If you ever find yourself heading to Sicily, villas are certainly the best bet for your accommodation. But, while it's tempting to sit around and luxuriate in your home away from home, the natural wonders of the island are more than enough reward for getting out and exploring. Here are just a few.
Mount Etna
No visitor to the island should ever miss at least cursory interest in the highest active volcanic mountain in the whole of Europe. 'A Montagna, or 'the mountain,' is the natural pride of Sicilians, and the mighty volcano embodies both life and death in one majestic package. The lava flows burn all they come into contact with, yet the ash spewed by the mountain makes some of the most fertile fields in the world. In a testament to the courage of the locals of Sicily, villas nestle in to the many grape and citrus plantations in the surrounding area.
Parco delle Madonie
If you are more the outdoorsy type that likes to hike and bike all day, visiting the Madonie Mountains is just the thing for you. The mountain range covers a wide range of land, including 15 towns and villages all contained in a park ranging over 35,000 hectares. All this provides an idyllic backdrop for a long walk up the mountains. You could, however, also try other activities like horse riding and rope ladder walking!
Orecchio di Dionisio
The Ear of Dionysius is suspected to once have been a limestone quarry cut in such a way that it formed a shape not very different from the human ear. What makes this particular cave so special, though, is its unique acoustic effects. Even a tiny sound can resonate quite clearly throughout the cave - hence its name. Quite a few legends surround the cave, but none can question its natural beauty and it is one of the prides of Sicily. Villas nearby will allow you to visit more than once - and you are guaranteed not to be bored.
The Vendicari Natural Reserve
Lagoons, coastlines, sand dunes and sandy beaches all come together to form the Vendicari Natural Reserve - home to a variety of herbs and animals that flourish in the saline ground. Autumn and winter, however, are excellent seasons for passionate birdwatchers. A wide array of storks, herons, cormorants and flamingos regularly pass through during the autumn months, while ducks, terns, mallards and pintails flock during the winter. There are even a few hides built specifically for those willing to wait it out with their binoculars.
Lo Zingaro Natural Reserve
If you are looking for a more rugged experience, this particular reserve is just what you are looking for. Mother Nature has carved out intricate pieces from the hard limestone cliffs, using nothing but salty sea air and the azure waters surrounding the area. Some unique species of flora have established themselves in this place, adding even more beauty to an already stunning seaside landscape.
Keep all these destinations in mind and you'll have a wide selection of natural wonders to visit at your leisure when you holiday in Sicily. Villas dotted all over the landscape offer plenty of choice when it comes to location - and all are equally delightful.
Looking for your perfect home away from home in Italy? Mark Slaviero is a Director of Holiday Homes in Italy, a company specialising in finding the holiday home, villa or apartment of your dreams. For the ideal Sicily villas and accommodation in Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, the Italian Lakes, ski resorts and more, we offer the best in every region.
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