A new era for experiential and sustainable tourism in Sicily is about to begin in the heart of the Madonie Park. On Sunday, August 31, 2025, the splendid village of San Mauro Castelverde, perched at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, will celebrate a historic moment with the official inauguration of its impressive trail network: a 180-kilometer system of paths that not only recovers the area’s historical memory but also opens up to a future of sustainability and, above all, inclusion. The event, which will take place at 5:00 PM in the Vrincieli Forest Area, marks the town’s transformation into a model destination for those seeking an authentic and profound connection with nature.
Realized as part of the European initiative “BORGO VIVO,” the network consists of sixteen itineraries that retrace ancient sheep tracks (“trazzere”) and mule paths, routes that for centuries served as the only lines of communication for shepherds, pilgrims, and peasants. These trails not only offer breathtaking views but also connect San Mauro to nearby charming villages such as Gangi, Geraci Siculo, Castelbuono, and Tusa, creating a cultural and natural corridor in the heart of the Madonie. The offerings are incredibly varied, ranging from short family walks to challenging full-day treks, with direct links to the Madonie Park and the greater Sentiero Italia CAI. Among these routes, the evocative “Via del Mare” (The Way to the Sea) stands out, a path that scenically descends from the mountains to the coast, symbolically uniting the two landscapes.
What makes this initiative a pioneering model in Italy is its radical commitment to inclusion. For the first time in such a complex mountainous region, ten of the trails have been made fully accessible to people with motor disabilities through the use of “joëlettes.” These are special single-wheeled, all-terrain chairs that, guided by expert companions, can overcome any natural barrier. This choice is not a technical detail but a declaration of principle, affirming the universal right to enjoy the beauty and silence of the mountains and positioning San Mauro Castelverde at the forefront of social and accessible tourism.
The experience offered to visitors extends far beyond simple trekking. The territory is magnificently suited for mountain biking and e-biking, horseback riding, and “donkey trekking,” a slow and profound immersion into the landscape. But San Mauro Castelverde is a destination that deserves to be discovered beyond its trails. Its historic center, a labyrinth of narrow alleys and stone staircases of medieval design, invites exploration of treasures like the Mother Church of San Giorgio. For thrill-seekers, the village offers the adrenaline of the Zipline Sicilia, a breathtaking flight over one and a half kilometers long that provides a unique aerial perspective of the valley. The offering is completed by the Ethno-anthropological Museum and a culinary tradition rooted in the flavors of the Madonie, from local cheeses to prized olive oils.
Reaching this jewel set among the mountains is part of the journey. By car, the reference motorway exits are Scillato on the A19 Palermo-Catania or Tusa and Castelbuono on the A20 Palermo-Messina, from which scenic and winding provincial roads lead to the village. The nearest airports are in Palermo and Catania. Hospitality is abundant, with bed & breakfasts and holiday homes that allow visitors to experience the authentic atmosphere of the village.
“This project is an act of love for our territory and represents a model of tourism capable of combining nature, culture, and accessibility,” stated Mayor Giuseppe Minutilla. The official inauguration on Sunday, August 31st, will be a community celebration, an open invitation for everyone to participate in the first inaugural walk to witness the beginning of this new, promising chapter for San Mauro and for all of Sicily.
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