Tour of Monte Cofano

A circuit near Trapani. A first part along the beachfront by the cliffs: a watchtower, a small chapel and a small cave, a “tonnara”. Then follows a small climb to head up a pass between Monte Cofano and marble quarries with beautiful views.

Technical sheet

4098479
A Custonaci walk posted on 13/08/15 by LB_Neil. Last update : 09/05/16
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.83 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 3h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 345 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 345 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 255 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 7 m
  • ⚐
    District: Custonaci 
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 38.096862° / E 12.662969°

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Description

Start at the cala Bugato car park in the north-east of Cornino (1), where a panel describes the hike. The path is clear, there’s no chance to get lost.

We joined a quite busy mule track in good condition, mostly made safe by wooden railings.
It’s a short walk (about 30 minutes) to a watchtower, Torre San Giovanni (2). Ten minutes later, arrive at the Cappelletta del Crocifisso, dominated by a small cave nestled in the vertical rock wall. Vegetation of dwarf palms.
Continue to follow the beachfront, there is a nice contrast between the blue of the sea and the colour of the cliffs. Pass by Saraceno point then opposite a small sculpture of the bishop San Nicola, with a nice view over San Vito lo Capo.

After the Pointe de la Croce, reach the Tonnara di Cofano (3) a very nice building with concave walls. Continue alongside the few small houses and the sea. Follow the path that has now become a dirt track and come to a fence and a small car park that also serves as an alternative starting point (4).

Then head away from the sea following the right track toward the south; the track turns into a path, the trail winds through a narrow passage called Scaletta di Cofano where numerous steep hairpin turns wind between two rocky ridges to reach the top plateau

Once beyond this section there are lovely views towards the Tonnara and to the north.
Once slightly further uphill reach the upper plateau beneath Monte Cofano: there is a pond (GPS 38.103445/12.677350).

Soon after, a trail leads off to the west: it leads to the summit of Monte Cofano, reserved for hikers comfortable with a bit of a climb.

Follow the main trail to the south with a beautiful view over the Bay of Bonagia, pass by path heading left to Baglio Cofano and descend gently (marble quarries on the left, some rubble near the path). The track very quickly leads to the first houses and the start point.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 9 m - Cala Bugato - Start point
  2. 2 : km 1.63 - alt. 36 m - Torre San Giovanni
  3. 3 : km 3.87 - alt. 13 m - Tonnara di Cofano
  4. 4 : km 5.06 - alt. 7 m - Second possible start point
  5. S/E : km 8.83 - alt. 7 m

Useful Information

No drinking water refill point.

There is the option to climb up to the summit of Monte Cofano, an easy climbing but with some drops nearby, a section with a fixed rope.

There is an opportunity to swim at the Cala Bugato and near to the Tonnara di Cofano.

You can also shorten the circuit a bit by taking a path between the Tonnara and the plateau below the summit.

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

During the walk or to do/see around

Tonnara di Cofano (3). A building that has served to process the tuna caught in the area. It is now a visitor centre for the reserve that can be visited if the warden is there (photos of other Sicilian watchtowers, cool interior to take a break from the heat, the warden can answer your questions and/or explain things if you speak Italian). It's free but tips are welcome.

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.

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