Wherever you are in Sicily, a natural beauty is not far away. Mountains, salt marshes, lakes, gorges, steaming craters, rivers, grottoes and caves are spread over the island(s). Our ten top spots are to be discovered on foot. Required: sunscreen with a high SPF, mineral water, hat, sturdy shoes or walking boots. Not required: a guide, except on the island of Stromboli. Please keep in mind that most of Sicily’s hiking and trekking trails are not or poorly signed. We suggest starting the hikes early in the morning before it gets too hot.
More descriptions of nature reserves, parks & public gardens you'll find here
Fossa di Vulcano – Aeolian Islands
Apart of the thermal springs and black beaches, Vulcano’s attraction is its 391 m high steaming crater, which is encrusted with yellow and red crystals. After one hour you'll reach the lowest point of the crater’s edge at about 290 m, to the summit it will take 1,5 hours. Follow the signs on the strada provinciale, then a gravel track on the left zigzags to the summit. From there you cold descend to the crater floor and/or climb around the rim, see the fumaroles and enjoy the phantastic view to the other Aeolian islands. Afterwards you can relax having a rejuvenating mud bath or dip in the deep blue sea.
People staying on the island of Lipari reach Vulcano by hydrofoil in ten minutes.
Cava d'Ispica - Modica
Most people come to Ragusa and Modica for the wonderful Baroque architecture. Few know that 12 km southeast of Modica there is a natural paradise. The 13 km long gorge of Cava d'Ispica is well worth a visit for nature lovers and archeologically interested people. The gorge was used for a long time as a Neolithic burial site, you can still see the caves that were transformed into cave dwellings in the Middle Ages. The path along the quiet gorge is mostly overgrown, but visible.
Silvestri Craters – Mount Etna
