Hike to the Semaforo dell’Eremita on Monte Gallo

DESCRIPTION
Discovering the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve: a hidden gem of Palermo.

Geographical Location
Monte Gallo, an imposing limestone massif, is located in Sicily within the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve (Riserva Naturale Orientata Capo Gallo), in the municipality of Palermo. This mountain ends in a striking promontory, Capo Gallo, where a lighthouse marks its position. The promontory lies in the northwestern part of Palermo, separating the two bays of Mondello and Sferracavallo, home to the city’s seaside districts of the same name.

Hike
The trek to the summit of Monte Gallo is an accessible experience for everyone, free of technical difficulties, and suitable even for a half-day hike. However, it’s important to pay attention to the limited trail markings, which make navigation slightly more challenging once you leave the main road.
During the ascent, you’ll be rewarded with extraordinary views: to the west, the gaze stretches as far as San Vito Lo Capo, while to the east, the entire Gulf of Palermo opens up, reaching almost as far as Cefalù.
Once you reach the top, you’ll encounter the Semaforo, a historic Bourbon-era building originally used as a lookout post by the Royal Navy. Today, this place is known as the “Semaforo dell’Eremita” (Hermit’s Semaphore), thanks to Nino, a former bricklayer who has lived here as a hermit since 1997. Renaming himself Isravele, Nino has transformed the building into an artistic sanctuary, decorating it with mosaics made from glass fragments, bottles, and seashells. His works, mostly religious in theme, make this place unique and deeply spiritual. His goal is to turn the Semaforo into a sanctuary, which he has renamed Faro di Dio (Lighthouse of God). Unfortunately, during our visit, we could only admire the Semaforo from the outside.
To enrich your hiking experience, we recommend taking a loop trail that, in addition to offering varied landscapes, provides panoramic views of Palermo and its gulf. The path, though with some more challenging stretches due to loose stones and rocks, is manageable with minimal preparation and attention.

History and Curiosities
The Capo Gallo Nature Reserve was established in 2001 by the Sicilian Region to protect an area of nearly 586 hectares, characterized by Mesozoic limestone formations, caves, and rich biodiversity typical of Mediterranean scrubland.
The Semaforo di Monte Gallo, built during the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, was a strategic coastal surveillance post. In recent decades, it has gained fame thanks to Nino, who transformed it into a place of worship and art. His restoration work, which he calls a tribute to God, has made the Semaforo a landmark for visitors to the reserve.

ITINERARY
From Via Grotte Partanna (52 m), take Via del Semaforo, an uphill asphalt road. Continue climbing as the road becomes gravelly until you reach the reserve’s gate (220 m). Here, the actual trail begins, leading through a beautiful forest. Below the summit, take the unmarked path to Torre Amari. Once at Torre Amari (475 m), return the same way to the road. Now, ascend to the Semaforo. Upon reaching the Semaforo dell’Eremita (524 m), follow a trail that allows for a loop, bringing you back near the gate. Return to the starting point via the same route.

EXCURSION DATE
March 4, 2025

STARTING POINT
Via Grotte Partanna, Palermo

REFRESHMENT POINT
None

AUTHOR’S SUGGESTIONS
Once you reach Torre Amari, climb a few more meters to admire a truly spectacular panorama.

SAFETY TIPS
The feasibility of the proposed itinerary, like all mountain terrain, is subject to environmental changes due to natural events and weather conditions. Therefore, before setting out, consult the relevant tourist offices and/or local mountain huts.
Our GPX tracks are only indicative—the route was completed under the best trail and weather conditions of that day. Always assess the situation on-site.
Additionally, evaluate the hike based on your physical fitness, training, and equipment.
It’s advisable to inform someone of your planned route.
Remember, the emergency number is 112.

EQUIPMENT
We recommend bringing gear suitable for the trail, weather, and season: windproof and/or rain jacket, map and/or GPS device, sunglasses, sunscreen, hiking boots, first aid kit, appropriate clothing, gloves, and a backpack with food and water.

RECOMMENDED MAPS
We didn’t find any printed maps—use the Outdoor.Active or Komoot app.

INTERESTING LINKS
https://www.spaghettievaligie.it/il-semaforo-delleremita-trekking-nella-riserva-naturale-di-capo-gallo/

HOW TO ARRIVE
From Palermo, head to Via Grotte Partanna.

PARKING AREA
Small parking spaces along Via Grotte Partanna, Palermo.
GPS coordinates: 38.205025, 13.309015

Parcheggio in Via Grotte Partanna

Si sale su strada sterrata

Tratto nel bosco

Si segue il sentiero per Torre Amari

Vista verso Palermo

Siamo quasi arrivati

Arrivati a Torre Amari

Panorama verso ovest

Si va verso il Semaforo dell'Eremita

Ultimo tratto

Vista sulla “Collina del disonore”

Il Semaforo borbonico dell'Eremita

Si continua il persorso ad anello su Monte Gallo

Vista sulla spiaggia di Mondello

Si ritorna al punto di partenza