Coastal Walks of Western Sicily

We start in the small fisherman's town of Castellamare del Golfo on the northwest coast of Sicily. A welcome dinner is included this evening. Stay: Luxmari (or similar) If you have extra time, we recommend adding one or two nights in Palermo at the start or end of your trip to enjoy its cultural melting pot of architecture, history and cuisine (D).

For our first walk of the week, a private transfer takes us to the starting point of our hike at Monte Cofano Natural Reserve. Halfway between San Vito Lo Capo and Trapani, the reserve is known for its verdant Mediterranean vegetation that surprisingly thrives in the harsh mountain environment. We come across Paleolithic caves and the Torre della Tonnara, a 16th-century fortress built to defend the land against pirates.

Bring your swimwear again today, and keep your eyes peeled for the peregrine falcons, kestrels and buzzards that dwell in the reserve. After the hike we transfer back to Castellamare del Golfo in the afternoon. Stay: Luxmari (or similar) (B).

Today we take a private transfer to the start of our hike in the fabulous Zingaro Natural Reserve, renowned for its many idyllic coves and paradisaical beaches. This is a haven for hikers, nature lovers and birdwatchers, and is home to more than 650 plant species, plus falcons and eagles. We follow a coastal path to make the most of the outstanding views and enjoy a picnic en route.

Remember to bring your swimwear, as we may have time for a refreshing dip in the sea along the way (weather permitting). We then take a private transfer back to our hotel in the late afternoon. Stay: Luxmari (or similar) (B/L).

After breakfast, we transfer to the white-washed town of San Vito Lo Capo, formerly a hub of fishing activity. Dominating the village's skyline is Monte Monaco, so named for its peculiar form that is reminiscent of a monk in prayer. On reaching the summit, we are rewarded with wonderful views over the Tyrrhenian Sea.

After our descent, there's time to stroll through the pretty centre of San Vito Lo Capo or enjoy the long, sandy beach for which the town is known, then we are transferred to the port city of Trapani, our home for the next four nights, in time for a group dinner. Please note: This is one of the hardest walks of the week as the walk is almost exclusively uphill and the terrain can be rocky and uneven under foot. Stay: Hotel Punta Tipa (or similar) (B/D).

Today is free for you to explore Trapani and the surrounding area at your own pace. Wander the narrow streets of the old town or savour a delicious gelato on the seafront. We recommend a visit to the Saline di Trapani and Paceco Nature Reserve, an area protected by WWF Italy where nature conservation coexists with ongoing salt production, and flamingos are often spotted, among other species. Stay: Hotel Punta Tipa (or similar) (B).

In the morning, we walk from the hotel to the port of Trapani. We then take the hydrofoil boat (30-50 minutes) to Levanzo, the smallest of the inhabited Aegadian islands. Cars are not permitted on the island (only licensed 4x 4s), which allows it to retain an old-world charm not often found in European destinations. We head to the Grotta del Genovese cave (subject to availability) to see the prehistoric rock paintings, enjoying scenic coastal views on the way there. After the visit, we follow one of the many quiet hiking trails, coming across hidden coves, rocky lookouts and lush vegetation.

In the afternoon we return to Trapani port via hydrofoil, before taking the minibus to the hotel. Stay: Hotel Punta Tipa (or similar) (B).

For our final day, after a short minibus transfer, we travel by cable car or public bus up to the fortified town of Erice. It is believed that the town dates back to around 1100BCE and was originally a settlement of Sicily ancient Elyrir people. Conquered by the Normans in the 12th century, the town has been carefully preserved and retains and air of mystery that is heightened when the mist often swirls in.

You have time to explore the town and grab a spot of lunch in one of the local restaurants before our final walk of the week. We enjoy the views out to sea and of the surrounding countryside before arriving back into Trapani. You then have the rest of the afternoon to spend as you wish. Stay: Hotel Punta Tipa (or similar) (B).

The trip ends in Trapani on the morning of Day 8 (B).