t Crystal-clear water lapping powdery sands along Lo Zingaro cove
Sicily’s wild natural beauty is the stuff of legends. Mother nature has lavished this glittering gem in the Mediterranean Sea with snow-capped mountain crests, rumbling volcanoes, crystalline sapphire surf and verdant rolling farmland as far as the eye can see.
t Crystal-clear water lapping powdery sands along Lo Zingaro cove
Sicily’s zigzagging coast is strewn with protected open spaces. Explore the wonders of Riserva dello Zingaro and Vendicari, laced with hiking trails atwitter with birdlife – binoculars and a birding guide are a must. Even more outdoor activities await on the sylvan peaks of the Nerbrodi, Peloritani and Madonie. These glorious mountains are perfect for trekking, camping, kayaking and skiing. Just pick an outdoor adventure and go.
Sicily is home to some of the continent’s most active volcanoes. Towering Mount Etna regularly emits plumes of ash and oozing streams of lava from 3,350 m (10,990 ft). Out to sea, Stromboli, Mount Etna’s baby cousin, sits on an Aeolian island of the same name. Join a guided trek with Il Vulcano a Piedi (www.ilvulcanoapiedi.it) and climb to the summit to feel the peak rumble beneath your feet as the sun rises.
The rushing waters at the bottom of Gole dell’Alcantara, formed by lava flowing down from Mount Etna, cut a swathe through black basalt rock. Descend public steps down to the basin to wade through a 150-m (500-ft) riverbed to explore unexpected caves – rubber boots recommended. On the Egadi Islands, enter the caves of Levanzo to marvel at paintings of animals hand-daubed by Paleolithic and Neolithic artists.
Lapping seawater, shallow plains and unrelenting heat create conditions ideal for the saltpans of Mozia. Head to the Museo del Sale (www.museodelsale.it) outside Trapani to learn about local traditions of extracting and processing salt, practised here since the time of the Phoenicians. Then get up close with a cycle along the saltpans on the sun-beaten stretch between Trapani and Marsala. Bring your camera to snap gently whirling 16th-century windmills reflected in the shallow puddles of seawater.
Picture Perfect
Stand in front of the blinding-white cliffs of La Scala dei Turchi for a snap that will make your social media followers green with envy.