Sicily's nature reserves

Your journey through Sicily's nature reserves can start on the west coast, where nature creates unforgettable landscapes. The Zingaro Nature Reserve, with its seven kilometres of trails overlooking the sea, offers coves with turquoise water and the rich scents of the Mediterranean maquis.

Not far away, the Saline di Trapani e Paceco reveal a landscape suspended between water and sky, brought to life by flamingos and windmills that turn as slowly as time itself. Also in this area, nature offers surprises with the golden dunes of the Fiume Platani, the cliffs of Monte Cofano, the seabed of Capo Gallo, and the wetlands of Lake Preola and Gorghi Tondi. Completing the picture are Monte Pellegrino, the Stagnone di Marsala and Capo Rama, each of which is home to valuable habitats.

As you travel eastwards, Sicily reveals its maritime soul. Located south of Syracuse, the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area is an underwater kingdom of canyons, Posidonia meadows and unique biodiversity, and a favourite destination for divers and snorkellers.

Further south, the Vendicari Nature Reserve combines nature with historical heritage: among the dunes, marshes and ancient tuna traps, it is easy to spot herons, storks and flamingos. Here, the coast also offers two of Italy’s most captivating beaches, Eloro and Calamosche, little paradises of golden sand and crystal-clear water.

As you move away from the sea, the hinterland reveals surprising and unexpected landscapes. The Cavagrande del Cassibile Nature Reserve is home to deep canyons and natural pools set within the rock, while the Pantalica Valley combines archaeology and nature: the rock necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, towers over the gorges of the Anapo River, creating a landscape that is unique in the world.

Further north, the Nebrodi, Madonie and Sicani mountains are home to ancient forests, waterfalls and timeless villages, perfect for those seeking peace and authenticity. And on Mount Etna, the power of the volcano blends with forests and lava flows, creating a landscape that is constantly changing. The Simeto and Alcantara rivers, with their spectacular gorges, complete the picture of a rich and surprising hinterland.

Along the southern coast, unspoilt beaches alternate with nature reserves of great value. The Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, with its white cliffs and crystal-clear sea, is a haven of biodiversity managed by the WWF. The Biviere di Gela and the Pantani della Sicilia Sud-Orientale are home to important migration routes, while the Foce dell’Irminio preserves one of the last stretches of unspoilt coastline in the region. These places are true natural treasures, perfect for anyone seeking genuine contact with the island’s wildest soul.