Climbing Monte Monaco in Sicily

Short trek to the top of Monte Monaco 532 m above sea level near San Vito lo Capo

Starting point

We started on the outskirts of San Vito lo Capo, where we wandered for a long time before we came across a sign on one of the asphalt roads (see photo). The turn-off to the trail is from Strada Comunale Mondelo, which is on the approach to San Vito lo Capo. From this point on, you follow the marked path. Check the map beforehand to be sure.
 

Description of the hike

After a crowded Etna, a few days spent in the footsteps of Don Corleone and visits to Roman monuments, we move to the other end of the Sicilian island to the town of San Vita lo Capo, where the Cuscous Festival is in full swing. We start our journey to the small mountain of Monte Monaco at 532m above sea level after breakfast and, trusting in the good signage, we head to the end of town where the locals say is the start of the road to the summit. We found the starting point of the hike after some time spent searching, the markings were nowhere to be found. Therefore, I recommend to study the starting point on the map before the trip to save time.

From the first marker, the narrow path climbs steeply, through tall grass and over rocks. In many serpentines it overcomes the highest elevation. It bypasses the rock walls that drop steeply from the top of the mountain to the sea. It then turns into open ground and brings us to a kind of saddle between the mountains. Here, the path is better prepared. The climb is not so steep and we have beautiful views of the surroundings and the Tyrrhenian coast. Along the way we can see abandoned houses, and just below the summit an abandoned quarry. From the summit cross there are wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. On the way back we try a different route, but about halfway up we still join the same path we took to the summit. We then follow it back to the town.
 

Difficulty

The first part leads up a narrow, unmaintained path (rocks, dirt, roots and tall grass) steeply, then the ridge to the peaks is on gentler terrain, not so steep. The trail is better groomed here. Slow walking will not be a problem even for older children and the elderly. However, the trail cannot be walked with a stroller. The trail is narrow and bumpy.
 

Water availability

It was not possible to get water from the spring or to buy it along the whole hike (no hut or tourist stand along the way). I recommend to buy bottled water in one of the shops in San Vito. For us 1,5 l/person was enough.
 

Sleeping options

Some of the accommodations in San Vito lo Capo. There is something for everyone, from luxury hotels to apartments to camping in tents.
 

Mountain peaks

From the top of Monte Monaco at 532 m above sea level, you can enjoy aerial views of the surrounding countryside - the town of San Vito lo Capo and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
 

Danger

The path is not dangerous, it is still on the trails. They are narrow and can be a bit slippery in bad weather, but otherwise they lead in safe terrain. There are no exposed sections. Perhaps just take care when taking photos at the top, it's easy to get carried away on the edge of the cliff, there are wonderful panoramic views on each side of the world from the top. In summer, the extreme heat can be a problem, as you are hiking in open country all the time with no shade, and 40° temperatures are no exception (we had enough water for this hike at 1.5 litres per person).
 

Food

We set off after breakfast, so the Sicilian classic - an incredible Croissant + Espresso - was enough for us. On the way, we replenish our energy with only previously purchased bars.
 

Attractions

According to legend, San Vito lo Capo was founded in 300 AD by a Christian refugee from Rome named Vito. He tried to convert the locals to Christianity, but tragically died one night at sea. The locals then built the church of St. Vito in his honour, around which the settlement was built. You can still see the church there today. In September, San Vito lo Capo hosts a couscous festival, with bands playing in the evenings... a great atmosphere. There are also good places for diving, climbing or cycling. For lovers of seafood, I recommend a visit to the local fishmonger's where you can get fresh octopus, mussels, fish etc for literally a couple of hundred coins. I can say with a clear conscience that I have not seen a better beach in Europe. The white sand and blue water reminds me a lot of Thailand or the Caribbean. It seems to me that traditional tourists have not yet discovered San Vito Lo Capo, which was a nice change after spending time under their siege. Not far from San Vito you will also find the first nature reserve in Sicily - Lo Zingaro. This stretches along the unspoilt coastline of the Bay of Castellammare, which is lined with passable mountain ridges. The picturesque landscape of the cliffs is also complemented by small coves where you can go swimming.