A balcony overlooking the gulf of San Vito Lo Capo
Monte Monaco rises east of San Vito Lo Capo and with its majesty seems to protect the entire town.
A few years ago, a historic path used by local inhabitants to reach the land where they carried out agricultural and pastoral work was restored.
This is a route that starts from the Mondello municipal road, behind the town, and reaches up to the top of the mountain.
There is good signage along the entire route.
Along the route you encounter varied nature, a clear example of Mediterranean vegetation with colors and scents that fill the air.
Near the top there are the remains of a now disused marble quarry and halfway along the route you will begin to glimpse a large cross that will show you the point of arrival.
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This wonderful promontory jutting out onto the Tyrrhenian Sea is a destination all year round for passionate hikers, but also for simple nature enthusiasts.
Next to the majestic wooden cross, you will find a small niche in which a notebook is kept where everyone can leave their thoughts.
The panorama spans 360° and is truly unique.
It is possible to admire to the west the coast that goes from Erice to Monte Cofano, and to the east from San Vito Lo Capo up to the Gulf of Castellamare and the mountains overlooking Palermo, while to the south the view extends along the ridge of Monte Speziale up to Monte Sparagio which closes the Castelluzzo plain to the south.
The route is quite easy, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and can also be practiced by little ones.
It is also possible to descend from the opposite side, following the dirt road, which is found in the upper part of the route, in this case you need to allow an hour and thirty minutes to reach San Vito Lo Capo.
Useful Info:
Height of Monte Monaco: 530 meters above sea level
Route length: approximately 3 km
Average uphill travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Average travel time downhill: 60 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Useful advice: wear sturdy shoes (better if boots) - a hat will be useful especially in summer - a supply of water - a backpack to carry everything comfortably.
>>> See route map
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