A popular destination for hikers
Etna. Naturally, Etna is the destination of choice for walkers and experienced hikers alike. While you can also admire it from a paraglider or hurtle down it on a mountain bike, surveying its footpaths on foot is one of the must-dos of any Sicilian trip. Etna offers a wide variety of routes and excursions. Approaches are usually made in 4x4 vehicles, for excursions lasting from 2 to 8 hours. Among the most beautiful are the evening excursions, where the spectacle of molten lava at nightfall is grandiose. Whether you're lazy or adventurous, you're sure to find what you're looking for, depending on difficulty and duration. Guide required.
Nebrodi Mountains. In an immense natural park, home to Sicily's largest wooded area, the Nebrodi Mountains are characterized by impressive chasms and ravines, rising to 1,800 m above sea level. The forests are traversed by herds of wild black pigs, whose exquisite flesh is highly prized by the region's hunters, and at medium altitude you may be lucky enough to encounter sanfratello horses, whose finesse is reminiscent of the Arabian thoroughbred. In the lakeside areas of the park, such as Lakes Cesarò, Maulazzo, Biviere and Trearie, you may also spot water turtles, coots, mallards and moorhens. A real treat for nature-lovers.
Madonie Mountains. Hikers will also be strolling through the Madonie Mountains, made up mainly of limestone rocks. They represent a particularly interesting area, both in terms of flora (holm oaks, cork oaks, holly and beech) and fauna (wildcats, foxes, hares, dormice, birds of prey including the golden eagle). The highest peak is the Pizzo Carbonara (1,979 m).
Zingaro Reserve. Near Palermo, you can walk along the small paths of this unique reserve, admiring the hillsides that form an infinite number of bathing creeks all the way to the sea. However, the reserve burned down almost completely in 2020.
Aeolian Islands. In the archipelago, Stromboli is obviously not to be missed. Setting off in the late afternoon to see the volcano's erupting crater by night is a unique adventure. You'll need good walking shoes to climb the 600 m difference in altitude.
On Vulcano, another of the Aeolian Islands, you can discover the yellow sulfur crystals and bathe in the hot springs. The volcano (391 m) can be climbed with a minimum of physical fitness.
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), and the Riserva Grotta de S. Ninfa near Trapani. These are just two examples, but they can be found all over Sicily.
Climbing. This is an increasingly popular activity, thanks in particular to the popularity of San Vito Lo Capo and its immense cliffs facing the sea. There are also a number of routes on Etna, Rocche del Crasto, Madonie and Nebrodi.
Skiing. Downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding are available on Etna, particularly around Nicolosi or Lingualossa, or at Piano Battaglia in the Madonie mountains.
Horse riding. Horseback riding is easy. Numerous horse-riding excursions are organized throughout the island. Information is available from 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 travelers pack their bags in Sicily to explore its renowned seabed. Several parts of the coast were declared a marine reserve in 1986. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for diving and underwater photography. Numerous top-quality diving clubs have been 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, anchored off the coast of Palermo, is a must-see, with its famous caves, such as Grotta Azzurra and Pastizza, or the archaeological wonders (anchors, amphorae) of Punta Cavazzi. This is because the seabed here is among the clearest and most transparent in the world, where Ulysses heard and saw the mermaids.
In the Aeolian Islands, we'll be strolling our fins around Lipari, which will delight divers of all levels. Drop-offs, caves, tunnels, remains of Roman pottery or shipwrecks - there's plenty to do! Vulcano also boasts numerous spots, Filicudi amphorae and Roman pottery, while magnificent gorgonian sea fans can be seen at the foot of Stromboli volcano. And here, when you touch the black sand on the bottom, bubbles appear... Unique!
The Taormina region is very popular with divers. Between the coast and around the sublime Isola Bella, spots are legion, and it's here that many scenes from The Big Blue were filmed. Visibility is exceptional, from the Grotta Azzurra to the Isola Bella tunnels and the remains of a Roman ship.
Other spots. Syracuse, the Aegades archipelago, the Zingaro nature reserve, Torre Faro and many others also await deep-sea adventurers.
Dreamy rides at sea
Yachting and cruises. Sailing around Sicily and the Aeolian archipelago is a real pleasure. Some of the anchorages around these islands are quite exceptional: Panarea, with its breathtaking view of the Stromboli volcano; Porto di Ponente, with its unforgettable sunset; Lipari, Porticello and Salina. And let's not forget the Aegadian Islands, the hundreds of Sicilian coves and, of course, Taormina, the unforgettable setting for The Big Blue Bus, Syracuse and Catania.
In the main ports, you can rent a sailboat (with or without skipper) to enjoy the anchorages, unique diving sessions and swimming in dreamy spots.
Water sports. Of course, Sicily also lends itself perfectly to other sporting activities, such as water skiing, canoeing, paddling, kitesurfing and more.
