Moderate
Madonie Regional Natural Park · Sicily
- Distance
- 8.3 km / 5.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 475 m
- Typical duration
- 2 hr 26 min
- Waymarked route
Balconata su Polizzi Est
ModerateMadonie Regional Natural Park · Sicily · Italy
- Distance
- 12.2 km (7.6 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 268 m (879 ft)
- Typical time
- 2 hr 56 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- Not recorded
About Balconata su Polizzi Est
Balconata su Polizzi Est is a 12.2 km hiking route in Madonie Regional Natural Park. It climbs roughly 268 m (879 ft) along the way. Most people take around 2 hr 56 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. It sits firmly in moderate territory: enough climbing to feel like a proper day out, never enough to become a slog.
The character of the walk comes from the landscape it crosses rather than a single headline sight, which is exactly why it stays quiet even in high season.
It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.
Plan this one outside the summer months: cooler air makes the exposed sections far more pleasant. The nearest town of any size is Caltanissetta, about 37.8 km away, which is where most people base themselves.
In short, Balconata su Polizzi Est suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Moderate12.2 km268 m
Numbered marks every 5 km
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- Inside Madonie Regional Natural Park
Know before you go
- Best season
- October to May
- Waymarked
- Not consistently
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Follow park rules
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 48/100
- Adventure
- 25/100
- Difficulty
- 36/100
- Accessibility
- 50/100
- Family
- 28/100
- Dogs
- 62/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Aim for october to may for the most reliable conditions.
- Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Conditions change with the weather. Check a local forecast on the morning of your walk.
Safety
Emergency services in Italy are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
No one has reviewed Balconata su Polizzi Est yet. Be the first.
Trails near Balconata su Polizzi Est
Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.
Moderate
Madonie Regional Natural Park · Sicily
- Distance
- 12.1 km / 7.5 mi
- Elevation gain
- 523 m
- Typical duration
- 3 hr 18 min
- Waymarked route
Easy
Madonie Regional Natural Park · Sicily
- Distance
- 4.8 km / 3.0 mi
- Elevation gain
- 105 m
- Typical duration
- 1 hr 9 min
- Waymarked route
Hard
Sicily · Italy
- Distance
- 12.7 km / 7.9 mi
- Elevation gain
- 844 m
- Typical duration
- 3 hr 55 min
- Castle and ruins
- Waymarked route
Hard
Madonie Regional Natural Park · Sicily
- Distance
- 15.8 km / 9.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 671 m
- Typical duration
- 4 hr 19 min
- Waymarked route
Hard
Sicily · Italy
- Distance
- 17.7 km / 11.0 mi
- Elevation gain
- 902 m
- Typical duration
- 5 hr 8 min
- Waymarked route