The largest protected area in Sicily awaits you with its lakes, streams, flora and fauna typical of these magnificent places
Sicily knows how to surprise visitors and tourists with profoundly different territories: sea, art, culture and nature. And, speaking of nature, we can only tell about the largest protected area in the region: the Nebrodi Park.
Established in 1993, the Nebrodi Park covers an area of over 80 thousand hectares in the north-eastern area of Sicily. Its territory includes 24 municipalities: 19 in the province of Messina (Acquedolci, Alcara Li Fusi, Capizzi, Caronia, Cesarò, Floresta, Galati Mamertino, Longi, Militello Rosmarino, Mistretta, Raccuja, Sant’Agata Militello, Santa Domenica Vittoria, San Fratello, San Marco d’Alunzio, Santo Stefano di Camastra, San Teodoro, Tortorici and Ucria), 3 in the province of Catania (Bronte, Maniace and Randazzo) and 2 in the province of Enna (Cerami and Troina).
Among the paths and trails of the park you can see magnificent views, lakes and streams and discover the rich vegetation and varied fauna of these places. On the other hand, the name of the park already recalls one of the most present animals in the area: the ancient Greeks, in fact, called this “the land of roe deer”. The name of the park comes from the Greek name of the roe deer, nebros. Among the animals present we mention the famous black pig of the Nebrodi, the fox, the wild cat, the weasel, the hedgehog, the porcupine, the marten and many others. About 150 species of birds have been classified: among these there are some endemic ones of great importance such as the Codibugnolo di Sicilia and the Cincia bigia di Sicilia, as well as many birds of prey including the splendid golden eagle. There is no shortage of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, three of which are 70 species of butterflies.
The flora is also characterized by a great variety of vegetation that differs according to the different environmental areas and the altitude above sea level, ranging from evergreen cork oak forests to Mediterranean scrub, up to deciduous forests and mountain areas.
The park is divided into 4 zones. Zone D, control (13,648 hectares), is the external part of the protected area. Zone C, protection (604 hectares), is the one where the construction of accommodation and cultural facilities has been allowed. Zone B of general reserve (47,058 hectares) includes wooded areas and grazing areas. In this area it is possible to visit the Obelisco di Nelson (in the locality of Serra del Mergo), the Grotta San Teodoro (in the municipality of Acquedolci), the Cascata del Catafurco (located at 976 meters above sea level) and the Cappella delle Tre Vergini (in the Tortorici area).
Zone A (24,546 hectares) includes the forests that are located at the highest altitudes. Here you can visit the Bosco della Tassita (in the territory of Caronia), Lake Biviere, which turns red in summer due to the blooming of a microalgae and represents one of the areas of greatest naturalistic value for flora and fauna, and the Borgo Stella, where you can see evidence of the typical pastoral village.
The Nebrodi Park is the perfect place for lovers of hiking, trekking, mountain biking and all outdoor sports. The climate, unlike the rest of the island, is characterized by harsh winters with heavy snowfalls and hot summers but with less muggy temperatures. The best time to visit the park is in spring and summer.
There are several itineraries with different difficulties: very simple, for example, is the Bosco Mangalaviti-Serra del Re route, of medium difficulty are the Agrifoglio Itinerary and the one for the Rocche del Crasto, much more difficult are the Dorsale dei Nebrodi, with its 75 kilometers and an elevation gain of 2,300 meters for a duration of three days, and the Sentiero delle Sorgenti, with a route of about 8 hour.
Inside the park there are several equipped areas where you can stop for a pleasant picnic. It is also possible to visit the Nebrodi Adventure Park, an adventure park with sports trails suitable for all ages.
The Nebrodi Park has several access points. Admission is free but for hiking activities you need to request authorization at least 7 days in advance: the model is easily available on the parcodeinebrodi.it website.
For a holiday in Sicily out of the ordinary, all you have to do is organize a visit to the Nebrodi Park: you will discover how much nature has to offer in our splendid region.
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