No vacation in Sicily is complete till you have spent some leisurely time in taking in the beauty of the endemic flora, fauna and wild life. In the summer months, enjoy a swim in the cool waters that flows through this basalt formation at Alcantara Gorge. Do not forget your main purpose, roam the small yet scenic woods on the slopes of the gorge.

1. Sicily Travel Tips: Parks and Natural Reserves

2. No vacation in Sicily is complete till you have spent some leisurely time in taking in the beauty of the
endemic flora, fauna and wild life.
In the summer months, enjoy a swim in the cool waters that flows through this basalt formation at
Alcantara Gorge. Do not forget your main purpose, roam the small yet scenic woods on the slopes of the
gorge.
If you prefer large woods with plenty of wild life, then it is Ficuzza for you, located on Bourbon Royal
Estate near Corleone. Ficuzza is set in a large wood which is a protected nature reserve. With a bubbling
stream and a man-made lake, the reserve abounds in beauty. This lodge has British influence and is open
to the public. Its scenic grounds are a relaxing picnic spot. The access to the woods is limited to a series
of trails behind the Palace. Here, you can also check out the Regional Wildlife Hospital (Centro Regionale
Recupero Fauna Selvatica) which is a center unique in Sicily. It caters to injured birds and to creatures
that need rehabilitation prior to being released into the wild. Most of the hospitals inmates are eagles,
owls and hawks, and animals are squirrels and porcupines.
Along the Fiumefreddo river, near Calatabiano and nestling between Taormina and Catania is the
Fiumefreddo nature reserve, a small natural reserve. The Fiumefreddo River is fed by two resurgences
and reaches a depth of 10-12 m. The temperature of its waters remains stationary between 10 to 15°. It
slow current and freshness are conducive to a very specific plant-life - European buttercup grow in
company of African papyrus.
Then, there is the Royal Park ("La Favorita"), a vast forested area that was a royal hunting ground. Owned
by the City of Palermo, it lies in the shadow of Mount Pellegrino and is located around the Chinese Villa. It

3. is home to rabbits and migratory birds. The Scuderia, royal mews, serves as an office and the equestrian
club has moved to a different location on the estate. Part of the estate is the Villa Niscemi, the palatial
estate of an aristocratic family. This is designated as the mayor's official residence.
The Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve is located near the coastal village of Scopello, about 10 kilometers west of
Castellamare del Golfo. Covered with woods and bushlands, this reserve is home to endemic flora and
fauna.
Maccalube is situated outside Aragona, a few miles south of Agrigento. It is a field of small gray mud
geysers which are not seen anywhere else in Italy.
Mount Etna is Sicily's largest nature reserve. Its copes sport various species of oak and stone pine, birch
and beech. In the lower altitudes, they give way to broom plant and other shrubs. Come autumn and
Etna's deciduous trees create an umbrella of dazzling colors. The small ponds and streams of Etna's
forests are home to frogs, toads and turtles, snakes and Sicily's ubiquitous lizards. Animals like the fox,
squirrels, weasels, hare, hedgehogs, porcupine, and wild cats also roam Etna woods. The tree tops and
sky are dominated by owls, falcons, partridges, and golden eagle. In the Gurrida Lake area, you will find
ducks, herons, and also some migratory birds.
If you want to enjoy more of Sicily make sure to stay on Owners direct Italy for a more comfortable rest
and relaxation.