Green sanctuaries still preserved
Ancestral deciduous forests remain in a few rare portions in the coastal mountains of the north of the island, more precisely in the Madonie and south of Palermo (oak forests of Ficuzza). In these greener areas there are many beautiful oleanders and tamarisk trees. In the neighbouring Nebrodes there is an ecosystem of vast forests, meadows and high altitude lakes, with fiery torrents that contrast with the arid Sicily. There are beeches on the southern slopes, cork oaks, holm oaks, yews... Among the endemic species is the famous Sicilian fir, known by its Latin nameAbies nebrodensis, which grows only in the Madonie. There are only about twenty specimens left, the species being on the verge of extinction. Another relict species, the Zelkova sicula is a shrub that exists only on this island, of which only a few specimens remain. The purple thistle Carduncellus pinnatus, the yellow sage (Phlomis fruticosa) and the silver sage (Salvia argentea), the Sicilian iris (Iris pseudopumila) and the rock carnation (Dianthus rupicola
) are found only on the island and flower in spring. In the northwest of the island, the Zingaro reserve is one of the most intact biodiversity areas in the Mediterranean, although a serious fire destroyed much of it in 2020. The dwarf palm tree grows spontaneously on the hillsides of the scrubland, as well as many other plants such as olive trees, caraboutieres, euphorbias... The landscapes are transformed in the south of the island, as if stopped by an imaginary border. The green of the northern mountains gives way to a very Mediterranean and mineral landscape this time: the garrigue as far as the eye can see cohabits with dwarf palm trees. There are also prickly pear trees, probably imported from Central America, and agaves galore. As for the Ciane River and Syracuse Saltworks Reserve, it is a precious wetland: papyrus has been growing on its banks since ancient times.Vegetation adapted to volcanic soils
In the conical area of Etna's summit, there is no vegetation because no seeds can germinate on the recent lava. The summit is made of black basaltic rock, directly solidified lava, and is desolate. It is only from an altitude of 2,500 metres that the slopes of Etna are planted with a varied and very typical vegetation, and are home to species planted by man, including various tropical plants brought from the Americas. Among the emblematic plants of the site: the Sicilian astragalus(Astragalus siculus), with its fine thorns, which grows in masses. From an altitude of 2,000 metres, the vegetation changes. On some slopes you can see Bosnian pine, Etna birch and beech, and even lower down you can see chestnut and olive trees. With this vegetation coexists the Etna endemic genet, whose yellow flowers create, during the flowering period, a beautiful colour contrasted with the black of the basaltic lava. As for the famous Etna violet, it grows in abundance around the volcano.
Further down, the fertile slopes of the volcano are ideal for growing grapes. The vineyards of Nerello produce the famous Etna wine (DOC). On the western slopes, from 600 to 850 metres above sea level, the pistachios of Bronte and the strawberries of Maletto are grown, unique for their flavour and colour due to the fiery soil and microclimate. Another notable production is that of apples, pears and the "tabacchiera dell'Etna" peach, the red Etna cherry, walnuts and hazelnuts, not to mention an extremely sweet and pure honey.
The funny fichidindias
This fruit with its strange colour and exquisite flesh was introduced into Sicily at the end of the 16th century via Latin America. The fichidindia (prickly pear) found a favourable climate to multiply all over the island. At the time, this plant was used to demarcate properties. In a few years, this fruit has become one of the symbols of Sicily. Today, 97% of the fichidindia production comes from the island. You can choose between three colours of fruit. Will you be tempted by the yellow, the green or the red? For the passionate, the tastes differ according to the color of the flesh. Take a good look around you during your Sicilian journey and you will not fail to see these cactuses full of colourful fruit. And the good news is that you can already find them peeled on plates at the market!
A typically Mediterranean fauna
A rather rare terrestrial fauna. Although the wildest animals have long since deserted the island, in Sicily you can find foxes, wild cats, Bonelli's eagles and other small mammals such as weasels, marmots, martens, porcupines and a few rare grey wolves. Recently, wild boar and fallow deer have been reintroduced in the Madonie, and sausages and meat from these two species are produced and sold. But as far as fauna is concerned, the most notable species in Sicily are the birds, as the island is an important stop on the path of the migrants. Here a few pairs of eagles have managed to thrive against all odds: in particular the very rare Bonelli eagle which can be found in the Zingaro reserve. To the east, the magnificent Vendicari reserve allows you to observe herons and pink flamingos. As far as reptiles are concerned, Sicily is home to several species of snakes and vipers, but you are more likely to come across a gecko, a turtle or the unavoidable Sicilian lizard, otherwise known as the "ruin lizard"
A rich marine fauna. Sicily's seabed is home to tuna and swordfish. To be convinced of this, it is enough to attend a mattanza ("massacre") between May and June. This ancestral fishing consists in first encircling the tuna with large nets pulled by small boats called tonnara. Many shellfish and fish (sole, sea bass...) are also caught. Many diving sites are very popular with amateurs: the Egadi Islands, the Aeolian Islands, the island of Ustica. The observation of the sea bed is one of the attractions of the destination.
