Experiences in the Madonie
FROM INSULAE RESORT TO MADONIE, SICILIAN SUMMITS
Majestic madonie: natural parks and ancient medieval villages to visit, starting from Cefalù
At over 2,000 meters above sea level, the Madonie mountain range protects a land filled with historical, scenic and folkloric beauties, making it the treasure of northern Sicily.
Medieval villages where you can still admire castles, old abbeys and ancient country estates, forested slopes cultivated with almond trees, fig trees, hazelnuts and ash trees from which the rare manna is harvested, panoramic views of a crystal-clear sea, and a UNESCO World Heritage natural Park, a cradle of biodiversity. Such a rich area lends itself to many experiential forms to be enjoyed in all its facets.
The Insulae resort, nestled between the village of Cefalù and the Madonie range, invites its guests to discover the territory through excursions to experience its most exciting faces.
WINE TOUR
The Wine Road through lush vineyards and prestigious wineries
The flavors and aromas of the Madonie are at the heart of wine tours at the region’s most renowned wineries.
The wine production of the madonie is one of the oldest and most appreciated in Sicily, able of surprising even the most experienced connoisseurs and exciting simple lover or curious visitors.
Through the towns of Cefalù, Cerda, Sclafani, Campofelice di Roccella, Caltavuturo, Vallelunga, and Valledolmo, runs the Wine Road of Northern Sicily, which follows the route of the Targa Florio, the historic car race.
Wine and food trails through vineyards overlooking the sea will take Insulae guests on multisensory journeys to discover native wines with controlled Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC) or Typical Geographical Indication (IGT), such as Contea di Sclafani DOC and Fontanarossa di Cerda IGT.
Elegant tastings at the ancient Abbey of Sant'Anastasia
A large part of the successful wine production is attributed to the Abbazia di Sant’Anastasia winery, located on the remains of an ancient medieval monastery in Castelbuono. Its organic production is carried out in respect of the tradition established by the Benedictine Monks who founded it. Here, visitors can enjoy wine tastings alongside samples of typical cured meats and cheeses, or even lunch in the wine cellar.
One of the most engaging ways to discover the unique features of local wine production is through relaxing horse rides among the vigorous vineyards surrounded by dense mediterranean scrub forests.
A deeply immersive experience with the local nature, where the scent of the Tyrrhenian sea, must and the wood of the barrels blend into heady sensations.
Discover the experiences offered by Insulae Resort and spend a dream stay in Cefalù. Insulae is also the ideal location for unforgettable private events. Request information by filling in the form.
EXCURSIONS BY QUAD
Dynamic routes through natural landscapes and dirt roads
Quad tours in the Madonie region are a fun and adventurous way to explore the wildest side of Sicily.
Among panoramic views, forested expanses and ancient villages, quad excursions allow you to quickly reach considerable altitudes in the Madonie Park.
Professional guides will recommend routes of different difficulty, tailored to each guest’s experience, and will provide suitable support to ensure the tour is carried out in complete safety.
Starting from Cefalù, the first must-see stop is the Sanctuary of Gibilmanna, a small village located 800 meters above sea level, immersed in the greenery of Pizzo Sant’Angelo. A mystical and evocative place where the stories of miracles performed by the Virgin Mary, to whom the sanctuary is dedicated, are still alive.
Castelbuono’s manna, Gole di Tiberio and the Madonie zip line
Unpaved trails through occasionally wild nature will lead visitors to Castelbuono, a small medieval village nestled among the rocks, where time seems to have stood still. Here, a stop becomes an opportunity to taste typical products made with manna, a rare natural sweetener produced from ash trees, for which Castelbuono is famous.
After this refreshing break, the tour continues to reach some panoramic views of the Madonie Park, from which you can admire the tyrrhenian coast and the Aeolian Islands, which adorn the horizon.
The longer routes allow you to venture all the way to the Gole di Tiberio, with their stunning natural canyons, and to the village of San Mauro Castelverde, where you can experience flight over the Madonie with Italy’s only zip line, located nearly 1,000 meters above sea level.
An exciting tour through history, nature, and folklore to discover Sicily from its heart.
THE GAL HASSIN PLANETARIUM
Stargazing at the Astronomical Park
In the small town of Isnello lies the beauty of the Universe.
This almost fairytale-like village, nestled in the rich vegetation of the Madonie Park, is home to the GAL Hassin Planetarium, where both adults and children can enjoy an interactive experience exploring the mysteries of Space.
The Planetarium is part of the Monte Mufara Astronomical Park, offering a privileged view of the stars, thanks to the crystal-clear sky visible from here.
A DAY AT THE ADVENTURE PARK
The Madonie Park open for intense adventure days for all ages
The Adventure Park within the Madonie Park is a place where adrenaline and fun for all ages come together to create a unique experience in close contact with nature.
Inside this protected area, a biodiversity heritage, Madonie Adventure Park is the first eco-sustainable themed park in southern Italy, and since 2008, it has been offering exciting experiences to both adults and children who venture into its acrobatic trails.
Each proposed activity is designed to stimulate learning, coordination, orientation, and team spirit through age-appropriate courses and workshops.
GOLE DI TIBERIO AND ZIPLINE
Unique excursions through natural canyons and sensational panoramas
The Madonie Park, with its great variety of landscapes, hosts extreme territories where the bravest can experience emotionally intense adventures.
One of the most striking examples is the Gole di Tiberio, natural canyons reaching up to 50 meters in height, located between the towns of San Mauro Castelverde and Castelbuono. These gorges were formed during the Mesozoic era by the slow yet constant erosion of the Pollina river, a process that has been ongoing for 200 million years.
In addition to the unique geological and natural interest due to the presence of numerous cliff animal and plant species, the Gole di Tiberio are a renowned destination for hiking and river sports.
Inside Madonie Park, water-based experiences give way to those in the sky with the Madonie Zipline, also known as the Giant Swing of the Madonie.
This is the only Zipline in Italy located at nearly 1000 meters above sea level, offering a breathtaking panoramic view.
Offers & Deals
Exclusive proposals and packages for those who book from the Insulae website.
Get ready for a holiday of relaxation and charm with an exotic touch in Cefalù, pearl of the Mediterranean.