A Madonie day trip is the best way we know to understand where our beer actually comes from. The Madonie mountains rise about 70 kilometres east of Palermo, and a full loop through their stone-built hill towns takes a day by car — ash groves, mountain herbs and centuries-old grain fields included. Here’s a route that works well as a day trip, and how to end it properly back in the city.
Why take a Madonie day trip
Most tourists in Palermo never leave the coast, which means the Madonie stay quiet even in high season. It’s a landscape of stone hill towns, oak and ash forests, and small-scale farming that hasn’t changed all that much in generations — including the ash trees that give us manna, and the wheat fields that give us Timilia and Perciasacchi grain for our Lager.
The route
Castelbuono
The unofficial capital of the Madonie, with a 14th-century castle, a lively food scene, and the closest thing to a “main town” on this route. A good first stop for coffee and a wander through the historic centre.
Petralia Soprana
Often listed among Italy’s most beautiful villages, sitting higher than any other town in the Madonie with sweeping views over the whole park. Narrow stone streets, a handful of churches worth ducking into, and very few other tourists.
Petralia Sottana
Just below its sister town, and the administrative centre of the Madonie Regional Park. A good stop for lunch before continuing on.
Polizzi Generosa
A hill town with panoramic views and a name that hints at royal favour — Frederick II is said to have granted it “generosa” status. A fitting last stop before heading back toward Palermo.
A Madonie day trip covers roughly 100 kilometres round trip — easy driving, best started early, and best done by car.
You’ll be driving through our ingredients
Somewhere on this route, ash trees are tapped for manna every July and August, exactly as we describe in our piece on Sicilian manna. Fields nearby grow the ancient Timilia and Perciasacchi wheat that goes into our Lager. A Madonie day trip is, in a very real sense, a drive through our ingredient list.
End the day with a Sicilian craft beer tasting
Back in Palermo by evening, the easiest way to keep the day going is our six-bottle Tasting Box, hand-delivered the same day anywhere in the city. Message us on WhatsApp before you set off and it’ll be waiting when you’re back.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Madonie day trip take?
Plan for a full day: around 100 kilometres round trip from Palermo, with stops in three or four towns and time for lunch.
Do I need a car for a Madonie day trip?
Yes, or a private driver. Public transport between the smaller towns is limited and infrequent, and a car gives you far more flexibility.
What’s the best time of year to visit the Madonie?
Late spring through early autumn for the best weather, though the manna harvest specifically happens in July and August.
Can I bring Sicilian craft beer with me on the trip?
Definitely — order the Tasting Box online before you go, or arrange same-day delivery for when you’re back in Palermo that evening.
Want to taste what grows along this route? Read about Sicilian manna, or go straight to the full shop.