails and mountain paths with the help of one or more companions. It is designed to be pushed and guided by companions, making natural places otherwise inaccessible accessible to all.
The trail starts at the former Capuchin convent, and after passing through the historic center, continues into the forest behind the municipal cemetery toward Colle Calandra, a place full of stories and legends. The loop trail follows a rural path leading to the hamlets of Malia and Botindari up to the Vrincieli trough. From here it follows a mule track toward Portella Croce, then joins the return path heading back toward Colle Calandra. Highlights along the route include the Neviera Valley, the Vrincieli trough, the votive chapel of Portella della Croce, the area of the fontana d’a rita (clay fountain) with terraces, dry-stone walls, and ruins of Colle Calandra.

2. Zipline Ascent on Foot

Route: 3 Km
Max altitude: 940 m
Min altitude: 672 m
Difficulty: F
Joelette accessible: Yes

The trail is very easy and accessible to all who decide to experience the thrill of the flight. It is suitable for walking, mountain biking or e-biking, horseback riding, quads, and Joëlettes. The Joëlette is a special off-road one-wheeled wheelchair designed to allow people with motor disabilities to tackle trails and mountain paths with assistance. The trail starts at the arrival station of Zipline Sicilia and ends at the departure station. It ascends for about 3 kilometers following a mule track that crosses provincial road 52. Highlights include the churches of San Giuseppe and Porto Salvo.

3. Urban Trekking

Route: 4 Km
Max altitude: 1080 m
Min altitude: 940 m
Difficulty: F
Joelette accessible: Yes

The itinerary starts at Piano San Mauro, the balcony over the Madonie. It is very easy and accessible to everyone, even families with children. The route is suitable for walking, mountain biking or e-biking, and with Joëlettes. Joëlettes are special one-wheeled off-road wheelchairs designed to allow people with motor disabilities to tackle trails and mountain paths with assistance.
The trail runs through the inhabited area up to the castle ruins, then continues toward Colle Maddalena. Highlights of the urban trekking include: Piano San Mauro, Piero Zacco square “The Secret of the Sea”, Town Hall Square, Porta Grande, the Arab-Norman church of San Giorgio, and the ruins of the castle and watchtower on Colle Maddalena. Of particular interest is the medieval town layout of this Madonie village with its numerous arches, narrow winding alleys, and multi-story houses.

4. Pizzo dell'Asino Loop

Route: 11.5 Km
Max altitude: 818 m
Min altitude: 440 m
Difficulty: EE
Joelette accessible: Not suggested

This trail is suitable for experienced hikers and can be done on foot and on horseback. Due to the presence of some exposed sections, the use of a Joëlette is not recommended.
The Pizzo dell’Asino loop is one of the most scenic and historically rich trails in the San Mauro area. It starts in the San Giuseppe district and, following the mule track through manna ash trees in the Santa Rosalia district, descends to the Ciaramellaro river where the Sona votive chapel is located. After crossing Portella Sona, the trail continues toward Karsa, flanked by many centuries-old olive trees, until reaching the hamlet of Karsa Cannizzaro where there is a large trough with excellent water. From here, the trail climbs toward Xinni, and after a flat section, rises to 818 meters at Pizzo dell’Asino. The trail ends back at San Giuseppe, completing the loop through the Arab district of Kalavrì and Mastrianni. Highlights include the Ciaramellaro river canyon and the breathtaking view from Pizzo dell’Asino. From here you can admire several Madonie towns such as Gangi, Geraci Siculo, Castelbuono, Isnello, and Pollina, as well as the Pollina river. The Karsa Sona votive chapel is particularly interesting for its unique shape, as are the many old buildings in the Karsa district with ancient olive mills and sundials.

