The Journey from Ragusa Ibla to Ortigia - Stage 4: From Palazzolo Acreide to Porta Pantalica (Ferla)

The Journey from Ragusa Ibla to Ortigia
The Journey we are offering is a hiking route divided into 7 stages that winds through some of the most evocative areas of south-eastern Sicily. This journey is not consecutive; instead, it will be carried out through Sunday appointments during the winter season, from November to March.
The stages are designed to help you discover the beauty of the territory in a sustainable and accessible way, connecting historic cities, hilltop villages, and breathtaking natural landscapes, culminating in the splendid island of Ortigia, the ancient heart of Siracusa.

Logistics

• The stages will take place on Sundays, allowing participants to enjoy a weekly break and adapt to the pace of a more relaxed, non-consecutive journey.
• The daily distances are designed to be covered in about 5-7 hours of walking, allowing participants to finish the hikes in the afternoon.
• You can choose to participate in one or more stages.
• It will be our responsibility to manage the logistics for vehicle recovery at the end of the hike; the rental of one or more vehicles for the return to the starting point will be arranged based on the number of participants.

Stage 4: February 2nd - From Palazzolo Acreide to Porta Pantalica (Ferla)
Stage Description:
This stage takes us from Palazzolo Acreide to the gates of the evocative Pantalica area. The route crosses the splendid Valle dell’Anapo, following the track of the old railway that once connected the inland Iblei, from Ragusa to Siracusa.
Along the way, we will immerse ourselves in a landscape rich in panoramic views, with green hills and spectacular vistas. The beauty of the place and the tranquil atmosphere will make this stage particularly pleasant.
We will stop for lunch along the Anapo river, near an old mill, a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature before resuming our walk towards Cassaro, at the gates of Pantalica.

Participation fee: € 20.00 – Includes guide service, accident insurance, and hike organization. To activate the insurance, please send your full name and tax code (codice fiscale).

Costs not included: Packed lunch, travel to and from the meeting point, shared cost for the rental of one or more minibuses for the return to the starting point.

Meeting point: Sunday, February 2nd at 09:00 AM, Piazza del Popolo, Palazzolo Acreide SR

Google Maps Link: Click here.

End of the trip: Sunday, February 2nd at 05:00 PM at the agriturismo Porte di Pantalica, Ferla side.

Route: Approximately 6 hours, including breaks

Elevation gain: 180m ascent, 380m descent

Difficulty: Moderate.

Required equipment: Hiking clothing and shoes, long trousers, hat, trekking poles, rain jacket (k-way), 2L water bottle.

Booking: By January 31st or until the group is full.

Notes: The hike may be subject to changes due to unpredictable natural conditions. In such cases, the guide will decide on any necessary route modifications. An email with updated information will be sent a few days before the hike.

Bookings and contacts

• Participation fee and bookings: € 20.00
  Bookings at 3287484939 (Javier) and 3334987946 (Salvatore) or via email at [email protected].
• AIGAE Guides: Salvatore Marletta and Javier Marletta