This splendid place is located in the province of Trapani between the villages of San Vito lo Capo and Scopello. It was the first natural reserve established in Sicily in 1981, because of the protests by environmentalists against the risk of turning into a cement jungle this stretch of uncontaminated coast . The crystal clear water of the sea represents the most suggestive scenery of the reserve. Seven kilometres of uncontaminated coastline, between walls of rock and inlets that are poured on the deep blue color of this sea, make this one of the most fascinating paradises of the island. Area of natural interest, has within it several paths that can be discovered only on foot. Inside the reserve it is possible following two main routes to discover the beauty of this place. The coastal itinerary is the easiest and the mountain one is the most challenging for experienced hikers. Nothing must disturb the flora and fauna, so also access to dogs are prohibited. The dwarf Palm, symbol of this reserve, was for centuries the livelihood of shepherds and farmers, who used its leaves to achieve the objects such as baskets, brooms and tools for fishing. The Zingaro reserve houses rare or totally disappeared species in the rest of Italy: eagles, the imperial Crow, peregrin falcon, the kestrel, a small falcon with chestnut-brown color dotted with black spots and yellow feet. Worth a visit within the Reserve: -The Nature Museum, which collects all species of fauna in the area. -Activities Marine Museum which houses the images of local marine species and traditional equipment for fisheries, including a replication of tuna fishing net. -The Ethnographic Museum collects the traditional agricultural tools. From the A29 Palermo-Trapani highway exit Castellammare del Golfo, take in the Highway 187 and follow signs for Scopello. http://www.riservazingaro.it
*Alcàntara Park
Located between the provinces of Catania and Messina on Etna northen flank, extending along the Alcantara river, which runs from the eastern side of the Nebrodi mounts down to the Ionian coast, near Giardini Naxos and Taormina. The Alcàntara gorges and his cold river represent a prehistoric epoch, infact in this place was an icy river flowing along a clayey bed covered by ancient lava flows. Thousands of years ago a lava eruption covered the bed of the river. The magma cooled formed high basalt walls and the erosion of river transformed the scenery in a large canyon with high walls over 40 meters. It is possible walking along the river between clear lakes, waterfalls and tall lava walls.http://www.parcoalcantara.it/
*Etna Regional Park
The park was established on March 17, 1987 It extends from summit area until the north boundaries of Etna’s villages. The landscape of the park is variegated and extremely rich: the scenery of lunar landscape of the summit craters,the mass of different lava flows amassed during a secular eruptive history, the woods and the wonders of pinewood Ragabo with its trees, the many caves (more than 200!). The vegetation is diverse, thanks to the presence of vineyards, oaks and chestnut trees. Over 2500 metres any vegetation is present, because of harsh conditions, but it will be possible, however, enjoy a wonderful view of the Ionian coast, Calabria and the Aeolian islands. The animals living on Etna are visible in the woods: fox, wildcat, ghiro, rabbit, peregrin falcon, the Viper, Donnola and many others. The Park of Etna is a wonderful excursion goal for discovering the richness of the territory and to do the classic ascent to the summit craters with an experienced guide. Travel between the hidden paths of Ragabo Pine Forest by bicycle, or pay a visit to Valle del Bove caldera. But interesting will be a visit to the Etna’s caves such as the “Grotta del Gelo”. Even in winter there are many ways to discover the Park: snowshoes, cross country skiing, ski mountaineering.http://www.parcoetna.ct.it/
*Regional Park Nebrodi
The Nebrodi Park, the largest of Sicily, established in 1993, covers an area of 85,000 hectares in the northern Sicily. The mountain range, extending from Messina until the Province of Palermo, and is the natural extension of the Italian Apennines. The highest peak is Mount Soro at 1850 meters of altitude. The landscape is characterized by alternating sweet relief from rock limestone formations with an irregular aspects. This is the case of San Fratello mount (716 metres above sea level) and Rocche of Crasto (1315 meters above sea level), an inaccessible area nesting sites of various species of birds such as rapacious and predatory including Royal eagle. Extensive terraces on the tops allow to enjoy a unique landscape, from the Aeolian Islands until Etna. The park is rich of suggestive forestes, lakes and streams, paths to travel on foot or by bike. The vegetation is characterized by the typical evergreen Mediterranean scrub until to 800 metres. Over 1200-1400 metres, there are the beech woods along with quercine species as Cerro and Oak. Among the natural beauty of the park are included Lake Biviere (1278 msl m) and Lake Maulazzo, artificial lakes in the middle of a splendid beech wood, both of transit zone for migratory birds. Do not miss the Waterfall of Catafurco. The name Nebrodi derives from the greek word "Nebros," which means "faun". Many times ago here was the house of fauns, brears, wolves and deer The fauna is still today very rich: there are approximately 150 species of birds, including Poiana, Gheppio, Kite real and peregrin falcon. The best way to experience the beauty of the park is a trip by bike along the Dorsale of Nebrodi, a splendid path of over 40 km, running from Serra Meri until Portella Dagara. Along the way, well equipped with path signs, you can eat at various staging points. In Portella dell'Obolo (1503 meters above sea level) there is a bivouac free for hikers that can accommodate 4 sacks bed.http://www.parcodeinebrodi.it
*Madonie Park
The Madonie Regional Park is located in the province of Palermo. The peaks, whitewashed by winter snows, are lower than 2000 metres: Pizzo Carbonara (1979 m), Mount St. Salvatore (1912 m), Ferro Mountain (1906 m). A flourishing vegetation includes trees, chestnut and beech trees. Numerous vantage points offer extraordinary performances: You can easily observe the Etna, Nebrodi and Aeolian islands. The coastline of the northern slope has dense woods, olive groves secular, chestnut. The southern side is a green succession of sweet backs mountain and hilly. The rocks Madonie represent the geological identity card of the island: here there are the oldest rocks of Sicily, formed during the Triassic epoch. Testimony of this are the many fossil remains of algae, sponges, corals and idrozoi in limestone areas. The presence of these marine species indicates that Madonie mounts were submerged in a deep sea. http://www.parcodellemadonie.it/
*Nature Reserve Vendicari
This magical natural paradise is located in the Province of Syracuse, between Noto and Marzamemi. The reserve is the goal of migratory birds coming from Africa and directed to North Europe. This makes the observation of birds one of the most frequent activity of the reserve: storks, gulls, herons, cormorants and many others. The best period to do it is the month of December. The landscape is rich and varied: rocky shores, sandy beaches, Mediterranean, swamps, salt marshes and cultivated areas, all surrounded by a pristine blue sea. Vendicari isn't only a natural area, but also historical. Here you can admire Necropolis, as the ruins of the Byzantine churches, catacombs, houses, but also the tower Sveva and, last but not least, "Tonnara" built around the eighteenth century.http://www.oasivendicari.net/
*Cavagrande of Cassibile
The Nature Reserve of Cava Grande, established in 1984, is a beautiful valley along which the river Cassibile flows. Its waters, over the centuries, have led to erosion of the territory allowing the formation of these splendid canyons. The hyblenian quarries are about 50-80.000 years, and their training is also due to rain falls during the "Wurmiana" glaciation of 10-20.000 years ago that contributed calcareous soil erosion. Cavagrande of cassibile can be visited only on foot. A well-marked trail falls in the heart of the valley filled with lakes and waterfalls, where you can bath. The History has left its mark here, in fact in Cava Grande you can visit two rock villages of the thirteenth century built by the Sicilians: the northern (Cave of brigands), and southern side where you can see hundreds of tombs.
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