5. San Mauro, Botindari, Malia Loop

Route: 15 Km
Max altitude: 940 m
Min altitude: 435 m
Difficulty: EE
Joelette accessible: Not suggested

This trail is suitable for experienced hikers. With an elevation gain of 450 meters, it is suitable for walking and horseback riding. Joëlette use is not recommended due to exposed areas and steep gradients.
The trail starts at the Convent, and after about 2 kilometers joins the royal trail leading to Gangi up to the Vrincieli trough. From here, it follows the mule track to Casale Botindari. From Casale, a stretch of provincial road 60 leads to the hamlet of Malia. The trail then ascends via the royal trail back to the historic center of San Mauro. Highlights along the route include: the votive chapel of Portella della Croce and the two charming hamlets of Botindari and Malia. Along the path, you’ll find many centuries-old olive trees, and in Malia, a manna ash tree estimated to be around 400 years old.

6. San Mauro - Tiberio Gorges

Route: 12 Km
Max altitude: 940 m
Min altitude: 93 m
Difficulty: E
Joelette accessible: Yes

Though long, the trail is easy as it is all downhill. It is suitable for walking, mountain biking or e-biking, horseback riding, and Joëlettes. The Joëlette is a special off-road one-wheeled wheelchair designed to allow people with motor disabilities to tackle trails with the help of companions. The trail starts from the town center and follows the royal coastal trail to the Mastrianni district, then continues toward Pizzo dell’Asino before entering the Karsa forest. After descending through the entire forest to provincial road 60, the trail continues along a rural road to the gorges, passing through Passo Oscuro and the Tiberio picnic area of the Sicilian Forestry Agency. Points of cultural interest include the church of San Giuseppe, while natural highlights include: Pizzo dell’Asino, the Karsa forest, the Tiberio picnic area and the UNESCO geosite Tiberio Gorges.

7. Tiberio Gorges - Tornisia Bridge Loop

Route: 5 Km
Max altitude: 228 m
Min altitude: 93 m
Difficulty: E
Joelette accessible: Not suggested

Although short, this trail is demanding because much of it runs through the Pollina riverbed and is not always passable. It is best to hike this trail in spring or autumn when water levels are low. Crossing is prohibited during rain or immediately afterward. The trail is for walking only. It begins at the Tiberio Gorges and climbs to the royal trail, passing the forestry area before reaching the Tornisia bridge. From there, it follows the river for about 2.5 km before returning to the gorges. The Pollina river originates at Piano Battaglia in the Madonie mountains and stretches about 40 km. Its tributaries mostly originate in the Madonie, except the Buonanotte river, which rises in the San Mauro mountains of the Nebrodi range. Major tributaries include the Rainò (Gangi), Calabrò and Salice (Geraci Siculo), Ciaramellaro (San Mauro), Castelbuono (Castelbuono and Isnello), and Celsito (Pollina).

8. Portella Ciambra - Timpa del Grillo

Route: 11 Km
Max altitude: 1345 m
Min altitude: 980 m
Difficulty: EE
Joelette accessible: Not suggested

This trail, with nearly 400 meters of elevation gain, is suitable for experienced hikers and can be done on foot and on horseback. Due to some exposed and steep sections, Joëlette use is not recommended. The itinerary starts at Portella Ciambra and, after reaching Portella Gallina, climbs to 1345 meters at Timpa del Grillo, the highest point in San Mauro Castelverde territory. On the way back, the trail descends on the north slope along the trail of the Sallemi district.
The panoramic view from the summit is breathtaking; on a clear day, up to 32 towns in four Sicilian provinces can be seen, including all the Aeolian Islands.
Timpa del Grillo is locally known as “U pizzu di tri finaiti” (“The peak of the three borders”) because the summit marks the meeting point of three former fiefs: Sallemi and Gallina (San Mauro), and Vallecuba (Castel di Lucio, province of Messina). "Timpa del Grillo" is an Arabic toponym meaning flat mountain, due to the large plateau at the summit.

9. Portella Ciambra - Pizzo Ferrante

Route: 18 Km
Max altitude: 1170 m
Min altitude: 980 m
Difficulty: E
Joelette accessible: Not suggested

+ Connection with Sentiero Italia
The trail is suitable for experienced hikers and can be covered on foot or horseback. Due to some exposed sections, the use of the joelette is not recommended. The itinerary starts at Portella Ciambra and, after reaching Portella Gallina, continues along the trazzera that connects San Mauro with Nicosia in the province of Enna or Capizzi in the province of Messina, up to the wind turbines in the territory of Castel di Lucio. Here it intersects the CAI Sentiero Italia that connects Trieste with Trapani. Points of interest include the southwest side of Monte Ferrante (1176 m), where the Saracen caves are located on private land. There are six caves in total, close to each other; the largest has two rooms and was certainly excavated during the same period as those in the Sperlinga area.

