Sicily on Horseback

The exploration of the Grattàra cave can certainly be considered a must on Gratteri’s naturalistic and legendary itinerary. Our tour begins with an uphill route through a lush pine forest until we reach a beautiful cavern with a very pure spring – the Grattàra Cave – which probably contributed to the name of the village itself.

Access to the spring is via a small natural staircase built by human feet over millennia. Thousands of swallows’ nest in the crevices of its inaccessible outer ledges, where elm trees and wild pistachios grow wild, and their garrulous calls make the springtime visit even more delightful.

In 1600, Passafiume wrote: “there is a stone crater in the centre of the cave, which has been shaped with splendid natural artistry; this rock has a hollow inside, sixteen feet high and ten feet wide, the top of which is empty like a crater formed by the perennial dripping of water“.

Inside the cave, we will tell you the mysterious story of the Vecchia and the Nymph’s spring, a legendary female entity, probably the legacy of a millenary myth linked to the existence of an ancient indigenous oracle near a Madonie outpost inhabited since prehistoric times.

The first refreshment point will be Piano Prato, right at the foot of Pizzo Dipilo, with a panoramic view of Isnello. At this point, as you sit and gaze into endless spaces and superhuman silences, you will truly understand what the poets called “Infinity”.

Our journey will end at the “passo della Scala” in front of the small church of the Crocifisso where a breath-taking view of the Tyrrhenian coast awaits you. Facing the Carapé, we will tell you the story of the talismans of the women and the Anime del Purgatorio, the votive shrines that are now located inside the small church.

Get ready for an adventure not to be missed, accompanied by a narrator who will take you on a fascinating journey into the heart of the Madonie Mountains.

What it includes

This itinerary includes three stops:

• Grattara Cave;
• View of Piano Prato;
• View of San Giorgio;
• Piazzetta Scala.

Information on the sites

Visite the site for more information

Excursion period and time

Time: to be chosen from 9.30 am to 4 pm (please arrive about 30 minutes before departure)

Lunch: at 1.30 pm

Meeting point

Departure from Grattara cave

Type of excursion

Excursion with pack animals for transporting provisions

Duration

Entire itinerary takes 4-5 hours

Group size

The excursion is subject to a minimum number of 8 participants.

What to bring

Sunglasses, sun cream, insect repellent, long trousers, comfortable closed-toe shoes (trainers or boots), a bottle of water, umbrella, heavier clothes for the evening (it can get cooler in the mountains).

Hiking days

• Check the calendar of events.
• Every day by prior booking with a minimum of 8 participants.

Difficulty of the excursion

Medium

Itinerary price €40
(Excursion with guide + lunch)
The price includes transport, the assistance of a guide and a narrator, packed lunch to be enjoyed during the excursion in a characteristic place with typical Sicilian products (drinks included).

Extra costs

Cost of shuttle bus Gratteri/Cefalù – Cefalù/Gratteri
Depending on the number of participants, the time of departure and return will be determined
Meeting point in Cefalù – Railway Station
Meeting point in Gratteri – Belvedere Gangi Battaglia

What to know

The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
The company reserves the right to modify or cancel the itinerary if necessary due to availability and/or adverse weather conditions.
Participants must sign a waiver before taking part in the excursion.

Note: Guides reserve the right to judge the level of experience of each participant. If they consider the participant unsuitable, the participant will not be allowed to take part in the excursion. No refunds will be issued.