Perched on the north coast of Sicily, Campofelice di Roccella is a historic town with a modern beachside settlement. It serves as a gateway to the mountainous landscapes of Parco delle Madonie, home to a diverse array of wildlife and the southernmost beech forests in Europe.
Things to do in Campofelice di Roccella
In the heart of Campofelice di Roccella is Piazza Garibaldi, which is watched over by the Parrocchia Santa Rosalia. Also known as the “Mother Church”, it was built in the 18th century by Don Gaspare La Grutta, with its pilaster-inspired facade framed by two bell towers. Step inside to see the wooden crucifix that dates back to the 17th century.
Dominating the coastline are the remains of the Castello di Roccella, a centuries-old castle with a rectangular building and a tower rising above. Thanks to the 16th-century watercolour paintings of Tiburzio Spannocchi and Canillo Camilliani, historians understand that the castle once overlooked a small village enclosed by walls. The Castello di Roccella divides the pebbly shores of Roccella Beach where you can swim and sunbathe in the warmer months.
Sprawling south-east of Campofelice di Roccella is Parco delle Madonie, which encompasses some of Sicily’s highest peaks across more than 16,000 hectares of terrain. Hiking trails access its medieval villages and castle ruins while offering sightings of fallow deer, wildcats and red foxes. Parco delle Madonie also provides a habitat for the critically endangered Sicilian fir tree.
Getting around Campofelice di Roccella
Campofelice di Roccella is around a one-hour drive from Palermo and an hour from Palermo Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Campofelice railway station and the town is compact enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.