t The beautiful seascape of Cefalù stretching far below a paraglider floating in the air
A veritable playground for outdoor adventurers, Sicily's natural spaces offer endless opportunities for heart-pumping holidays. Dangle off petrified cliffs, paraglide over sun-baked hills, plunge into the shadowy deep. Whatever your kick, Sicily delivers what adrenaline junkies crave.
t The beautiful seascape of Cefalù stretching far below a paraglider floating in the air
For a truly white-knuckle experience – and some of the best views of Sicily – set your sights high with Etna Fly (www.etnafly.com) and soar off mountainsides and over the landscape by paraglider. Want more? Pitch out of a plane withSkydive Sicilia (www.skydivesicilia.it) on tandem jump.
The Sicilian archipelago is a watery playground for divers. Plunge beneath the waves to check out the bones of a WWII British cargo ship at Scopello – part of Riserva dello Zingaro – in a short course or day trip with Cetaria Diving Centre (www.cetariasea.com). Cross to the transparent waters that surround Lampedusa to investigate underwater Roman ruins.
The vertical challenges in Sicily send acrophiles' (lovers of heights) hearts soaring. For rope- and free-climbers, the craggy cliffs of San Vito Lo Capo are ideal. Cling to limestone and marble rock, crossing tufas with the sea at your back. Alternatively, opt for a multi-day trek to scale Filo Dell’ Arpa, Filicudi's highest peak at 610 m (2,000 ft).
Sicily is the ideal place to test your mettle in water-based adventuring from sailing to kite surfing. Strong winds off the Aeolian and Egadi islands create ideal conditions for sailing. Sailing in? Mooring can be arranged at port. For everyone else, Sail Utopia (www.sailutopia.com) provides lessons and skippered excursions, with a keen eye on marine conservation and sustainability.
INSIDER TIP
See Sicily by wheel, with a guided cycle tour. Choose a mountain, road, hybrid or even e-bike. On Sicily (www.on-sicily.com/cycling-in-sicily) has all the info.
DISCOVER Sicily Your Way
Sicilia Dag 7
Starting in Cefalù, this 53-km (33-mile) loop passes through pristine medieval towns overlooking glittering sea to 868 m (2,850 ft) above sea level and back.
Ortigia-Syracuse Loop
Pass epic scenery over mostly paved surfaces, along this 85-km (53-mile) route. Reasonable fitness and intermediate skill level required.
Magna Via Francigena
This challenging route across the Sicani mountains, following the path of Frankish knights over 180 km (112 miles), is not for the faint of heart.