Trekking from Ragusa Ibla to Ortigia - 6th Stage: From Pantalica Ranch (Sortino) to Belvedere

Trekking from Ragusa Ibla to Ortigia
The trekking route we are offering is a hiking journey divided into 7 stages that winds through some of the most evocative areas of south-eastern Sicilia. This is not a continuous trek; 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, perched 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 their weekly break while adapting to the pace of a more relaxed, non-consecutive trek.
• 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 retrieval 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.

6th Stage: March 09 – From Pantalica Ranch (Sortino) to Belvedere
Stage Description:
The sixth stage unfolds along a fascinating stretch that runs alongside the ancient Acquedotto Galermi, an extraordinary hydraulic engineering feat built by the Greeks in 480 B.C. This aqueduct, over 40 km long, was designed to bring water to ancient Greek Siracusa and is still used today by local farmers for field irrigation.
The route will lead us through the hilly landscapes typical of the Iblei area, with the aqueduct hidden beneath the limestone rock at depths varying between 1.5 and 40 meters. It is a work that reminds us of the ingenuity of antiquity and offers us the chance to reflect on the continuity between the past and the present.
We will conclude the stage in Belvedere, at the gates of Siracusa, ready to face the final part of the journey.

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, March 09 at 09:00, Agriturismo Pantalica Ranch, Sortino

Google Maps Link: Click here

End of trip: Sunday, March 09 at 17:00 in Belvedere.

Route: Approximately 7 hours, including breaks

Elevation gain: 350m Ascent, 200m Descent

Difficulty: Moderate

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

Booking: By March 8 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