Between Nebrodi Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea

The Arabs defined the Nebrodi Mountains “an island within the island”. Indeed they spoke from knowledge of subject! The Nebrodi Mountains hosts a unique and wonderful ecosystem in Sicily, marked by thick woods, high pastures, a wealth of lakes, rivers, natural springs and a wide variety of plants and animals. The mountain range overlooks to the west the Madonie Mountains, to the east the Peloritani Mountains, to the north the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Aeolian Islands, to the south the Volcano Etna. Among these landmarks - visible in the distance from each crag on clear days - there are always new peaks and valleys, clayey-sandy rocks, and the harsh peaks of the Rocche del Crasto, which resemble the Dolomites’ peaks.

Elevation determines the type of vegetation: from the coast to 600-800m the evergreen maquis prevails, higher elevations up to 1200m foster the growth of oak woods and Turkey oaks copse. Over the altitude of 1200 m above sea level the mountain is home to lofty woods with prevalence of beeches and sparse Sycamore Maples. The undergrowth supports hollies, hawthorns, roses Daphne and a relict and very ancient species of yew-tree, surviving in much localized microclimatic conditions.

The name Nebrodi derives from the Greek nebros, meaning fawn. Once the reign of fawns, now the park is the best place to see a wide variety of animals at close range: small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, a large number of invertebrates, breeding birds and birds of passage. Perhaps most of them are of greatest interest to enthusiasts for the fauna of the mountains.

The common visitors will be stunned by the beauty and the elegance of the griffon vulture of Nebrodi and of the golden eagle, and will admire the semi-domesticated Sanfratellano horse and the Sicilian black swine. Man’s presence is very minimal and less intrusive than in other parts of the island. There are small villages, once medieval suburbs, which has kept their traditions intact over the centuries. Moreover many historic structures remain standing, as old shepherd’s barns, mills, flax spinning mills and farmhouses. The typical products reflect the ages-old traditional craft of the locals. The dairy products and the prepared meat products (as the sausages of Sicilian black swine) are particularly tasty and renowned. Special areas called “barracche” are arranged here and there in the woods to provide the visitors the opportunity to taste the typical gastronomic specialties.

The Nebrodi mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea are closely related. First and foremost the Nebrodi Mountains descend gently into the sparkling blue water of the Tyrrhenian Sea, offering a wonderful view over the Tyrrhenian coast. Secondly all the torrents of the Nebrodi Mountains (Fitalia, Rosmarino and many others) flow into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Therefore a walk down through the Tyrrhenian side of the mountains to the sea is absolutely worth doing. A plunge into the splendid beaches, inlets and resorts (Capo d’Orlando, Brolo, Gioiosa Marea and Tindari) which not accidentally are the favorite destination of many tourists.

Picking mushrooms in the Nebrodi area
Are you a mushroom enthusiast? The Nebrodi Nature Park houses a wide variety of mushroom species; not only Boletes, but also Boletus Aereus, better known as black boletus or black cep, Pleurotus Eringii, parasol mushrooms, Liophillum and Amanita Cesarea.

The Park is the ideal place for a foray. Here a list of important rules: the Park has limited the amount of mushrooms per picker and fixed a charge for non-resident pickers; experts well advise the visitors not to break the non edible mushrooms, because they are important for the reproduction process of the esculent species  contrary to all the common beliefs; least but not least, if you are not an experts, you’d better take in account the advices of a good guide in order to avoid to pick the poisonous Amanita Phalloides or the lethal Amanita Pantherina.

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