Targa Florio Circuit
Italy
The circuit of the Madonie mountains in Sicily was the world's oldest motor race, hairpins over sea views, Norman castles on hilltops, towns carved from golden limestone, and the most atmospheric mountain roads in Italy.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Palermo
Arab-Norman mosaics, street food markets louder than any in Italy, and baroque churches erupting from every corner.
- Cefalù
A Norman cathedral of gold mosaics perched above a beach village below a great limestone crag. Sicily's finest coastal town.
- Castelbuono
A medieval hill town famed for manna, the rare dried sap of ash trees, and the finest panettone in all of Sicily.
- Piano Battaglia
A high Madonie plateau at 1,600m, skiable in winter and carpeted with wildflowers in spring above the Sicilian hinterland.
- Petralia Soprana
Sicily's highest village at 1,147m, a medieval Norman townscape with a panorama sweeping across half the island.
- Collesano
The race's spiritual home, a ridge village with a baroque cathedral and memories of a hundred Targa Florio finishes.
- Palermo
Return to the capital completing the Madonie circuit. End with arancini at Ballaro market and a Marsala at dusk.
Where to Eat
- Ristorante La BraceItalian
Serves traditional Sicilian dishes with fresh, local ingredients in a cozy atmosphere.
- Osteria BacchusMediterranean
Offers a variety of Mediterranean specialties with a focus on seafood, accompanied by a fine selection of wines.
- Trattoria La LanternaSicilian
Known for its authentic Sicilian recipes and warm hospitality, featuring homemade pasta and desserts.
Things to Do
- Targa Florio MuseumMuseum
Exhibits memorabilia, photos, and trophies from the historic Targa Florio race, celebrating its rich legacy.
- Cefalù CathedralHistoric Site
A stunning Norman cathedral featuring impressive mosaics and a rich history dating back to the 12th century.
- Madonie Regional Natural ParkNature
Offers hiking trails through diverse landscapes, showcasing the natural beauty of Sicily's mountainous region.
Travel advisory
The Madonie mountain roads feature tight hairpins, narrow lanes, and steep gradients that reward careful, experienced driving. Some sections have limited barriers and poor signage, so reduce speed on blind corners and watch for local agricultural traffic.