Much of Marettimo is rugged, mountainous terrain; the town in fact is located on the one extensive piece of flat land. From the town one can escape directly via three different routes. The first follows the shore north of town on a well-constructed path, toward the dramatic Punta Troia, where there are ruins of a 12th century castle. At the time of writing the trail up to the castle and that running beyond along the north coast were somewhat impassable, not having been maintained. However, the walk from town to the castle is an easy, beautiful sunrise or sunset jaunt.

Another exit pathway heads from the trail to the castle just outside town. Ascend steadily for half an hour to the Case Romane, which are the ruins of an ancient Roman house, spectacularly situated above the town and with stupendous views. Also at the site is a small Byzantine Church from the 12th century, evidence of Greek presence on the island. After another half-hour climb reach the top of the divide between the east and west halves of the island. Here there is a trail intersection; one could continue straight, to the left a bit, remaining on the east side of the island or follow the track on the west ridge. The east track is a shorter loop back to town, following the ridge to the Forest Guard base camp, skirting the extreme southern end of the island, with the magnificent Finocchio Marino, which is nicely viewed from the far southern tip of the island. Finishing on an easy coastal track that leads back to town (the third exit way out of town).

The walk along the west ridge from the intersection heads down to the uninhabited, mostly trail-less western side of the island. Before heading down, more experienced adventurous trekkers could leave the path and head up the divide to Punta Anoini and the Semaforo, from where there are panoramic views of the southern end of the island. From here one may retrace their steps but experts could also traverse through the bushes to the trail below. If you head right on this trail, you'll end up at the Forest Guard base; turn left to go to trail's end at the scenic Punta Libeccia, where there are great cliffs and sea caves. The trail ends here so one must retrace their steps to the Forest Guard.

Another option, for those who wish to attain highest point on the island, would be to climb from the Case Romane on the trail signed for Monte Falcone. From here there are spectacular views of the entire island. From the summit one must retrace their steps back to the Case Romane.