Petralia Soprana Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip to the historic hill town in Sicily
Table of Contents
Petralia Soprana
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Latest page update: 15 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Petralia Soprana
Petralia Soprana, the highest town in the Madonie Mountains, is recognised for its historic centre and sweeping views. Accommodation here is largely limited to smaller residences, so for established hotels it is best to look to nearby towns in the Madonie area.
In Castelbuono, Relais Santa Anastasia is a former abbey converted into a luxury hotel, featuring elegant rooms, a pool and extensive grounds, often praised for its setting and facilities (€€€). Also in Castelbuono, Hotel Paradiso delle Madonie provides modern rooms and reliable services, regularly noted for comfort and convenience (€€). For a coastal option, Hotel Alberi del Paradiso in Cefalù offers landscaped gardens, pools and panoramic views, with consistently strong guest feedback (€€€).
In Castelbuono, Relais Santa Anastasia is a former abbey converted into a luxury hotel, featuring elegant rooms, a pool and extensive grounds, often praised for its setting and facilities (€€€). Also in Castelbuono, Hotel Paradiso delle Madonie provides modern rooms and reliable services, regularly noted for comfort and convenience (€€). For a coastal option, Hotel Alberi del Paradiso in Cefalù offers landscaped gardens, pools and panoramic views, with consistently strong guest feedback (€€€).
Where is
Where is Petralia Soprana?
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The village of Petralia Soprana is situated within the Metropolitan City of Palermo province and has a population of 3,166.
Listed in a pair as one of the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy), Petralia Soprana (Soprana means something like "above") is the upper town to near neighbour Petralia Sottana (Sottana is along the lines of "below" or "lower"). |
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Places of interest nearby include Gangi, Madonie Regional Nature Park and Geraci Siculo.
Comune di Petralia Soprana
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Province: Metropolitan City of Palermo
Region: Sicily Population: 2,908 (in 2024 - source) Size: 57 km² Elevation: 1,147 metres Close by: Gangi, Madonie Regional Nature Park, Geraci Siculo Recommended accommodation: Hotel Residenza Petra |
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: Pietra tra le Pietre (Rock among the Rocks)
Listing headline: Pietra tra le Pietre (Rock among the Rocks)
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Discover
Discover Petralia Soprana
Petralia Soprana is a mountain town in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, situated within the Madonie Mountains of northern Sicily. Standing at around 1,100 metres above sea level, it is one of the highest towns on the island, offering sweeping views across valleys and wooded hills. The settlement is characterised by its medieval street plan, stone-built houses, and quiet piazzas surrounded by historic buildings. Its elevated setting gives it a distinct alpine feel, contrasting with the coastal landscapes of northern Sicily.
The town is noted for its rich architectural heritage, including the Chiesa Madre dei Santi Pietro e Paolo and Santa Maria di Loreto, both containing significant works of art. Narrow lanes lead to viewpoints that overlook the surrounding mountains and neighbouring villages such as Petralia Sottana. Local traditions remain strong, with festivals celebrating agriculture and regional produce. As part of the Parco delle Madonie, Petralia Soprana serves as a gateway to one of Sicily’s most scenic and historically layered mountain regions.
The town is noted for its rich architectural heritage, including the Chiesa Madre dei Santi Pietro e Paolo and Santa Maria di Loreto, both containing significant works of art. Narrow lanes lead to viewpoints that overlook the surrounding mountains and neighbouring villages such as Petralia Sottana. Local traditions remain strong, with festivals celebrating agriculture and regional produce. As part of the Parco delle Madonie, Petralia Soprana serves as a gateway to one of Sicily’s most scenic and historically layered mountain regions.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Petralia Soprana
- Historic centre of Petralia Soprana is a hilltop medieval town in Sicily, known for its narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, and ancient walls. The town’s layout encourages exploration of its historic buildings and small piazzas, with views stretching over the Madonie Mountains and surrounding valleys. The atmosphere reflects centuries of traditional life.
- Castello dei Ventimiglia overlooks Petralia Soprana, a Norman castle featuring towers and fortified walls. Visitors can explore the remains while enjoying panoramic views of the town and landscape. The castle’s history provides insight into the region’s medieval past and strategic importance.
- Piazza San Paolo serves as the social heart of Petralia Soprana, lined with cafés, shops, and historic buildings. The square hosts markets, festivals, and local events, offering a lively setting where visitors can experience community life and Sicilian traditions.
- Madonie Regional Natural Park surrounds the town, offering walking and hiking trails through diverse landscapes including forests, rocky outcrops, and meadows. The park is known for its biodiversity and is popular with nature enthusiasts seeking outdoor activities in a scenic setting.
- Guided cultural and nature tours explore Petralia Soprana’s historic centre and the Madonie Park. Guides provide stories about local history, architecture, and natural heritage. These tours often include tastings of regional products such as cheeses, honey, and wines, offering a well-rounded cultural experience.
Tours and Activities
Petralia Soprana Tours and Activities
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
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 Petralia Soprana
By Rail: Petralia Soprana does not have its own train station, but the nearest one is in Cerda, about 45 kilometres away, on the Palermo–Messina line operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect Cerda to Palermo in about 1 hour and to Messina in around 2 hours and 30 minutes. From Cerda, local buses and taxis provide transport into the Madonie area, including Petralia Soprana.
By Road: Petralia Soprana is situated in the Madonie Mountains, about 92 kilometres southeast of Palermo. The drive takes roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes via the A19 motorway and SS120. From Caltanissetta, the distance is approximately 70 kilometres, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes via the SS290. The town is easily accessible by scenic mountain roads, with public parking areas near the entrances to the historic centre.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Petralia Soprana is situated in the Madonie Mountains, about 92 kilometres southeast of Palermo. The drive takes roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes via the A19 motorway and SS120. From Caltanissetta, the distance is approximately 70 kilometres, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes via the SS290. The town is easily accessible by scenic mountain roads, with public parking areas near the entrances to the historic centre.
Nearest International Airports:
- Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport: Located about 120 kilometres west of Petralia Soprana, with a drive of around 1 hour and 50 minutes via the A19 motorway. This is the most convenient airport, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
- Catania Fontanarossa Airport: Situated roughly 130 kilometres southeast, taking approximately 2 hours by car via the A19 motorway. It provides extensive national and European connections.
- Comiso Airport: Around 165 kilometres south, with a journey time of about 2 hours and 40 minutes via the SS117bis. It offers several routes to destinations across Italy and Europe.
Private Transfers
Petralia Soprana Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and direct way to travel to or from Petralia Soprana, allowing you to reach this mountain town in the Madonie range without the need to drive or depend on limited public transport. You’ll be picked up from your chosen location and taken directly to your destination by a professional driver.
Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport is the main gateway for this part of Sicily, with scenic routes passing through Cefalù and the Madonie Mountains. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby towns such as Gangi, Geraci Siculo, and Castelbuono, or to destinations across northern and central Sicily, including Palermo and Termini Imerese.
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.
Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport is the main gateway for this part of Sicily, with scenic routes passing through Cefalù and the Madonie Mountains. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby towns such as Gangi, Geraci Siculo, and Castelbuono, or to destinations across northern and central Sicily, including Palermo and Termini Imerese.
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.
