When visiting Palermo, pay a visit to Santa Rosalia, the city’s patron saint. A shrine/burial place dedicated to Rosalia sits in a cave with a beautiful cathedral facade on the top of Monte Pellegrino. While there are two narrow roads that carry tourist buses to the summit, ambitious runners can utilize the paved trail to the shrine, where devotees trek barefoot each September 4 to pay their respects. The trail, called the Via Santuario Monte Pellegrino, is about 3.6 km one way, but there is a tough 10-15% elevation grade for most of the climb. The views of coastal Palermo are worth it, but if you don’t feel up to it, it’s also possible to take a bus up and run down.
Kelsey Perrett
Features:
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Essentials
- 3.6 km (2.2 miles) one-way
- 521 meters (1381 feet)
- Via Pietro Bonanno
- Imperatore Federico Train Station
Current Weather & Forecast
Sicily, IT
2:02 pm,
Jun 18, 2026
clear sky
28°C
L: 28°
H: 28°
Daily ForecastHourly Forecast
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22° / 25°°C
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14 mph
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Other Routes in Sicily, Italy
This 6.4 km run hits the top sites in the Sicilian capital of Palermo, including the Norman Palace, Teatro Massimo, and Cattedrale di Palermo.
Looking for some fun and friendly competition? Palermo hosts a selection of Parkruns (a free 5 km) throughout the city. Even if your timing doesn't work to join the group, these are good ideas for nice routes in the area!
The northern coastal town of Cefalù is a popular tourist destination, with a great 4.5 km waterfront path (lungomare) for running. Some sections inland. An opportunity to see some of Cefalù's top sights as well.
Run Taormina’s historic pedestrian-only center, Corso Umberto, with this 4 km tour of the top sites of this hilltop town.
The beachside community of Giardini Naxos, a popular resort destination, has a great lungomare spanning the coast for about 3.5 km. Northern end is the Taormina-Giardini train station, southern end is the Naxos museum.
Visit the villages of Forza d’Agrò and Savoca, where many of the Sicilian scenes from The Godfather Trilogy were filmed. Up to 13 km one way.
Run the slopes of one of the world’s most active volcanoes (and the highest in Europe). A challenging road or trail ascent for the experienced only. Alternative: see the gentler Parkrun course at Parco dell Etna, or join them Saturdays!
An 8.6 km tour of the top sites in the UNESCO World Heritage destination of Catania, including Porta Ferdinandea, the Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò L' Arena, and the lovely Via Etnea.
The most popular beach in Catania, “La Playa,” is a 4 km stretch of golden sand and turquoise waters with great views of Mt. Etna towering above.
One of the few long distance off-road paths on Sicily, the Rossana Maiorca Bike Trail runs 6.6 km on a gorgeous coastal route that includes a sculpture park.
The small island of Ortigia (Ortygia) is a must see when visiting the Sicilian provincial capital of Syracuse. Run the coast and see the historic landmarks on this 3.2 km loop.
Run the quiet streets of Palazzo Adriano, where the 1988 Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award Winner “Cinema Paradiso” was filmed. A 1.7 km tour of a quintessential Sicilian village with opportunities to add on.
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