Sicily
Nature Parks and Reserves
Sicily maintains numerous nature reserves and
green areas. These, scattered throughout the nine provinces, have remarkably
increased in number in the last half century.
The Botanic Garden in Palermo,
stretching over an area of 10 hectares, is a real green lung and an important
sanctuary for various plant species. It also contains busts dedicated to
historical figures.
The Entella Grotto Nature Reserve, in
the Palermo area, offers a splendid environment that includes a man-made lake.
It is close to archaeological-historical cities Elima and Entellina and
provides a critical habitat for a rich wildlife, among which is the falco
peregrinus.
On a small island some 15km off the Palermo
coast, is the Isola delle Femmine (Island of Women) Nature Reserve with
its lush vegetation and a natural patrimony represented by leguminosae,
graminaceous and composite species; varieties of flowers like nigella, reeds,
romulea and Iris; numerous animal communities such as the mediterranean gull,
the crested lark and the heron. Remnants of Punic and Roman amphoras were
unearthed on the island.
The Sugherata Reserve, stretching over
an area of 3,000 hectares in the territory of Niscemi, Caltanissetta, is mostly
composed of holm-oaks, evergreens and shrubs.
The Monte Pellegrino Oriented Nature
Reserve, in the Palermo province, now entrusted to the Associazione
Nazionale Rangers D’Italia, is home to over a thousand plant and wildlife
communities, the latter also including a reptile group. The Favorita
Park, within the reserve boundries, was used as a royal hunting lodge at the
time of Ferdinand III of Bourbon. Many amazing sites can be found there, such
as the Valle del Porco, largely covered with rock-plants and holm-oaks.
The local fauna mainly consists of raptors like the buzzard, the falco
peregrinus and the stone-chat.
In the Gela area, is the Nature Reserve of the Bievere
Lake, housing a variety of submerged and sheltering plants, such as
orchids, the rare white-broom and the corn-flower. This is most recommended for
nature lovers and birdwatchers, it being home to duck species like the porchard
and the widgeon, and to many migrators. Several mammal species also inhabit the
reserve such as the fox and the weasel, and raptors like the duck-hawk and the
marsh-herrier.
The Grotta Conza Reserve, in the
territory of Palermo, extends over an area of 4 hectares largely populated by
the Mediterranean bush. The presence of limestone carbonate rocks gives this
grotto-reserve a geological importance.
The LIPU oasis of the Montallegro Lake,
Agrigento, covering an area of 500,000 sqm, is a crucial stopping place for
migratory birds. Its scanty vegetation enhances birdwatching.
The Reserve of Platani and Capo
Bianco rivers, in the Agrigento area, stretches on a rocky promontory with
long beaches. The promontory, once home to greek colonies – among which was
Heraclea Minoa – is an interesting archaeological park most characterized by
fine wooded stretches inhabited by foxes, weasels and duck-hawks.
The Regional Nature Reserve Torre Salsa,
in the Stella Mount district, east of Siculiana Marittima, comprises the mouth
of the Salso river and a small sandy beach. Its pristine coastal environment is
a major attraction for ecotourists.
The Etna Park offers a wide choice of spots;
among these is the Valle del Bove (Oxen Valley), a sunken area (hence
called valley) with great crevasses and chasms. Photography and nature lovers
can enjoy amazing sites and landscapes, such as Bocca Nuova, Monte
Zuccolaro or the Grotta delle Vannette. The Etna volcano has always
been regarded as a major symbol of Sicily. Today rising over 3,000m, it began
to form about 500,000 years ago. Its vegetation varies according to
altitude, ranging from pistachio and holm-oaks on the western side, to
bay-oaks, oaks, black hornbeams and chestnut woods on the eastern side. Higher up are the remnants of
ancient woods which have been largely replaced by pastures and endemic plants.
