The Goletta path
Just over a kilometre climbing from the village of San Gregorio up the hill: until the mid-twentieth century this was the only way into town. Mediterranean scrub, cicadas, and the Aeolians on the horizon.
- Difficulty
- Medio
- Duration
- About 1 h there and back
- Elevation gain
- A steady climb from the sea
- Altitude
- The hill above the village
- Season
- All year, avoiding the middle of the day in summer
The road before the road
Today you reach the village of San Gregorio in two minutes by car along the coast road. But that road was only built in the mid-twentieth century: before it, the only link between the fishermen's village and the centre of Capo d'Orlando was this path, over the hill. People, shopping and post all came this way. That's why it's worth walking: you move through the geography of how the town used to be.
The route
It starts from the little square of San Gregorio, some fifty metres further on, passing behind the fishermen's houses. The track climbs the ridge to a viewpoint above the tunnel of the provincial road linking village and town: from there you see the Sanctuary on Monte della Madonna on one side and the Aeolians on the other. Just over a kilometre in all, but climbing steadily.
What you see
Dense Mediterranean scrub, silence broken only by cicadas and the sea below, and a view that holds the Saracen coast and the archipelago together. It's the kind of place you don't expect two steps from the centre — and indeed almost no holidaymaker goes.
Before you set off
The path isn't consistently maintained: some seasons it's clear, others the brambles close it. This isn't a stroll in sandals. Long trousers, closed shoes, water — and if the track disappears, turn back rather than push on. If you want to know how it is right now, ask us on WhatsApp: we walk it.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Goletta path start?
From the little square of the San Gregorio village in Capo d'Orlando: the track begins some fifty metres past the square, passing behind the fishermen's houses.
How long is the Goletta path?
Just over a kilometre of steady climb, walked in about an hour there and back, not counting stops at the viewpoint.
Is the Goletta path always passable?
Not always: it receives no regular maintenance and at certain times of year vegetation, brambles and thorny plants make it hard or impossible to continue. Check its condition before setting out and wear long trousers.
Stay in Capo d'Orlando
A base in the centre — and everything else becomes a day trip.
The port for the Aeolians is 45 minutes away, the Nebrodi right behind. Breakfast served early for dawn departures.
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