Il Parco dei Nebrodi, an area of over 85,000 hectares, guarantees to be the largest protected area in all of Sicily, occupying a large territory that runs from St. Stephen’s di Camastra to the northern slopes of Etna, and incorporating as many as 24 municipalities.
It is a very rich and impressive natural landscape, with Mount Soro standing as the highest peak in the park at 1850 meters: from here the view is breathtaking, with Mount Etna and the Aeolian Islands behind, which can be seen looking north.
The low population density of the area has allowed the preservation of the natural habitat of the area and its overall integrity.
The Park of Nebrodi: Flora and Fauna
The flora is present in typical Mediterranean varieties especially at low altitudes, with great examples of chestnut and oak trees that predominate at a higher altitude. The fauna is very numerous and some specimens still live in the wild, such as pigs that move in a group or limited herds of Sanfratellani horses that roam along the valleys of the Park.
The avifauna is also well represented, thanks to the large natural bodies of water that quench the thirst of the large birds particularly during the period of migration: among the most important exemplary, with a little luck, it is possible to admire the golden eagle and the large griffins.
Inside the Park of Nebrodi
Due to its extension it will not be easy to visit all the principal areas of the Park within a brief visit. There are however, several trails accessible from the towns of the Park, which take you around a bit, thus allowing you to get to know the Nebrodis in their most intimate aspect.
The hikers’ itineraries refer to the most experienced and well-equipped visitors who are not afraid to walk for several hours in a row.
The “Dorsale dei Nebrodis ” is a path that stretches from east to west for about 70 kilometers, also passing through some commune such as Mistretta and Floresta .
Il Sentiero dello Sorgenti path on the other hand spreads on the south side of the park, around the town of Maniace: it will be possible to enter into one of the most humid areas of Sicily, with various fresh water springs that come out at an altitude of about 1300 above sea level.
Another suggested route is the one that spreads at the ancient crystalline rocks that assume different colors depending on the reflection of the sun with shades ranging from red to green. It is known as Rocche del Crasto.
For those with the sweet tooth, we recommend to take a gastronomic journey that involves eateries specializing in the cuisine of the typical products of the Nebrodis.
Lastly, in the Nebrodi Park, there are adventure parks built in total harmony with nature, to have fun discovering the largest natural park of Sicily.