The Bosco di Santo Pietro, in the
proximity of Caltagirone, in the southern side of the Erei Mountains, has a
richest flora composed of over 300 species, among which cork- and holm-oaks
dominate. The fauna is mostly represented by winged animals and migrators. Such
spots as the Cava Cannizzolo, the Cava Vaccarizzo and the Cava
Imboscata are a must-see.
The area between Trapani and Paceco houses a
fine nature reserve with splendid naturalistic attractions and major stopping
place for migratory birds. Especially renowned are its salt pans, re-thriving
of late, after a period of decline.
The Valle del Sosio, Agrigento, is
particularly interesting, with numerous fine spots and large areas of
holm-oaks, walnuts, strawberry-trees. Many fossils, today preserved at the Museum
Geologico Gemellaro in Palermo, were recovered across its territory.
Along the coast south of Siracusa is the
beautiful Vendicari nature reserve, a major rest place for the migratory
avifauna. The Southernmost of all Italian reserves, it is comprised of three
large marshy areas with several outlets to the sea. The site known as Calamosche,
covering its northern stretch, provides with a beautiful environment with a
richest marine wildlife and unspoilt sea floors. A variety of flora inhabited
the reserve, dominated by the mediterranean bush and other plants such as the
sea-fennel and the spiny chicory. The local fauna includes the water-hen and
several communities of migratory birds. The site boasts an important history,
having been a Phoenician port and still housing such interesting archaeological
specimens as a necropolis and a church from the Byzantine age. A Swabian
watch-tower, referred to as the Castello di Vendicari, is situated there
near a tuna-fishery.
In the Belice’s lower valley there is a
gorgeous green area, alas not protected by environmental laws; the site is
known as the Riserva del Castello della Pietra, deriving its name from a
ruined Norman fortification there located. Covered with a short vegetation,
natural bonsai species, capers and dwarf fan palms, it also houses remnants
from the Greek, Arab, Roman and Norman epochs.
In the Messina province is the Valle degli
Eremiti (the valley of the hermits), a naturalistic site deriving its name
from a neighboring hill, once a refuge for hermits. A monastery, now reduced to
ruins, was erected here by the Carmelitani Friars in the 1500s. The valley
provides impressing spots for excursions on foot.
The Parco Minerario Floristella Grottacalda,
in the Enna province, was an important
mining area providing a livelyhood for thousands of workers. Today, it represents
a fine specimen of industrial archaeology, combined with naturalistic spots,
where visitors can still smell the acrid scent of sulphur. The highly injured Palazzo Pennisi, at Floristella, once the
residence of the owners and the headquarter of the mining business, is supposed
to be soon restored to house a Labour Museum.
The Sambughetti-Campanito Oriented
Nature Reserve, Enna, covers a large area of mediterranean bush. Oaks, holm-
and bay-oaks dominate the landscape. The reserve includes the Sambughetti Mount
(1508m), with remains of an ancient beech-wood, and several small lakes.
The Altesina Mount Oriented Nature
Reserve, Enna, is a major tourism attraction. Populated by pines, eucalyptuses
and beech-woods, it is home to a richest wildlife. A fine archaeological site
and the Nicoletti Park further enriches the Reserve.
Between Vittoria and Camarina, Ragusa, the Aleppo
Pine Oriented Reserve is a sanctuary for some of the last remaining specimens
of kermes oaks. The local fauna includes such species as the owl and the jay.
The Oriented Nature Reserve of the Irminio
River’s mouth, Ragusa, offers a rich vegetation composed of a great variety
of communities such as the prickly juniper and the lentisk; on the riverside
are marsh-reeds, tamerisks and reeds. The fauna includes, among the
others, the marsh turtle, the coleopter and the nightingale.
A most interesting and noted naturalistic area
stretches from the Lauro Mount to the Sicily Channel, still in the Ragusa
district. This provides a critical habitat for a variety of animals and plants.
It is divided into three large zones: the Dirillo riverside, the Cava
di Bocampello and the Cava Biddieni.
