Monte Sibilla
Monte Sibilla
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
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Mairwen1
United Kingdom11,690 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
What an incredible hike - 2173 metres of mountain, amazing scenery, plunging valleys and green peaks, local shepherds, flocks of sheep, and wildflowers, in an area that is steeped in legend and mystery.
STARTING POINT:
Our starting point was Collina di Montemonaco, where we caught the small shuttle bus up the winding, stony road to the Rifugio Sibilla, where the hiking trail began.
THE RIFUGIO:
The refuge appears to be permanently closed so don’t plan on picking up any food or drinks here. Montemonaco will be your last chance to buy anything extra (including water) that you’ll need.
THE HIKING TRAIL:
This is a looped, circular hike which Strats and ends at the refuge.
With the refuge at our back we headed off to the right (towards the large wooden cross). This was a longer, slower path with a more gradual slope but in hindsight, I would choose to start with the other shorter, steeper path next time. Starting with a steep climb is OK when you’re just beginning and at your freshest, and then you get to enjoy the long, downhill stretch on the return.
For most of the way our path was essentially a wide, gravelly ‘white road’ and a gentle (if unrelenting) uphill climb.
There were a couple of sections where the path had collapsed and although these were not impassable, they were slippery and we had to take great care. At one point it was easier to sit and scoot over the loose slope.
As we got closer to the top, the path became a long, narrow ridge which required single-file walking at some points.
For the most part the hike is not difficult, it just requires endurance. However there is one very challenging point where you reach a sheer rocky section. Chains are fixed here to help you climb it (which gives you an idea of how tricky it is). Unfortunately the weather closed in on us at this point and we could barely see our hand in front of our face, let alone the person in front of us. Reluctantly, we decided to re-trace our steps rather than continue with the loop. Disappointing for sure, but without knowing what lay ahead, it was probably a wise decision.
WHAT TO TAKE:
Make sure to be reasonably equipped with decent hiking/walking shoes. There’s little shade so you’ll need hats, sunscreen and protective clothing. Walking poles are helpful (but not essential). Clothing-wise, be prepared for sudden changes in the weather and of course take plenty of water. You won’t be able to re-fill water bottles so make sure to have enough.
WHAT I WISH I’D KNOWN BEFOREHAND:
* Buses leave Montemonaco hourly, the last one leaving at 11am. If you’re not a very proficient hiker, then 11am is too late to get back to meet the return bus
* The last bus back to Montemonaco leaves the Rifugio at 5pm
* The Rifugio is permanently closed so plan to get food and water elsewhere
* No matter what the weather looks like at the bottom, it can change very suddenly. It was a clear, sunny summer’s day when we left Montemonaco but as we climbed, it went from blue sky to the thick, misty fog and became much cooler as as we got closer to the top.
OVERALL:
This is a challenging hike at high altitude (there’s a difference in altitude of around 700m) but you don’t need to have mountain experience or be hard-core hikers to do it. We were a mixed-bag of walkers, none of us with any mountaineering credit to our name and with various fitness levels so its manageable but you just might need to allow more time if you’re not
STARTING POINT:
Our starting point was Collina di Montemonaco, where we caught the small shuttle bus up the winding, stony road to the Rifugio Sibilla, where the hiking trail began.
THE RIFUGIO:
The refuge appears to be permanently closed so don’t plan on picking up any food or drinks here. Montemonaco will be your last chance to buy anything extra (including water) that you’ll need.
THE HIKING TRAIL:
This is a looped, circular hike which Strats and ends at the refuge.
With the refuge at our back we headed off to the right (towards the large wooden cross). This was a longer, slower path with a more gradual slope but in hindsight, I would choose to start with the other shorter, steeper path next time. Starting with a steep climb is OK when you’re just beginning and at your freshest, and then you get to enjoy the long, downhill stretch on the return.
For most of the way our path was essentially a wide, gravelly ‘white road’ and a gentle (if unrelenting) uphill climb.
There were a couple of sections where the path had collapsed and although these were not impassable, they were slippery and we had to take great care. At one point it was easier to sit and scoot over the loose slope.
As we got closer to the top, the path became a long, narrow ridge which required single-file walking at some points.
For the most part the hike is not difficult, it just requires endurance. However there is one very challenging point where you reach a sheer rocky section. Chains are fixed here to help you climb it (which gives you an idea of how tricky it is). Unfortunately the weather closed in on us at this point and we could barely see our hand in front of our face, let alone the person in front of us. Reluctantly, we decided to re-trace our steps rather than continue with the loop. Disappointing for sure, but without knowing what lay ahead, it was probably a wise decision.
WHAT TO TAKE:
Make sure to be reasonably equipped with decent hiking/walking shoes. There’s little shade so you’ll need hats, sunscreen and protective clothing. Walking poles are helpful (but not essential). Clothing-wise, be prepared for sudden changes in the weather and of course take plenty of water. You won’t be able to re-fill water bottles so make sure to have enough.
WHAT I WISH I’D KNOWN BEFOREHAND:
* Buses leave Montemonaco hourly, the last one leaving at 11am. If you’re not a very proficient hiker, then 11am is too late to get back to meet the return bus
* The last bus back to Montemonaco leaves the Rifugio at 5pm
* The Rifugio is permanently closed so plan to get food and water elsewhere
* No matter what the weather looks like at the bottom, it can change very suddenly. It was a clear, sunny summer’s day when we left Montemonaco but as we climbed, it went from blue sky to the thick, misty fog and became much cooler as as we got closer to the top.
