Geraci  Siculo​

Latest page update: 15 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Geraci Siculo
Geraci Siculo, a medieval town in the Madonie Mountains, is known for its historic architecture and elevated setting. Local accommodation is mainly small residences and agriturismi, so for established hotels it is better to look to nearby towns within the Madonie area.
​
In Castelbuono, Relais Santa Anastasia offers elegant rooms in a former abbey, with a pool, extensive grounds and consistently strong guest feedback (€€€). Also in Castelbuono, Hotel Paradiso delle Madonie provides modern rooms and reliable services, often praised for its convenience and comfort (€€). For a coastal option, Hotel Alberi del Paradiso in Cefalù combines hillside gardens, pools and panoramic views, regularly highlighted for its setting and facilities (€€€).

Where is

Where is Geraci Siculo?
​​The town of Geraci Siculo is situated in the Metropolitan City of Palermo province and has a population of 1,788.

It stands at an elevation of 1,072 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include Gangi, Petralia Soprana & Sottana, Sperlinga and Nicosia. 
Comune di Geraci Siculo
Province: Metropolitan City of Palermo​

Region: Sicily

Population: 1,697 (in 2024 - source)

Size: 113 km²

Elevation: 1,072 metres

​Close by: Gangi, Petralia Soprana, Petralia Sottana, Sperlinga

Recommended accommodation: Hotel ​Residenza Petra (12 km)
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: Santi e Madonne sulle Madonie (Saints and Madonnas in the Madonie Mountains)

What People Ask About Geraci Siculo

Is Geraci Siculo worth visiting?
Yes, Geraci Siculo is worth visiting for its medieval centre, castle ruins linked to the Ventimiglia family, and wide views over the Madonie Mountains. It’s one of Sicily’s hill towns recognised for historical interest and traditional life.
How do I get to Geraci Siculo?
Geraci Siculo sits in the Madonie, roughly 100 kilometres southeast of Palermo. It’s best reached by car via the A19 and mountain roads (SS120/SS286). Regional buses run to nearby towns, but services are limited compared with driving.
What are the main attractions in Geraci Siculo?
Highlights include the ruins of the Norman–Swabian castle, the Mother Church, small chapels and stone lanes, and viewpoints over the Madonie. A modern skywalk viewpoint offers dramatic panoramas above the old town’s cliffs.
When is the best time to visit Geraci Siculo?
Spring and autumn are ideal for walking and clear views. Summer is pleasantly cooler than the coast due to the elevation, while winter can be cold and occasionally snowy in the surrounding mountains.
How long should I stay in Geraci Siculo?
One day is enough to tour the historic centre and viewpoints. Stay one or two nights if you want to explore Madonie Regional Park trails or combine visits with nearby hill towns such as Petralia Soprana and Petralia Sottana.
Related links

Discover

Discover Geraci Siculo
Geraci Siculo is a hill town in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, situated in the Madonie Mountains of northern Sicily. Perched at around 1,000 metres above sea level, it overlooks a broad landscape of wooded slopes and valleys, with views stretching towards the Tyrrhenian coast. The historic centre retains its medieval structure, with steep cobbled lanes, stone houses, and small squares that capture the atmosphere of an authentic mountain settlement.
​
The town’s history is reflected in the remains of the Castello dei Ventimiglia, once the stronghold of a powerful Norman dynasty. Churches such as San Bartolomeo and Santa Maria Maggiore contain important examples of Sicilian religious art, while traditional craftsmanship and local produce continue to define the area’s culture. Geraci Siculo forms part of the Parco delle Madonie, a protected natural area known for its biodiversity and hiking trails, linking the town closely with the wider network of historic villages and landscapes in northern Sicily.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Geraci Siculo
  • Historic centre of Geraci Siculo is a medieval hilltop town in Sicily, characterised by narrow streets, stone houses, and ancient walls. The compact layout reveals a history shaped by Norman and medieval influences. From the town’s vantage points, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding Madonie mountains and valleys.
  • Castello dei Ventimiglia dominates Geraci Siculo’s skyline, a Norman castle with imposing towers and fortified walls. The castle offers visitors the chance to explore its historic structure and enjoy panoramic views over the town and landscape. It stands as a symbol of the area’s feudal past.
  • Piazza Duomo is the social and cultural centre of Geraci Siculo, surrounded by cafés, shops, and the town’s cathedral. The square hosts markets, festivals, and community gatherings, providing a lively atmosphere that reflects local traditions. Visitors can experience daily life in a historic setting.
  • Madonie Regional Natural Park surrounds the town, offering numerous walking and hiking trails through forests, rocky terrain, and mountain meadows. The park is home to diverse wildlife and plant species, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Guided tours of Geraci Siculo and the Madonie combine visits to the historic centre, castle, and natural surroundings. Guides share stories about local history, architecture, and traditional crafts. These tours often include tastings of Sicilian cheeses, cured meats, and wines, providing a rich cultural and sensory experience.

Tours and Activities

Geraci Siculo Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Sicily Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sicily

1. Taormina
2. Syracuse
3. Aeolian Islands
4. Palermo
5. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
6. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
7. Aegadian Islands
8. Cefalù
9. Noto​​
10. Ragusa

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Geraci Siculo
By Rail: Geraci Siculo does not have its own train station, but the nearest one is in Cefalù, about 45 kilometres away, on the Palermo–Messina line operated by Trenitalia. Regional and intercity trains connect Cefalù to Palermo in around 1 hour and to Messina in roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes. From Cefalù, local buses and taxis provide access to Geraci Siculo through the Madonie mountain roads.

By Road: Geraci Siculo is located in the Madonie Mountains of northern Sicily, about 45 kilometres inland from Cefalù. The drive from Cefalù takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes via the SS286 and SP9. From Palermo, the distance is around 110 kilometres, with a journey time of about 2 hours via the A19 motorway. The town is reached by scenic but winding roads, with several parking areas situated below the historic centre.

Nearest International Airports:
​
  • Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport: Situated about 125 kilometres west of Geraci Siculo, with a drive of around 2 hours and 15 minutes via the A19 motorway. This is the most convenient airport, offering regular domestic and international flights.
  • Catania Fontanarossa Airport: Located roughly 150 kilometres southeast, taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes by car via the A19 motorway. It provides numerous national and European connections.
  • Comiso Airport: Approximately 185 kilometres south, with a journey time of around 3 hours via the SS117bis. It offers flights to several Italian and European destinations.

Private Transfers

Geraci Siculo Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and practical way to travel to or from Geraci Siculo, ideal for reaching this mountain village without the need to drive through winding roads or depend on public transport. You’ll be picked up from your chosen location and taken directly to your destination by a professional local driver.

Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport provides the main air connection for this part of northern Sicily, with routes passing through the Madonie Mountains and nearby Castelbuono. Transfers can also be arranged to surrounding towns such as Gangi, Petralia Soprana, and Cefalù, or to other destinations across northern and central Sicily.

To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

    Private  Transfer  Request

    WE OFFER PRIVATE TRANSFERS ACROSS THE WHOLE OF ITALY!
    To request the price and availability of any transfer route in Italy please use the form below or contact us via the [email protected] mailbox. Make sure you've included details such as the name of the hotel, name of the town/city or which airport/train station where relevant. Our English booking team will get back to you ASAP to assist with your enquiry.
To book one of our private transfers you can contact us via the [email protected] mailbox or use the Whatsapp button above for live chat and general advice about your upcoming trip to Italy. 

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via  my Facebook and Instagram pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone. 
Chat with us on WhatsApp