The district of the Alcantara river is a major
tourism resort, designated a reserve as to preserve its precious resources and
environment. Rose in the Nebrodi mountains, the Alcantara river – one of the
four main rivers in Sicily – flows into the Ionian Sea, after bathing several
cities between Messina and Catania. First just a little creek, it grows
in size as it approaches the Etna volcano. Its gradual erosion has created
spectacular gorges, today most crowded by tourists. The flora is mostly composed of citrus grove, vineyard,
oak wood, varieties of flowers, corn poppy and myrtle. A richest wildlife,
including communities of raptors and migratory birds, inhabits the area.
The Madonie Park comprises a range of
impressing naturalistic places.
Tracts of rich Mediterranean bush stretches in
the vicinity of Polizzi Generosa, near Palermo. The area is scattered with
farmhouses and cave-dwellings where innumerable relics have been discovered.
Nearby is a fine site known as Padella, with splendid landscapes and
spots including a botanic garden.
A site of high naturalistic and archaeological
value is that bordered by the San Calogero Mount and the valleys of the Torto
and San Leonardo rivers. Here stood the ancient Himera. A dam on the San
Leonardo river is today a major attraction for tourists.
The Oriented Nature Reserve of Favara
and Granza woods is a vast land covered with trees like cork-oaks,
holm-oaks and shrubs. It is home to a rich fauna including the fox, the marten,
reptiles, amphibians and birds.
The vast area of the Sicani Mountains, in the
Palermo province, offers as much appreciated sites as those in the Nebrodi.
With several lakes – that of Prizzi is particularly interesting – and
naturalistic sites, it provides an ideal habitat for migratory birds and other
communities.
The nature reserves of Monte Carcaci, a
paradise of endemic plants, and Monte Genuardo, covered by woods and a
dense undergrowth inhabited by rare raptors and mammals are also
worth-mentioning. Here also stands an Abbey, dedicated to Santa Maria del
Bosco, dating from the late 1500s.
The Oriented Nature Reserve Bagni di Cefalà
Diana e Pizzo Chiaristella is especially noted for its Arab thermal
baths.
The Nature Reserve Pizzo Cane, Pizzo Trigna
and Grotta Mazzamuto, one of the largest in the province, features a mostly
inaccessible territory comprised of densest woods. It protect rare raptors such
as the royal eagle and the red kite.
Palermo’s reserve of Serre di Ciminna,
with its uncontaminated landscapes, is of high geological value, dating from
the Miocene.
The Integral Nature Reserve Grotta di
Carburangeli is characterized by interesting karst
phenomenons. Rare
specimens of stalagmites and stalactites were created throughout the centuries by
the constant dripping of the water. A rare group of bats inhabits the Reserve, what contributed to enhance
its scientific importance.
The Oriented Nature Reserve Capo Rama
stretches on the coast facing the Golfo di Castellammare and Terrasini. It
provides with a striking sea landscape with rocky strips, grassy vegetation,
shrubs, dwarf fan palms and other species.
The Integral Natural Geological Reserve of Contrada
Scaleri, in the province of Caltanissetta, is splitted into two areas. Of
high scientific value for geomorfologic researches, this is the first reserve
being destined for mostly scientific research.
Of geoligical value is also the Integral Nature
Reserve Lago Sfondato thanks to the presence of sulphur and gypsum rocks
and karst phenomenons. The landscape sees a predominance of orchids and grassy
vegetation. The lake, on the slopes of the Monte Pestichino, has a karstic
origin, formed by the collapse of gypsum deposits.
