A GUIDE TO ACCOMMODATION ON THE MAGNA VIA FRANCIGENA.
The path from Palermo to Agrigento is an unforgettable walk. One of the most memorable aspects, is the accommodation on route.
This blog post sets out all you need to know about accommodation on the Magna Via Francigena. We include a list of accommodation at every stage, as well as direct links to help you book.
What is accommodation like on the Magna Via Francigena?
In our experience, the accommodation on the Magna Via Francigena was one of the highlights of the trip. We got to stay in so many quaint and friendly B&Bs, run by caring hosts.
Accommodation is mostly small bed and breakfasts, often run by a family or one person as a host. Rooms are normally for two with either shared or private bathrooms. You can expect traditional Sicilian places that feel like a Nonna’s house, through to smarter and more modern B&Bs.
Tip – many hosts do not speak English. It can be helpful to have few words of Italian up your sleeve to help ease conversations.
How much does accommodation on the Magna Via Francigena cost?
Based on our experience on the Magna Via Francigena in 2024, we found that accommodation costs between 40 Euros and 70 Euros per night. This is based on two people sharing one room.
Anecdotally, the B&Bs we booked via booking.com tended to cheaper than those that we had to book directly through the hosts. For the latter, the standard price offered tended to be 35 Euros, per person and sometimes including breakfast.
Prices seem a little high, but we felt that everywhere we stayed was value for money. And ultimately, we were so grateful for the hosts providing a space to ensure that walkers can enjoy this route.
Are there hostels or albergues on the Magna Via Francigena?
Unfortunately, there are not currently any traditional hostels or albergues on the Magna Via Francigena route. At present only B&Bs offering private rooms are available.
On the first stage of the Magna Via Francigena is Albergo Belvedere, which is probably the closest to the type of albergues you might find on the Camino de Santiago for example, but it offers only private rooms and no dormitory accommodation.
How to book accommodation on the Magna Via Francigena
Accommodation can be booked online via booking.com or directly with the B&Bs. Many are not listed on booking websites.
We strongly recommend booking accommodation in advance. There is limited space available and not being able to get a room one night could scupper your plans somewhat.
Do note – a few B&Bs offer discounts for pilgrims. It’s best to let the host know you’re walking the Magna Via Francigena.
Can you camp on the Magna Via Francigena?
There are no campsites on the Magna Via Francigena and technically “wild” or “free” camping is prohibited in Sicily. For this reason, we would not recommend it. It’s worth noting that snakes can also be found on the Magna Via Francigena.
List of accommodation on the Magna Via Francigena
We’ve put together a list of accommodation on the Magna Via Francigena to help you plan your adventure.
DAY ONE: SANTA CRISTINA GELA
In Santa Cristina Gela, there are two options for accommodation.
Albergo Belvedere – this is a walkers hostel offering private rooms. The cost of staying is € 49.00 per pilgrim, which includes a pilgrim menu dinner and breakfast. Book via email – contact details available on google maps.
We did not stay here – to be honest we were put off by the mixed reviews online and we thought the price a little high. In the end, we ate supper here and had an excellent meal and met the wonderful hosts. And, in the end we probably spent about the same on a room, plus dinner, as we would have spent staying here.
B&B Da Mercurio – this is a charming bed and breakfast in the centre of the village. The host is friendly and organized and the B&B clean and very welcoming. We had access to a lounge, kitchen and terrace. Plus somewhere to wash and hang clothing. The rate when we stayed was 70 Euros for a room for two with private bathroom. Breakfast at a nearby bar was included. Book via email – contact details available on Google Maps.
DAY TWO: CORLEONE
Corleone has a lot more choice, with many B&Bs and hotels available to book online on booking.com.
B&B Chiaro di Luna – we stayed at this charming B&B as it was one of the cheaper options in town. The location is great, close to the trail and amenities. There are three rooms – the cheaper is a bunk bed room with no window (we wouldn’t recommend this from experience), then two with double or twin beds. There is a shared bathroom, kitchen and the terrace – which steals the show. Book via booking.com.
Other options are:
- Dream Corleone One 60 Euros – book here
- Leon D’Oro 70 Euros – book here
- Corleone Home 49 Euros – book here
- Corleone Guest House 80 Euros – book here
- La Casa di Bia 67 Euros – book here
- Palazzo Triolo 160 Euros – book here
DAY THREE: PRIZZI
There is only one place to stay in Prizzi and as luck would have it – it is magnificent.
B&B Prixis is a family run accommodation with a restaurant attached. It is just outside the centre of Prixis town, which is located on a mega hill. We were delighted when we arrived here to discover that we didn’t have to tackle the giant hill to the town centre at the end of the day.
