The Nebrodi, a mountain massif in the heart of north-eastern Sicily, are known for their wild nature, breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity. While many visitors focus on the most famous attractions such as the Nebrodi Park or the Tiberius Gorges, there is a world of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. In this article, we take you on a journey through some of the lesser-known places in the Nebrodi, offering a unique perspective on this beautiful region.
1. The ghost town of Sperlinga(Apri Maps)
Sperlinga, once a flourishing agricultural centre, is today a charming ghost town surrounded by nature . Abandoned in the 1950s due to a landslide, the village still retains its old-world charm, with its stone houses, church and cobbled streets. Sperlinga can be reached by a panoramic path that starts from Galati Mamertino, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valley.
2. Lauro Cave(Open Maps )
The Grotta del Lauro, located near Tortorici, is a natural wonder still little known to the general public. This karstic cave, formed over millennia by the action of water, features stalactites, stalagmites and other rock formations of great beauty. Access to the cave is regulated to preserve its integrity, but it is possible to visit it with the accompaniment of expert guides.
3. Lake Maulazzo(Open Maps)
Lake Maulazzo, the largest natural lake in Sicily, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity nestled in the mountains. Surrounded by beech and oak forests, the lake offers the possibility of various outdoor activities , such as trekking, canoeing and birdwatching. The Nebrodi peaks are reflected in its crystal-clear waters, creating a landscape of rare beauty.
4. The Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Alto(Apri Maps)
The Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Alto, located on the summit of Monte Alto, is a place of worship much revered by the local population. Accessible via a panoramic path, the sanctuary offers a breathtaking view of the valley below and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The feast of the Madonna dell’Alto, celebrated every year on 15 August, is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the traditions and culture of the Nebrodi.
5. The Mangalaviti Forest(Open Maps )
The Mangalaviti forest, one of the largest wooded areas in the Nebrodi, is a paradise for nature lovers. This centuries-old forest, characterised by a great variety of trees and plants, is home to numerous animal species, including wild boar, fallow deer and golden eagles. The Mangalaviti forest is criss-crossed by several hiking trails, allowing you to explore its beauty at your leisure.
6. The medieval village of Montalbano Elicona(Open Maps)
Montalbano Elicona, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, is a medieval jewel perched on a hill. The castle, mother church and cobbled streets bear witness to the glorious past of this village, once the summer residence of the Aragonese kings. Montalbano Elicona offers a unique atmosphere of history, art and traditions.
7. The Crasto Rocks(Open Maps)
The Rocche del Crasto, imposing rock formations overhanging the valley are a place of great naturalistic fascination. These vertical walls, up to 1,300 metres high, provide an ideal habitat for numerous species of birds of prey, including the golden eagle, peregrine falcon and griffon vulture. The Rocche del Crasto are a destination for experienced hikers and climbing enthusiasts.
8. The village of Novara di Sicilia(Apri Maps)
Novara di Sicilia, located on the slopes of the Nebrodi Mountains, is a village rich in history and traditions. The historical centre, characterised by noble palaces, churches and fountains, still retains the atmosphere of times gone by. Novara di Sicilia is famous for its production of artistic ceramics, a tradition that has been handed down for centuries.
9. The Catafurco Falls(Open Maps)
The 30-metre-high Catafurco waterfall is a natural spectacle of great impact. Located near Galati Mamertino, the waterfall can be reached via a path through the vegetation. The waterfall, surrounded by rocks and centuries-old trees, creates a magical and evocative atmosphere.
10. The Nebrodi Fauna Museum(Open Maps)
The Nebrodi Fauna Museum, located in Cesarò, offers an interesting overview of the biodiversity of the Nebrodi Park. Through dioramas, exhibits and information panels, the museum illustrates the life of the numerous animal species that populate the park, from large mammals to small insects. A visit to the museum is an excellent opportunity to learn more about this unique ecosystem.
11. The Path of the Patriarchs(Open Maps)
The Sentiero dei Patriarchi, located in the heart of the Nebrodi Park, is a highly suggestive hiking trail. Along the trail , some of the oldest and most majestic trees in Sicily are encountered, such as the Castagno dei Cento Cavalli and the Castagno della Nave. These green giants, silent witnesses of centuries of history, offer a unique experience in contact with nature.
12. The village of Floresta(Open Maps)
Floresta, the highest municipality in Sicily, is a small village surrounded by unspoilt nature. Surrounded by forests and pastures, Floresta offers an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, ideal for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The village is known for its cheese and salami production, delicacies to be enjoyed during a restorative stop.
13. The Cave of San Teodoro(Open Maps)
The Grotta di San Teodoro, located near Acquedolci, is an archaeological site of great importance. This cave, inhabited since the Palaeolithic period, preserves traces of human settlements dating back to different eras. Finds discovered in the cave, including stone tools and animal bones, testify to the presence of man in this area from very remote times.
14. The village of San Marco d’Alunzio(Apri Maps)
San Marco d’Alunzio, perched on a hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast, is a village rich in history and culture. Founded by the Greeks in the 4th century B.C., the village still preserves important testimonies of its past, such as the Greek-Roman theatre, the Norman castle and the medieval cathedral. San Marco d’Alunzio offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and the Aeolian Islands.
15. The Springs Trail(Open Maps)
The Sentiero delle Sorgenti, located near Mistretta, is a hiking trail that winds through woods, meadows and watercourses. Along the trail you will come across numerous natural springs, which feed streams and waterfalls of great beauty. The Sentiero delle Sorgenti is an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the uncontaminated nature of the Nebrodi and discover the wealth of its water resources.
The Nebrodi are a land full of surprises, where unspoilt nature blends with history and traditions. In addition to the best-known tourist destinations, there are numerous hidden places that deserve to be discovered . We hope this article has inspired you to explore the Nebrodi in a different way, in search of authentic emotions and unforgettable landscapes.