The Nebrodi Mountains, stretching along the thyrrenian coast of Sicily, are characterized by densely wooded areas. The twenty-one municipalities comprised in the territory retain much of their historical heritage, with precious specimens of old fortifications and constructions. Amazing lakes, valleys and peaks dominate the landscape; the richest flora and fauna has been protected since the establishment of the outstanding Parco Naturale Regionale dei Nebrodi. Here live the tortois, the porcupin, the ousel, the hawk, the falcos peregrinus, the owl, horses and many other animal communities. Several villages in this area go back to the period of the Greek decline in Sicily, founded by refugees who evaquated their threatened cities and moved inland up the course of the main rivers. Relics of fortified cities and hamlets contribute to the tourism importance of the Park. Especially worth-seeing are the small cities of Ficarra, San Fratello, Montalbano Elicona, S. Marco D’Alunzio, Mistretta, Roccella Valdemone.
The Pergusa Lake district, in the Enna
province, stretched, in ancient times, over a vast territory populated by
richest fauna, today rarer and rarer. The decline, started under the Roman
domination responsible for a massive deforastation, continued throughout the
centuries notably due to the establishment of the landowning system. The
situation has only recently improved thanks to environmental measures and
restrictions (hunting was forbidden several years ago). Remains of a necropolis
and other relics were recovered from the Monte Cozzo Matrice, one of the
tallest peaks in the district.
Near Sperlinga, amidst a densely wooded area
flows the Salso river, salted, since it crosses some salt works on its course,
and surrounded by oaks and a rich fauna.
The Altesina Mount, the tallest in the Erei
Mountains, is home to archaeologic relics and to an uncontaminated environment
where bay-oaks, holm-oaks, pines, eucalyptuses, poplars and mediterranean bush
dominate the landscape. A natural habitat for apennine fauna is here provided.
Worth-mentioning
is the area known as Vallone di Piano della Corte, with abundant
precipitations throughout the year and impressing gorges.
The mouth of the Belice River,
declared as a Nature Reserve in 1984, protects an endangered African landscape,
with plenty of sandy dunes and water courses. This area, running between
Marinella di Selinunte and Porto Palo, includes two fine coastal strips with
aquatic and marshy vegetation. It is a highly windy area with a sub-tropical
climate, covered by bushes and abundant grassy vegetation. Wildlife includes
the heron, the kingfisher, reptiles, the marine turtle and other communities.
The Gorgo Lake area, near Montallegro, is one
of several green oasises scattered around the Agrigento province. Albeit not
largest, it is considered a real ornithologic paradise. Interventions by both
WWF and LIPU have helped protect the area from poachers and pollution.
In the Enna province are the Bosco di
Rossomanno, between Aidone and Piazza Armerina, well-endowed with natural
resources and a rich flora, the Bosco della Baronessa, which is a state
property, and the Vallone Strazzavertole, with abundant vegetation
mostly composed of oaks and holm-oaks.
The Grotte della Gulfa, at a few
distance from Alia, Palermo, is a complex of caves and grottoes dug into a
cliff, once used as a storehouse by local peasants. Very characteristic is the Tholos,
a wide circular space of uncertain origin, inside the grotto, believed to date
from before the this was dug.
The Montagna Grande Natural Park is a cherished
jewel on Pantelleria island, mostly covered with pines, holm-oaks and shrubs like the prickly pear
cactus, the wild broom, the lentisk and graminaceous species.
SICILY’S
STATE FOREST PROPERTIES
The tour through Sicily’s naturalistic riches
comprises several of what are referred to as Aree Attrezzate, several
equipped state forests and areas.
PALERMO
In the Palermo province are:
Casaboli, covered by pines, aleppo pines, holm-oaks and
bushes, and protecting a fauna composed by the wild rabbit, sparrow communities
and more; Renda-Aglisotto, reafforested with Mediterranean, Canarian and
black pines, cypresses, holm-oaks and maples; the Gradara Mount, in a
mountainous landscape dominated by woods of pines and cypresses; the Montagna
Longa-Santa Venera; Santa Caterina, a wood at some 900m above sea level
providing with a beautiful panorama; the Piano Zucchi, in the heart of
the Madonie mountains, with a profusion of black pines, holm-oaks, cypresses
and maples.