OVERALL:
This is a challenging hike at high altitude (there’s a difference in altitude of around 700m) but you don’t need to have mountain experience or be hard-core hikers to do it. We were a mixed-bag of walkers, none of us with any mountaineering credit to our name and with various fitness levels so its manageable but you just might need to allow more time if you’re not
Written January 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob N
Ripatransone, Italy27 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
We hiked the loop from Rifugio Sibilla 1540 to Monte Sibilla... and it was FANTASTIC. The first chunk of the hike is uphill, and worth it as you'll be treated to some really beautiful views and scenery.
After the uphill portion of the hike, you'll walk along a ridge (beautiful) and eventually come to a near-vertical wall. Don't worry: there are plenty of places to put your feet, and there's a solid chain you can use to get to the top. (The wall is about 15 feet tall.) From there, you will hike a bit further to the summit.
Now here's the important tip: There are two ways down. The first is to keep going past the summit. If you go this way, you will need to be careful along one short section as the terrain is steep on either side of the "trail" and the ground is loose. If you're careful, this isn't a problem - just pay attention and go slowly. The real issue is that once you get past all the interesting parts you will end up on a gravel road that you will take all the way back to the rifugio. Unfortunately, the view isn't all that interesting on the loop back.
The second way to get back to the rifugio is to go back the way you came. Although you will have to climb DOWN that near-vertical face, you will have a much nicer hike back down. This is the way we'll try should we hike this trail again.
That said, if you have the chance and you're in good shape, definitely give this hike a try... really lovely!
After the uphill portion of the hike, you'll walk along a ridge (beautiful) and eventually come to a near-vertical wall. Don't worry: there are plenty of places to put your feet, and there's a solid chain you can use to get to the top. (The wall is about 15 feet tall.) From there, you will hike a bit further to the summit.
Now here's the important tip: There are two ways down. The first is to keep going past the summit. If you go this way, you will need to be careful along one short section as the terrain is steep on either side of the "trail" and the ground is loose. If you're careful, this isn't a problem - just pay attention and go slowly. The real issue is that once you get past all the interesting parts you will end up on a gravel road that you will take all the way back to the rifugio. Unfortunately, the view isn't all that interesting on the loop back.
The second way to get back to the rifugio is to go back the way you came. Although you will have to climb DOWN that near-vertical face, you will have a much nicer hike back down. This is the way we'll try should we hike this trail again.
That said, if you have the chance and you're in good shape, definitely give this hike a try... really lovely!
Written September 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward C
Falerone, Italy21 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
You start the climb to the top of Monte Sibilla from the refuge, accessed by means of a gravel road just South of Montemonaco. Be careful as you can damage the underside of your vehicle, (unless you have a 4x4) and allow around 20 minutes for the climb. The refuge is in fact a hostel with reasonably good accommodation, a surprisingly good bar/restaurant and a small shop.
A short, sharp climb leads to a long, razorback ridge with a good footpath straight to the summit. A bit of rock climbing is required to reach the summit proper, but there is a chain to help the cautious. The views all the way up are astounding. Once up, to progress you have to negotiate a crumbling path with the possibility of fatal falls on both sides, although you have the option of retracing your steps. If you stick to the recommended route, once you have negotiated the tricky bit, the path widens and becomes safer. You return to the hostel by a white road, constructed allegedly to exploit the upper pastures, never really used and now in a state of disrepair in parts. In fact, from a distance it is an incongruous blot on the landscape.
Some tips:
Needless to say, appropriate footware
There is no water after you leave the hostel
If you suffer from vertigo this may not be the walk for you, although with care it is quite safe
I would not advise the walk if it is windy
If you start at 09.00 you could be back at the hostel for a hearty lunch by about 13.00. The food is regional, substantial and not expensive.
A short, sharp climb leads to a long, razorback ridge with a good footpath straight to the summit. A bit of rock climbing is required to reach the summit proper, but there is a chain to help the cautious. The views all the way up are astounding. Once up, to progress you have to negotiate a crumbling path with the possibility of fatal falls on both sides, although you have the option of retracing your steps. If you stick to the recommended route, once you have negotiated the tricky bit, the path widens and becomes safer. You return to the hostel by a white road, constructed allegedly to exploit the upper pastures, never really used and now in a state of disrepair in parts. In fact, from a distance it is an incongruous blot on the landscape.
Some tips:
Needless to say, appropriate footware
There is no water after you leave the hostel
If you suffer from vertigo this may not be the walk for you, although with care it is quite safe
I would not advise the walk if it is windy
If you start at 09.00 you could be back at the hostel for a hearty lunch by about 13.00. The food is regional, substantial and not expensive.
Written August 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luciana13
2 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Nothing to say about Sibilla, spectacular and magical as always.
But I would have something to say about the shuttle service organized to get to the start of the walk. 7 euros per person for a return trip is a real rip-off, shame on you!
But I would have something to say about the shuttle service organized to get to the start of the walk. 7 euros per person for a return trip is a real rip-off, shame on you!
Written June 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Si può portare, ma verso la fine del percorso si incontra la cosiddetta corona, dove c'è una piccola ferrata
di pochi metri e il cane va abbracciato.
Written August 26, 2018
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