10. San Mauro Loop - Karsa Curve

Route: 1.5 Km
Max altitude: 940 m
Min altitude: 798 m
Difficulty: E
Joelette accessible: Yes

The trail is very easy and accessible to everyone. It can be covered on foot, with mountain bikes or e-bikes, on horseback, and with joelettes. The joelette is a special single-wheeled off-road wheelchair designed to allow people with motor disabilities to tackle trails and mountain routes with the help of one or more companions.
The route starts at the former Capuchin convent and, following the royal trazzera San Mauro – Mare, reaches the Karsa Curve after two bends. Points of interest include the church of Porto Salvo and the geological emergency area of the Numidian Flysch. This is a significant geological formation dating back to the Oligocene–Early Miocene (about 34–20 million years ago). Although short, this route offers beautiful views of the Madonie mountain range and the sea.

11. Byzantine Trail

Route: 4.5 Km
Max altitude: 1000 m
Min altitude: 689 m
Difficulty: F
Joelette accessible: Yes

The Byzantine trail is a 4.5 km loop with a difference in elevation of about 300 m. It is named after the Byzantine rule, which left several landmarks in this area. The route follows a road used by local herders, starting from the windmill area and ending at the church of Santa Maria dei Tracchi. The path is very easy and suitable for walking, mountain or e-biking, horseback riding, and using joelettes. The joelette is a special single-wheeled off-road wheelchair designed to allow people with motor disabilities to tackle trails and mountain routes with the help of one or more companions.
Points of interest in the upper part of the trail include the windmill with an outer diameter of 6.20 m, a wall thickness of 80 cm, and a height of 9 m, as well as the "Bevaio dei Greci," a watering place that collects water from a spring known since the Byzantine era. Further down the trail is the votive chapel of Saint Gregory, built after the pope’s visit to the Church of the Annunciation. Pope Gregory held the papacy from 590 to 604 AD. The church of Santa Maria dei Tracchi was built in the early centuries of Christianitys spread in Europe and is one of the earliest religious buildings in the Madonie area.

12. Pirato - Canalicchio Loop

Route: 12 Km
Max altitude: 1233 m
Min altitude: 884 m
Difficulty: E
Joelette accessible: Yes

The trail is suitable for fit hikers and can be traveled on foot, by mountain bike or e-bike, on horseback, and with the joelette. However, to complete the trail with the joelette or e-bike, from Monte Canalicchio it is necessary to return along the same path, as the trazzera connecting the mountain directly to the sports field is very steep and dangerous. The Pirato-Canalicchio Loop is one of the most scenic routes in the San Mauro area, following the ridge that divides the province of Palermo from that of Messina. The territory of the Pirato district is municipal, and in the warmer months, herds of grazing cows are often seen. The 12 km trail with nearly 400 m of elevation gain first follows the royal trazzera connecting San Mauro to Tusa, then the mule track leading to Monte Canalicchio, and returns to the sports field via another trazzera. From Monte Canalicchio, it is also possible to continue to Portella Ciambra, where the trail to Timpa del Grillo (1346 m a.s.l.) and Monte Ferrante (1176 m) begins. There are many scenic points of interest along the way such as Pizzo Vuturo and Monte Canalicchio. Numerous drinking troughs are found near natural springs, as Monte Pirato serves as the water reserve for San Mauro Castelverde. The rural aqueduct that serves most of the San Mauro area originates here. In the upper section, you encounter the Mutuluffu houses and animal pens. Until the 1990s, local herders used the structure as a dairy during spring and summer.

