Petri Petri
Excursions on Monti Iblei.

It is a valley full of water and greenery, with striking landscapes. Along the way, among the paths, you will come across an ancient hermitage, the Hermitage of Santa Maria della Misericordia. The remains of ancient mills testify to the laborious work of man in the past. In the warm season you can cool off in the Ciaramite stream.

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended: trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight.

A wild and full of greenery valley will lead you to discover ancient historical sites, prehistoric graves, a rock castle from the Arab-Norman era, and a large number of rock dwellings carved into the rock. During the walk, you will learn about the many stories and legends of the past: the Sorceress Saraghina, the Cieconato who was born blind from Spaccaforno. And if you are really lucky, you may even encounter unicorns.

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended: trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight.

Monte Alveria is a heart-shaped highland where the ancient city of Netum once stood. From here, you descend along ancient mule tracks into the valley where the Asinaro River flows, surrounded by wild nature. The path through the gorge follows old trails, passing by mills and tanneries from the Arab era, leading to a beautiful natural pond where you can cool off or take a refreshing dip.

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended: trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight.

La Riserva di Cava Grande è una vallata suggestiva dove scorre il fiume Cassibile, che nei millenni ha scavato profonde gole, creando cascate e laghetti. Attualmente l’unico sentiero agibile e percorribile è il circuito ad anello di Carrubella, che conduce a un meraviglioso “urvu” un laghetto dall’acqua cristallina, dove nella bella stagione è possibile fare un bagno rigenerante.

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended: trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight, swimsuit, towel.

This natural reserve lies along the most stunning stretch of the Iblean coast. The trail is an easy hike that winds through Mediterranean vegetation along a coastal path atop the cliffs. You walk among agaves and dwarf palms, starting from Cava d’Aliga to Sampieri, eventually reaching the ruins of the ancient brick factory at Penna in Punta Pisciotto. During the warmer months, you can take a break for a swim in the sandy bay known as “La Spiaggetta.”

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended:trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight, swimsuit, towel.

An unusual route, up and down forgotten paths, to rediscover hidden corners and landscapes from the three hills surrounding the town center: San Matteo Hill, Rosario Hill, and Croce Hill. Walking through narrow streets, paths, and staircases, you’ll uncover the city’s stories, festivals, and traditions. Along the way, you can combine a visit to the Convento della Croce and/or the city’s museums (Ancient Pharmacy, Palazzo Spadaro, Commissariato di Vigata) and take a sweet break to taste the typical “teste di turco” pastries.

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended: trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight.

The Pantalica Nature Reserve is located on the Anapo Valley, the most striking quarry in the Monti Iblei, declared a UNESCO heritage site for its historical, archaeological, and landscape values. Here, water has carved a wonderful valley where humans have lived since the prehistoric era. Walking through the reserve, there are various archaeological sites and the old railroad track of “Ciccio Pecora.” In the warm season, it is possible to take a refreshing swim along the Anapo River or in the Calcinara stream.

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended: trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight, swimsuit, towel.

Vendicari is a natural oasis immersed in Mediterranean vegetation, home to over 200 bird species, including flamingos, herons, and egrets. It’s also a nesting site for the Caretta caretta turtle. Along the path, you can explore the rich history of this area: from the Hellenistic-era quarries and the Byzantine Cuba, to the 15th-century Torre Sveva and the ancient tuna fishery, which operated until 1943. During the warmer months, you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the golden sandy coves.

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended: trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight, swimsuit, towel.