An Adventurous Voyage Overland? Choose Sicily for the Best Coastal and Mainland Excursions
Sicily may be certainly renowned for its rich collection of some of the best ancient ruins, temples and monuments in the European continent, for its variety of sandy, sun-filled beaches and scenic views, and of course for its gastronomic specialties which are exemplary of the unparalleled culinary quality which makes Italy the envy of the entire world. But many people forget the exotic diversity of its natural habitats; the originality of its many nature reserves and Parks with their rare species of plants, flowers, trees and fauna found in the mainland and in the Aeolian and Egadi Islands- and anywhere in the surrounding Mediterranean, Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas-; and the many opportunities these varied locations provide for some really unique and special adventures on land and around the coastal areas of Sicily.
In the list of the UNESCO World Heritage sites Sicily counts 9 of the most special places which render testimony to the exceptional character of Sicily’s environment and ancient heritage (out of the 964 protected UNESCO sites worldwide, Italy lists 48, more than any other country around the globe). Hiking around Mt. Etna, biking or canoeing along the Alcantara river Gorge, off-road excursions by jeep or on foot through the Madonie, Nebrodi, and Segesta natural parks, boat-rides, snorkelling, diving, sailing, wind-surfing, acqua-scooting and fly-boarding by Taormina, Ragusa, or Trapani, Kite-flying by the beach, and water-based tours of the coastlines with their stunning coral reefs and marine life- including trips to the seven volcanic islands in the Aeolian Archipelago (particularly the active ones of Stromboli and Vulcano which is especially famous for its mud-baths, along with the thermal waters and fumaroles of Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi, Panarea, and Lipari) are only some of the special ways to enjoy spectacular adventures on land and water in what is an absolute haven of diversity for nature and adventure enthusiasts. With its perfect year-round temperate climate and lovely weather Sicily has everything to offer at any period of the year. And in the winter the ski slopes of Mt. Etna, with its breath-taking panorama combining simultaneously all the treasures of the mainland and the coast, is an absolute thrill.
Take a deep breath and relax by a holiday villa rented directly by local owners to set your base from which to start your land or sea adventures. Villa Il Baglio Siciliano, located in the countryside of Alcamo, close to Trapani and the popular San Vito lo Capo beach, is one of the perfect locations for an adventure holiday. With 5 Bedrooms, 12 sleeps and 5 Bathrooms, and a wonderful pool with sunbeds, all at a price of E307 X night that you can share with friends, the location affords boat trips to the Egadi islands, adventure tours of nearby Trapani (renowned for its sailing activities and recent host for the 8th and 9th Louis Vuitton Cup), hiking and biking in the Zingaro Nature Reserve and to the saltpans of Paceco, or to the Greek Temples of Segesta and Selinunte.