A popular destination for hikers
Etna. Obviously, it is on Etna that simple walkers and experienced hikers rush. If you can also admire it by paragliding or ride a mountain bike, walking its paths is one of the must-do activities of a Sicilian trip. Etna offers a wide variety of routes and excursions. The approaches are usually made in 4x4 to attack excursions ranging from 2 to 8 hours. Among the most beautiful, those in the evening where the spectacle of the molten lava offers at nightfall a grandiose show. Lazy or adventurous, you will find your happiness, depending on the degree of difficulty and duration. Guide required.
Nebrodi Mountains. In a huge natural park, which is home to the largest wooded area in Sicily, the Nebrodi Mountains are characterized by impressive chasms and ravines and rise to an altitude of 1,800 meters. The forests are crossed by herds of wild black pigs, whose exquisite meat is highly prized by local hunters and, at medium altitude, you may be lucky enough to encounter sanfratello horses, whose finesse evokes the Arabian thoroughbred. In the lake areas of the park, such as Cesarò, Maulazzo, Biviere or Trearie lakes, you may also see water turtles, coots, mallards or moorhens. A real pleasure for nature lovers.
Madonie Mountains. Hikers who will also walk in the Madonie, formed mainly by limestone rocks. They represent a particularly interesting area, both from the point of view of flora (holm oaks, cork oaks, holly and beech trees) and from the point of view of fauna (wild cats, foxes, hares, dormice, birds of prey including the golden eagle). The highest peak is the Pizzo Carbonara (1,979 m).
Reserve of Zingaro. Near Palermo, it is necessary to walk on the small paths of this unique reserve, admiring the hillsides that form an infinity of small creeks where you can swim. However, the reserve burned down almost completely in 2020.
Aeolian Islands. In the archipelago, Stromboli is obviously not to be missed. To leave in the late afternoon to see the crater of the volcano in eruption by night is a unique adventure. You need good walking shoes to climb the 600 m of difference in altitude.
In Vulcano, another of the Aeolian Islands, you can discover the yellow sulfur crystals and bathe in the hot springs. The ascent of the volcano (391 m) is feasible with a minimum of physical condition.Other nature activities
Caving. Some speleological nature reserves are open to the public, such as the Reserva Grotta di Carburangeli in Carini (in the province of Palermo), but also the Riserva Grotta of S. Ninfa near Trapani. These are just two examples, but they can be found all over Sicily
Climbing. This is an increasingly popular activity, especially thanks to the popularity of San Vito Lo Capo and its huge cliffs facing the sea. There are also some routes on Etna, on Rocche del Crasto, in the Madonie and Nebrodi mountains
Skiing. Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding are possible on Etna, especially around Nicolosi or Lingualossa, or at Piano Battaglia in the Madonie.
Horse riding. Horseback riding is easy. Numerous horseback rides are organized all over the island. Information at the tourist offices.
Big blue atmosphere !
Who hasn't dreamed of diving off the coast of Sicily, in the settings of the film The Big Blue, or in the miraculous waters of the Aeolian Islands? Many travellers come to Sicily to explore its renowned seabed. Several parts of the coast have been declared a marine reserve since 1986. The waters are particularly clear and lend themselves wonderfully to diving and underwater photography. Many good diving clubs are established along the coast
Ustica. Divers come from all over the world, especially to discover the Secca Colombara and the Scoglio del Medico (Doctor's Rock) in Ustica. The island, which is anchored off the coast of Palermo, is really a must-see, with its famous caves, such as Grotta Azzurra and Pastizza, or the archaeological wonders (anchors, amphorae) of Punta Cavazzi. The sea bed here is among the clearest and most transparent in the world, where Ulysses heard and saw the mermaids
In the Aeolian Islands, you can walk your fins around Lipari, which will delight divers of all levels. There is plenty to do: drop offs, caves, tunnels, remains of Roman pottery or wrecks Vulcano also conceals numerous spots, Filicudi of amphoras and Roman potteries, while you can also observe magnificent gorgonians at the foot of Stromboli volcano. And here, when you touch the black sand on the bottom, bubbles appear... Unique!
The region of Taormina is very popular with divers. Between the coast and around the sublime Isola Bella, the spots are legion and it is here that many scenes of The Big Blue were filmed. The visibility is exceptional and you can enjoy yourself from the Grotta Azzurra to the tunnels of Isola Bella, passing by the remains of a Roman ship
The other spots. Syracuse, the archipelago of the Aegadas, the natural reserve of Zingaro, Torre Faro and many others also await the adventurers of the depths.
Dreamy rides at sea
Yachting and cruises. Sailing around Sicily and the Aeolian archipelago is a real pleasure. Around the Aeolian Islands, some anchorages are quite exceptional, such as Panarea with its breathtaking view of the Stromboli volcano, Porto di Ponente with its unforgettable sunset, but also Lipari, Porticello, Salina. Otherwise, don't forget to mention the Aegadian Islands, the hundreds of Sicilian coves and, of course, Taormina, the unforgettable setting of The Big Blue Bus, Syracuse or Catania
In the main ports, it is possible to rent a sailboat (with or without skipper) to enjoy these anchorages, unique diving sessions and swimming in dreamy spots
Water sports. Of course, Sicily lends itself perfectly to other sports activities such as water skiing, canoeing, paddle, kitesurfing, etc.