But, it’s not just the location that is so marvelous – the rooms are spacious and clean, there are terraces with views and the garden is a delight. We spent a glorious evening at the restaurant downstairs – over ordering on incredible food.
B&B Prixis is available to book via booking.com and rates are around 60 Euros for a double room.
DAY FOUR: CASTRONOVO DI SICILIA
This is a small town with a few accommodation choices.
Casa Paradiso – a B&B that should be booked via email – contact details can be found here. Rates are around 90 Euros.
La Porta del Corso – a B&B with large rooms that can be booked via booking.com. Rates around 70 to 80 Euros.
Le Camere dell’Emiro – a B&B with comfortable rooms. Rates are 70 Euros for pilgrims if booked directly, or a little extra via booking.com. This is where we opted to stay. It was not the most quaint of rooms, but John was a big fan of a TV with Neftlix access.
DAY FIVE: CAMMARATA OR SAN GIOVANNI GEMINI
On day five, there are two towns that you can stay in. In reality, they are right next to each other and essentially connected. We chose to stay in the San Giovanni Gemini area and enjoyed the buzzy vibe and variety of restaurants and bars. Cammarata seemed a little quieter.
It’s worth noting that the walk on day five is a little shorter than other days – so you may want to find a place you can relax in for the afternoon or somewhere with early check in.
In Cammarata:
- Halykos Hotel offers rooms for around 75 Euros, including breakfast. There’s also a swimming pool at the hotel. Book via booking.com.
- La Casa della Nonna is an apartment with a kitchen, ideal for anyone who wants to self-cater. It has a 9.8 review score on booking.com and offers rates of around 70 Euros. Book via booking.com.
In San Giovanni Gemini:
- Cortile Suez is a stunning holiday home, with rates of around 70 Euros for the night. Ideal if you want to relax and unwind. Book via booking.com.
- B&B A Due Passi offers basic accommodation and is available to book via booking.com. Rates are around 60 Euros.
- La Tana del Lupo is a one room B&B with a central location and terrace. A straightforward place at the less expensive end (around 40-50 Euros per night.) Book via booking.com.
DAY SIX: SUTERA
Sutera is a small village with only one option for pilgrims walking the Magna Via Francigena.
B&B Poggio is a delightful accommodation, with a few rooms. We stayed in a double room for 70 Euros for two people, which included a self-service breakfast. The rooms offer views of Sutera that are quite special. Book via Whatsapp or email – contact details found here.
You can find our detailed guide to visiting Sutera here.
DAY SEVEN: RACALMULTO OR GROTTE
On day seven, you can choose to stay in either Racamulto or Grotte. Both are pleasant towns with a few choices for accommodation. We opted for Grotte, as this is the further town and we were happy with our choice.
In Racamulto:
- Il Monocolo – Affitti Brevi – a beautiful designed apartment in the centre of the town. Rates are 70 Euros. Book via booking.com.
- Villa Rahal presents spacious and comfortable accommodation. Guests love the breakfast included here as part to the 70 Euro room rate. Book via booking.com.
In Grotte:
Palazzo Montagne offers beautiful rooms with terraces and a central location. We loved the design features here and very comfortable beds. Rates are around 50 euros, including breakfast at a local bar. Book via booking.com.
An alternative is Casa Salvaggio, which is also near the centre of the town.
DAY EIGHT: JOPPOLO GIANCAXIO
This is a really small village on the last night of the Magna Via Francigena and we found only one option for accommodation.
Le Case di Grazia is a holiday home for rent at a rate of 48 Euros. It has a double room, bathroom, kitchen and dining room. The host is friendly and the room clean and comfortable. Book via email or Whatsapp – contact details here.
If you do find yourself in a pickle and not able to book in this town, we suggest staying in Aragona – a larger town about 5km before Joppolo. This would mean walking a little further into Agrigento on day 9, around 21km rather than 16km. Find accommodation in Aragona here.
Magna Via Francigena Guide Book
If you’d like all the information about the Magna Via Francigena in one place, you can find our e-book available for only $5.99.
More information on the Magna Via Francigena
You can find more information on the Magna Via Francigena in our resources below:
- Magna Via Francigena FAQs
- Magna Via Francigena Daily Stages guide.
- A guide to packing for the Magna Via Francigena
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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3 responses to “A guide to accommodation on the Magna Via Francigena”
[…] We’ve written a separate guide to accommodation on the Magna Via Francigena and sought to include all accommodation on route, because this was something we really wanted to find before we walked. You can find that guide here. […]
[…] There are two options in Santa Cristina Gela – Albergo Belvedere and B&B Da Mercurior. You can find out more about both in our blog post about accommodation on the Magna Via Francigena here. […]
[…] A guide to accommodation on the Magna Via Francigena. […]