Nature and Enviroment
Sicily is a triangle, a fact that prompted the ancient Greeks to name it Trinacria, and is prevalently mountainous and hilly. The highest mountains lie in the north-east, and are Mount Etna (3,340 m.)-the biggest volcano in Europe, rising majestically between the Catania plain and the Alcantara and Simeto river valleys-and the Sicilian Apennines, stretching from the Strait of Messina to the Torto valley and clearly the continuation of the Calabrian Apennines across the water.
The Sicilian Apennine range of mountains is divided into three groups: the Peloritani, Nebrodi and Madonie. At the foot of the south slope of Etna lies the Catania plain, delimited to the south by the Iblei hills, a wide expanse of high ground culminating in Mount Lauro (986 m.). The middle of the island is a broken succession of rolling hills, the Erei (lying among the Catania plain, the Iblei and the Salso valley) and the so-called Altopiano Solfifero (the sulphur-bearing upland), low rounded hills of Cenozoic sulphurous chalk rock. The west of the island has a similar landscape of gentle hills and wide rolling uplands, predominantly Cenozoic clay and sandstone, alternating in some places with Mesozoic limestone formations: the nearby Egadi islands have the same geological and morphological structures, while Ustica, the Aeolians and Pantelleria are prevalently of volcanic origin. Other active volcanoes are Stromboli and Vulcano, in the Aeolians.
The rivers are fast flowing with an irregular volume of water, flash flooding in winter and long periods of drought. The principal rivers are the Simeto (which channels the waters of the Dittaino, Gornalunga and Caltagirone), the Alcantara, Anapo, Cassibile and Tellaro, on the Ionian side; the Torto and San Leonardo, flowing into the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Belice, Platani and Salso which empty into the Sicilian Sea.
The climate is Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and mild wet winters. Distance from the sea and the height of the larger mountains are the causes of sharp differences in climate: on the coastal belt, the average annual temperature is around 19 ºC, which drops to 13 ºC inland. The precipitations are confined mainly to the winter months. Rainfall is low particularly on the low-lying ground round Catania and Gela. Spontaneous vegetation on the coastal areas consists of the evergreen shrubs of the Mediterranean scrub, dominated by citrus and fruit orchards, with vines and olive trees higher up. Woodlands, covering barely 8% of the territory, grow only in a few hilly areas.
Of extreme geomorphological and natural interest is Etna, the volcano that has exerted such an influence on the landscape, the history and the life of those living in its vicinity, and unlike the other volcanoes, it is famous for a certain turbulence and a tendency to erupt, of ten without warning. One of Etna's outstanding characteristics is the fascinating succession of types of vegetation that grow on its slopes: Mediterranean scrub at a low altitude, which gives way to a series of typically montane plant life farther up the slopes. The lava at the edge of the sea is itself a splash of almost tropical shapes and colours: rock samphire, stock, caper, broom, tree spurge and extravagantly exotic plants such as the prickly pear and agave, that have perfectly acclimatized. Then comes the carob and olive belt, a few remaining stands of holly oak then, beyond 100 m., the Turkey oak and white oak woods, frequently replaced by thick chestnut woods and a few limited stands of beechwood. Up the mountain, the pinus laricio predominates, especially in the famous Linguaglossa pinewood, together with the Etna birch and showy Etna broom.
The richest and most interesting forest environment in western Sicily is Ficuzza-Rocca Busambra, south of Palermo, dominated by the majestic limestone Rocca Busambra (1,613 m.), with a quantity of karst phenomena, marshes and small lakes, pastures and meadows, with an ecological variety unique in that part of Sicily.
One of the island's most picturesque coastal environments is Contrada Zingaro, at the heart of the Gulf of Castellammare, towards Capo San Vito, where sheer cliffs of Mesozoic limestone alternate with beautiful tiny coves, with glorious intact seabeds. The vegetation is that of hot dry climates, partly steppe and in part garigue.
One of Sicily's most important wetlands is Pantani di Vendicari, on the Gulf of Noto, near Pachino and Capo Passero, where a wide variety of ecosystems (sea, dunes, rock, scrub, freshwater and salt marshes, fens) concentrated in a limited area and in contrast with its arid surroundings, make it a place of exceptional scenic and natural interest.
Mount Etna, Catania
Sicily's greatest natural attraction is also its highest mountain: Mount Etna, at 10,990 feet, is the most active volcano in Europe and the oldest recorded active volcano in the world.
Attraction type: Volcano
Aeolian Islands, Sicily
The Aeolians are active volcanic islands with an impressive rugged scenery, which are characterized by high mountains and deep valleys surrounded by a deep blue Mediterranean Sea.
Attraction type: Island; Historic site
Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi), Agrigento
This region is one of the most important archeological sites in the world with many great temples such as Hera (Juno,) Lacinia, Concordia, Heracles (Hercules) and Olympian Zeus (Jupiter,) all dramatically perched along a long rocky scarp.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins; Religious site
San Giovanni degli Eremiti, Palermo
This important monument is well-recognized for its Arab architecture, which contains three domes and cubic forms that are representative of an Oriental influence.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins; Garden; Architectural building
Palace of the Normans (Palazzo dei Normanni), Palermo
This Norman Castle or "Zisa Castle" was completed by William II during the 12th century, and is considered one of the most magnificent Arab-Norman structures in the world.
Attraction type: Castle; Garden; Historic site
Stromboli, Sicily
You can take a land excursion (advisable with a guide) or a trip by boat to view this energetic volcano on the island of Stromboli, which is the most active volcano in Europe that has been erupting for several thousands years.
Attraction type: Volcano; Island
Salina Island, Sicily
Attraction type: Island; Volcano
Villa Malfitano, Palermo
Attraction type: Historic home; Garden
Greek Theater, Syracuse
This well-preserved Greek theater (5th-centry B.C.) is still used for performances of classical works.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins; Cavern/cave
Mondello, Palermo
Attraction type: Beach; Resort community
Pantalica, Sicily
Hiking in the magical Anapo river valley, you come upon steep cliff sides that are dotted with thousands of rock-cut tombs dating from the 13th century BC.
Attraction type: Scenic/historic walking area; Cavern/cave; Cemetery
Circumetnea Railway, Taormina
Attraction type: Scenic railroad
Cava Grande di Cassibile, Sicily
May hikers feel challenged by Sicily's "Grand Canyon," which descends more than 800 feet to a picturesque river.
Attraction type: Canyon; Waterfall
Zingaro Nature Reserve, Sicily
Sicilys first nature reserve is extremely important for the abundance of rare and endemic plants, local fauna and the spectacular Uzzo Grotto, one of the first human settlements in the area.
Attraction type: Nature reserve
Shrine of Santa Rosalia, Sicily
Built in 1625, this imposing religious complex consists of a convent and the grotto-shrine where the remains of the Saint were said to be found.
Attraction type: Religious site; Cavern/cave
Alcantara Gorge, Sicily
Walk along the floor of this 223-foot deep lava canyon - a narrow, scenically spectacular gorge carved out of the rock by a fast-flowing stream.
Attraction type: Canyon
Public Gardens (Parco Duca di Cesar), Sicily
Attraction type: Garden
Minigolf Sicilia, Palermo
Attraction type: Golf course
Villa Giulia, Palermo
Attraction type: Urban park
Mazzaro, Taormina
A cableway connects Taormina with Mazzarò Bay, the site of one of the major seaside resorts in the region.
Attraction type: Beach