South of the Italian mainland, Sicily is the Mediterranean’s largest island. Its landscape is home to everything from dramatic coastlines to green rolling hills and volcanic regions, making it a paradise for travellers heading to explore nature. With a wealth of natural parks, reserves, and geology on offer, find the most intrepid explorer in you at this European gem.
Here are some of the best places to explore nature in Sicily.
Gorges of Alcantara
For budding water lovers and geology enthusiasts, the Gorges of Alcantara is a great place to start a natural exploration. Located just off the town of Taormina, the gorges are easily accessible by local public transport from the town just a thirty-minute drive away.
Expect to see clear waters meandering through unique basalt rock formations, which formed due to lava flow activity cooling post contact with the water. This was from the neighbouring phenomenon Mount Etna. The transparent waters and tall basalt columns of today create a wondrous spectacle of height and natural appeal, attracting national and international tourists.
With natural landscapes like this, there are a range of activities on offer to enable tourists to gain the best experience possible. Alongside designated areas within the gorges for swimming, river trekking through the shallow waters of the Alcantara River is a popular way to become part of the attraction, especially in the warmer months. For more advanced trekkers, there are several trails with varying terrain levels around the gorges.
These offer panoramic views across the below rock formations and water network, as well as being key points for geology research as tourists can get closer to the natural rock formations. Landscape photographers can have a field day here, with the dramatic landscape making for stunning opportunities for digital capturing.
Immerse in a serene water and geology vantage point in Sicily, at the Gorges of Alcantara.
Vendicari Nature Reserve
Embrace a classic day out at a local nature reserve, at Vedicari. This protected area on the southeast coast is known for highly diverse ecosystems and biodiversity, alongside wetlands, soft sand beaches, and rocky coastlines. This is the perfect spot for blending wildlife watching with classic holidaying, in the form of beach relaxation.
For birdwatchers, the wetlands are key attractions for a wide range of bird species from flamingos to herons and storks. Especially during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, this is a paradise for birdwatching. Secluded beaches and coves like Calamosche Beach are known for crystal waters and picturesque surroundings. Don’t forget to pack a book for a true bit of relaxation here, as well as snorkeling gear to get close to marine life. Throughout the reserve, there are local guides offering walking tours; this is a great way to gain more behind-the-scenes knowledge and insider tips on the best places to head to within the three thousand acres.
From the Sicilian town of Noto, the Vendicari Nature Reserve is a short thirty-minute drive away and there are local transport networks aiding travellers to head to the greenery and be at one with the natural world here.
Monte Pellegrino Nature Reserve
Located nearby to the capital of Sicily, Palermo, the Monte Pellegrino Nature Reserve is also renowned for its biodiversity and wide range of ecosystems, alongside cultural significance. The protected area is centred around an over six-hundred-meter-high limestone massif, which is bordered by a variety of endemic plant species and pine forests.
These forests along with Mediterranean scrubland provide a home to wildlife like birds of prey, various reptiles, and mammals. There is also a series of caves containing prehistoric rock carvings of human figures and scenes, as well as a significant pilgrimage site built into one of these caves, the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia.
Hiking, rock climbing, and cultural exploration are all active ways to uncover the wonder of this natural reserve. For places to stay in Sicily, nearby towns and cities can provide central hubs to make transportation here easy and accessible.
Stay in a luxury villa in or around the heart of the Sicilian capital, to ensure a holiday that enables nature lovers to head to the Pellegrino, before you can go right back to a hub right in the heart of the quintessential Italian livelihood.
Cavagrande del Cassibile
Another nature reserve, just a short journey away from the town of Avola. Cavagrande del Cassibile is renowned for a dramatic limestone canyon, interlinked to lucid freshwater pools and key Mediterranean vegetation spots. As well as being a key area for hiking several trails of various terrains, there is one key trail in particular that’s popular with locals and tourists alike.
Known as the Scala Cruici, this steep descent brings you out at the highlight of the natural pools. Before the steep climb back up, enjoy a refreshing dip within the freshwater known as ‘laghetti’, which literally means ‘small ponds’ in English.
Like its neighbour reserves, Cavagrande del Cassibile is no exception to preservation. Efforts are continuously made to protect the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the pools and surrounding areas. Visitor impact is managed to ensure negative effects on the environment here are kept to a minimum.
The combination of enjoying the natural landscape here on foot and in water makes it a fun day out to enjoy the natural beauty of another key natural reserve in Sicily’s extensive portfolio.
Zingaro Nature Reserve
Stretching over four miles of rugged coastline, the Zingaro Nature Reserve is a seamless merge of dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and azure waters. Alongside ancient ruins connecting the natural world throughout, the site is another key area for hiking amid a range of difficult trails that offer breathtaking views.
With rich plant vegetation and diverse bird wildlife, the reserve has a plethora of natural beauty to entice travellers. Smell fresh herbs growing on trees as you meander through pathways on a guided tour, or snorkel below sea level to notice sealife and underwater rock formations.
Located on the northwest coast of the island between the towns of San Vito lo Capo and Scopello, it’s guaranteed to provide a relaxing day out of natural appreciation.
Summary
Such a wide range of natural wonders on offer in the Italian gem makes choosing which reserve is best for you a difficult decision. Upon research and picking your holiday hub in whichever town or region suits, is sure to be close to a natural wonder of the island! Sicily is a haven for nature lovers and it’s ready to be explored.
