From Capo d'Orlando to San Piero Patti through high mountain Sicily
From Capo d'Orlando, along the spectacular Route of the Volcanoes, we begin our journey to discover some of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Starting from the SS 116 towards Floresta, the route passes through the charming villages of Naso, Castell'Umberto and Ucria, little jewels perched on the ridges of the Nebrodi, still intact and far from mass tourism. These villages, with their age-old traditions and the authenticity of daily life, offer a first taste of the most genuine Sicily. Arriving in Floresta, the highest town in Sicily at 1,275 metres above sea level, you are immersed in a timeless atmosphere. Walking through the streets of the town centre you can admire historic churches, ancient fountains, stone houses and majestic 19th century aristocratic palaces. Every corner of the town offers a panoramic view of the Nebrodi Park, which invites you to explore and walk in uncontaminated nature. The view of Mount Etna in the distance adds a touch of majesty to the landscape and makes the experience even more evocative. Leaving Floresta, the route continues towards Montalbano Elicona, which can be reached in about half an hour by car. Montalbano Elicona, voted the most beautiful village in Italy in 2015, is a charming village with its Swabian-Aragonese castle, an imposing fortress that dominates the town, and its basilica, which, together with the many small churches scattered along the characteristic cobbled streets, tells a millenary story of faith and culture. Not to be missed is an excursion to the megaliths of Argimusco, one of the most fascinating rocky complexes in Sicily, where the mysterious rock formations, immersed in an almost surreal landscape, evoke ancient legends and ancestral rites. For those who love adventure, Montalbano Elicona also offers the possibility of renting quads or jeeps to explore the paths that wind through the Bosco di Malabotta, one of the oldest nature reserves on the island, where you can meet the "patriarchi", centuries-old trees that are true natural monuments. These paths also lead to breathtaking viewpoints from where you can admire the unspoilt beauty of the Sicilian countryside. At the end of this exciting day, you can descend into the quiet Timeto Valley, where the village of San Piero Patti is located. Here, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you can enjoy a relaxing stay in one of the welcoming local establishments and taste the typical products of Sicilian cuisine, which tell the history and traditions of this ancient and hospitable land.
From San Piero Patti to Tindari and the Marinello Lakes Reserve
After a restful night in San Piero Patti, we set off for one of the most sacred and fascinating places in Sicily: Tindari, in the municipality of Patti. This ancient sanctuary is famous for its extraordinary Sanctuary of the Black Madonna, a place of deep devotion that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. The Black Madonna, a wooden statue of mysterious charm, is housed in the magnificent cathedral, which stands on a promontory with spectacular views of the sea and the surrounding hills. In addition to the sanctuary, Tindari offers a journey back in time through its vast archaeological area. Here, among the remains of temples, ancient domus and imposing patrician villas, you can admire the traces left by the different civilisations that have inhabited this land. Walking among these ancient ruins, you can feel the history that permeates every stone, witness to the successive eras, from the Greeks to the Romans and the Byzantines. On a particularly hot summer's day, a stop at the Nature Reserve Orientata dei Laghetti di Marinello is a must. This enchanting corner of nature offers much more than just a dip in the sea. The reserve is a mosaic of natural environments, from salt lakes to stretches of golden sand, from cliffs overlooking the sea to steep slopes offering breathtaking views. One of its main attractions is the Sentiero Coda di Volpe, a nature trail that crosses these varied landscapes and allows you to explore every corner of this small earthly paradise. The reserve is also a refuge for many species of migratory birds, making it an ideal destination for birdwatchers and nature photographers. After exploring the wonders of Tindari and the Marinello Reserve, we return to Capo d'Orlando. Following the scenic SS113, which winds along the cliffs overlooking the sea, we pass through picturesque coastal villages offering unmissable gastronomic delights. A stop at Gioiosa Marea is the perfect opportunity to taste the famous Sicilian granitas, available in the traditional flavours of lemon, pistachio and coffee, authentic explosions of flavour that tell the story of the richness of the Sicilian land. Continuing along the coast, a stop in Brolo will allow you to taste "pignolata", a typical dessert of the local tradition. This delicacy is the perfect way to end your trip, taking with you a sweet and unforgettable memory of Sicily.
