Sicily offers the visitor incredibly varied and beautiful countryside, which reflects the changing seasons. In the northeast, the volcano Etna thunders majestically in the landscape, its slopes partially covered by vegetation and surrounded by fertile valleys. Vineyards are also found on its slopes in many places.
The southeast corner of the island has been blessed with the beautiful Monte Iblei mountain, which is covered in woodland. The countryside is also characterised by rolling hills with lovely vineyards, olive groves, almond and lemon trees and the characteristic carob tree. Along the coast towards the west are the long wide sandy beaches whose crystal clear waters invite you to take a refreshing dip on a mild spring day or a warm summer day.
The island's north coast lives in the shadow of the Monti Nebrodi mountains, which reach impressive heights close to 2000 metres. The mountains have forest areas relieved by meadows, lakes and small villages. In the area behind the interesting town of
Cefalù you find the so-called Madonie mountains which are also partially covered with forests and which have several charming and interesting towns such as Petralia Sottana and Petrali Soprana, Collesana and Gangi.
In the hills behind
Palermo you can find various areas of land cultivated for vineyards, and fruit and vegetable growing. The Ficuzza forest is an impressive sight and there are many fascinating stalactite caves and atmospheric towns here.
Towards the west the landscape becomes flatter but still has rolling hills relieved by rugged rock formations. The countryside appears slightly drier here in west
Sicily but there are also many green oases with cultivated areas and inviting olive groves. West of
Palermo you find the nature reserve Lo Zingaro, which stretches out to the coast and whose steep cliffs have large and interesting caves. The sea in the Nature Reserve is crystal clear and there are several small and peaceful lagoons.
The south coast has exciting and often remote coastal stretches. The landscape has fewer height variations than in other parts of
Sicily. The hinterland is dominated by citrus and almond trees and some olive groves in certain places.
The central part of
Sicily reaches great heights in places and can appear a harsh environment. Here the landscape consists of endless wheat fields and there can be a good distance between the green areas dependant on where you are.
