Parco delle Madonie

Sicily's Mountains a Perfect Holiday Getaway

Jun 4, 2009 John Howe

Italy's largest island Sicily has more than just warm Mediterranean beaches to offer, its mountains are abundant with flora and fauna and full of medieval villages.

Sicily sitting just off the toe of Italy is a paradise for Mediterranean beach lovers, its golden strands and deep blue waters invite all kinds of water sports. But those who are not the beach type or just want to get away to something different then Sicily can offer alternatives too.

Parco delle Madonie

The interior is mountainous and the most popular interior region is perhaps the Parco delle Madonie a mountainous region and the second of Sicily’s Natural Reserves. This mountainous region is thronged with little villages and small towns many of which trace their origins to medieval times. Many castles and churches attest to the antiquity of the Madonie mountain region, the churches particularly having survived over the centuries as places of worship for countless generations of the fiercely spiritual peoples.

The park has six mountains that are over 1,500 metres (5,000 feet) and many more that are over 1,000 metres (3,300 feet). The highest at just under 2,000 metres (6,600 feet) is Pizzo Cabonara, second only to the stern but majestic Etna. Because of its elevation the Pizzo Cabonara boasts three ski pistes open in the winter months, these offer great skiing in a pristine setting and away from the crowds of more famous ski resorts.

Trekking in Sicily

The Parco delle Madonie is well suited to trekkers or those who just want to walk amongst and admire the abundant flora. There are 2,600 different plant species in the park and many of them are unique to this part of Sicily; it is good ecology-tourism not to trample on the plants and flowers and certainly do not pick any of them but leave their beauty for others to admire and appreciate. The mountain pastures are in full bloom in spring and autumn that gives a Monetesque quality to the surrounding countryside.

But if walking and hiking aren’t attractive then try one of the other outdoor activities what will bring this region alive. Horse riding is a great exercise and one of the most natural ways to travel around this mountainous landscape. Can’t ride? That’s no worry as there are beginners schools to help you find your seat and to make you feel comfortable.

Failing this mountain-biking is becoming more popular with visitors to the area and offers another excellent way to explore the ancient villages and to meet and chat with the locals. There is no better way to get an insight into the lives of the warm people who live in this area.

Petralia Adventure Playground

For the kids there is an excellent adventure playground on the door step of the region’s main town Petralia. Besides the chance to interact with nature there are thrilling adventures like rope-bridge walking, tree climbing and all the things that kids love to do.

Sicilian Cuisine

The area is also known for its fine local cuisine it surely can not be bettered; it relies on in-season local produce. The meat, salami, sausages, mushrooms, olives and seasonal vegetables are fresh and tasty. Wash down the meal with a glass or two of Italy’s finest local wines and the gastronomic paradise is complete.

For an alternative Sicily, one that does not really exist in the popular imagination, the Madonie mountains will offer a great deal for contemplation thanks to its landscapes, its people and their way of life that has relatively little in common with that of coastal city-dwelling Sicilians.

The copyright of the article Parco delle Madonie in S Europe Travel is owned by John Howe. Permission to republish Parco delle Madonie in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.