13. San Mauro - Sea

Route: 17 Km
Max altitude: 940 m
Min altitude: 0 m
Difficulty: E
Joelette accessible: Yes

This 17 km trail is suitable for experienced hikers and can be covered on foot, with mountain bikes or e-bikes, on horseback, and with joelettes. The joelette is a special single-wheeled off-road wheelchair designed to allow people with motor disabilities to tackle trails and mountain routes with the help of one or more companions. The trail starts from the town center and follows the royal trazzera down to San Mauro beach. This small Madonie village is the only town in Italy with both a beach and an elevation over 1,000 meters. The beach is 350 meters long, located between the Pollina River and the town of Tusa in the province of Messina. The trail passes through the districts of San Giuseppe, Serra Ostia, Cacciatori, Piano Benso, and Badia. Among the historical landmarks are the Church of the Madonna dei Poveri between Borrello and Cacciatori and the villages of Serra Ostia and Piano Benso.

14. San Mauro - Gangi

Route: 18.5 Km
Max altitude: 992 m
Min altitude: 414 m
Difficulty: EE
Joelette accessible: Not suggested

+ Brigands’ Trail in Sicily - First stage
This trail, one of the most challenging in the San Mauro network with over 500 meters of elevation gain, is suitable for experienced hikers and can be traveled on foot and on horseback. The use of the joelette is not recommended due to exposed areas and steep gradients.
The trail starts at the Convent, and after 2 km joins the royal trazzera leading to Gangi, passing through the districts of Vrincieli, Comuni, Malia, Calabrò, and reaching the Pollina River. After crossing the river, the trail climbs toward Gangi through the districts of Montededero, Rainò, and Pasciovaglio. Along the trail are the villages of Malia and Calabrò, and many ancient olive trees. Near Malia, on the Giaimo brothers’ property by the bridge over the stream of the same name, stands the oldest olive tree in the Madonie and one of the oldest in Sicily, estimated at around 2000 years old. This trail is the first stage of the Brigands’ Trail in Sicily, a historical-naturalistic route of 5 stages and 4 overnights. The approximately 105 km route starts in San Mauro Castelverde (Palermo) within the Madonie Park and ends in Cesarò (Messina) in the Nebrodi Park, crossing the towns of Gangi (Palermo), Sperlinga, Nicosia, and Troina (Enna), Capizzi, and Cesarò (Messina).

15. San Mauro - Castelbuono

Route: 14 Km
Max altitude: 940 m
Min altitude: 216 m
Difficulty: E
Joelette accessible: Yes

This 14 km trail is suitable for experienced hikers and can be traveled on foot, on horseback, and using the joelette. The joelette is a special single-wheeled off-road wheelchair designed to allow people with motor disabilities to tackle trails and mountain routes with the help of one or more companions. The trail begins in San Mauro’s historic center and follows the royal trazzera to Castelbuono, descending through the Arvini district and, after passing through Cantarella, reaches the D’Ambolo bridge over the Pollina River. Beyond the bridge, the path becomes very easy, leading to Castelbuono through the area of water mills. Near the river, many olive trees of the “Crastu” cultivar—a typical Madonie variety—can be seen. This tree is found exclusively on the northern slopes of the Madonie, especially in the Pollina River basin. Near Cantarella is the “Naca di San Bartolo,” a small gorge about 100 meters long.

16. San Mauro - Tusa

Route: 15.5 Km
Max altitude: 1175 m
Min altitude: 640 m
Difficulty: E
Joelette accessible: Yes

The trail is suitable for experienced hikers and can be traveled on foot, with mountain bikes or e-bikes, on horseback, and with joelettes. It starts in the historic center of San Mauro and follows the royal trazzera to Tusa, crossing the Maurina ridge mountains that divide the provinces of Palermo and Messina. The trazzera passes through the former fiefs of Vrincieli, Sant’Ippolito, Pirato, Cerritello, and Palminteri.
Numerous scenic points of interest include the Pirato ridge, Pizzo Vuturo, Portella Taverna, and Pizzo San Pietro. Many watering troughs built near the many natural springs are also encountered, as Monte Pirato is the water reserve for San Mauro Castelverde. The rural aqueduct serving almost the entire territory starts here. In the upper part of the trail are the Mutuluffu houses and animal pens. Until the 1990s, local herders used this structure as a dairy during spring and summer.