TRAPANI
The Trapani province includes a number of state
forest areas:
Erice Vetta, in the proximity of Erice, a natural area
mostly covered with holm-oaks and bay-oaks; the Monte Erice, with
mediterranean pines and eucalyptuses, and a man-made lake inhabited by ducks
and gooses; the Finestrelle, with an interesting Agri-Forestry museum
accessible with authorization by the local forest office; the Inici,
highly damaged by a fire but still offering a breathtaking coastal view between
Castellammare and Balestrate,
AGRIGENTO
The Cammarata Mount, comprising a
densely wooded area of conifers; Monte Sara, a 4 hectares wooded area of
mediterranean pines and dwarf fan palms; the Arancio Lake, rich in pines
and eucalyptuses.
CALTANISSETTA
The province of Caltanissetta comprises four
equipped areas:
The Parco Attrezzato Comunelli, covered
with eucalyptuses and Mediterranean pines, and comprising the Comunelli dam; Alzacuda
and Raffo Rosso, both rich in eucaliptyses and picturesque trails; Mustogarufi,
with fine trails most frequented by tourists.
CATANIA
Over 48,000 hectares of woods, mostly composed
of conifers, surround the Etna volcano.
Monte Boiardo, a wooded area with a predominance of poplars,
maples and pines; the Camisa, falling in Demanio Forestale Flascio
(State property), covered with plopars, cypresses, pines, bay-oaks and with a
dense undergrowth. Motorized vehicles are not allowed here. Nature lovers can
enjoy hikes along many beautiful trails; the Demanio Granvilla, a
state property with plenty of pines, cypresses, eucalyptuses and a dense
undergrowth; the Di Ganzaria district, a wood that offers opportunity
for amazing excursions and walks amidst mediterranean pines, bay-oaks,
cypresses, eucalyptuses, cork-oaks and a rich undergrowth.
ENNA
The Enna territory comprises:
The Ronza, covered with pines,
eucalyptuses, false acacias, hosting a rich fauna including birds, fallow-deers
and wild-boars. Provided with developed accommodation facilities, this is much
frequented by tourists; Selsa Perugina, accessible not far from the
Pergusa Lake; the Casale, covered by chestnut and cherry trees.
MESSINA
The state forests in the province of Messina
are mainly scattered in the Nebrodi and Peloritani Mountains. The vegetation
here is that typical of the mountainside spanning beeches, turkey-oaks,
pines, chestnut-trees. Several well-equipped areas have grown to remarkable
tourism resorts frequented all the year round; the Piano Margi, covered
with mediterranean pines and chestnuts, and home to an artificial hilly lake
and a towering rock called the Castello di Margi.
Then there are: the Madonnuzza, deriving
its name from a church dedicated to the Virgin of Camaro, largely
composed by bay-oaks, pines and chestnuts; the Crupi, with a nice pine-wood
and accommodation facilities; the Pantano, covered with pines and
eucalyptuses, and only accessible on foot; the Camaro, in the Peloritani
Mountains, consisting of an ancient forest in a highly panoramic position,
dominated by pines and acacias; the Erbe Verdi, with mediterranean and
black pines.
Finally is the Demanio Forestale Savoca,
also known as Cavagna. This, accessible through a wood of oaks and
chestnuts, offers dramatic views of the Misitano creek and the Etna volcano and
is particularly renowned for its delicious porcini mushrooms.
RAGUSA
The Ragusa province also counts a quantity of
woods and forests often alternating with fields zig-zagged by the typical
dry-stone walls:
Calaforno, covered with mediterranean pines and oriental
planes, and inhabited by deers and wild-boars; the Bosco Arcibressi,
accessible by a mountainous densely wooded tract, with accommodation
facilities, a fauna including fallow-deers, tibetan goats and birds, and a lake
inhabited by gooses and ducks; the Canalazzo, a wood of most oaks, holm
oaks and bay-oaks.
TRAPANI
The Monte Cofano, in the Trapani
province, with its rich flora of most endemic plants and dwarf fan palms closes
the list.