Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Discover
Nature Reserves in Italy

Nature Reserves in Sicily

Discover
Nature Reserves in Italy

Nature Reserves in Sicily

Nature Reserves in Sicily

Nature Reserve Guide

Sicily is home to more than 30 nature reserves, safeguarding a wide array of the island's unique ecosystems. These protected areas span from the rugged limestone cliffs and pebbly coves of the Tyrrhenian coast to the dense mountain forests of the Madonie and Nebrodi ranges. The landscapes also include active volcanic slopes, coastal wetlands, and ancient salt pans, offering a cross-section of Mediterranean biodiversity. A network of trails provides opportunities for human-powered outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and running.

Nature Reserves in Sicily

This collection aggregates more than 2,000 routes across the nature reserves in Sicily, with over 72,000 visitors sharing experiences and contributing to an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Some of the top nature reserves in Sicily include Riserva naturale orientata dello Zingaro, Sicily's first nature reserve, which offers dozens of coastal hiking trails. The island's largest protected area, Parco dei Nebrodi, contains extensive forests with numerous routes for hiking and mountain biking. In the southeast, the Riserva naturale orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari is a crucial wetland for migratory birds with flat trails suitable for walking and cycling. Further inland, Parco delle Madonie, a UNESCO Global Geopark, features some of Sicily's highest peaks with routes for hiking, mountaineering, and road cycling. These reserves protect vital habitats while providing structured access for low-impact recreation.

2299

Routes

4.4

(10291)

Average rating

74K+

Explored with komoot

Last updated: April 23, 2026

4.4

(2057)

12,052

hikers

#1.

Parco delle Madonie

Parco delle Madonie, a nature reserve in Sicily, offers diverse landscapes for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling through mountains, forests, and unique geological formations.

Hiking

Running

Mountaineering

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.4

(1564)

10,831

hikers

#2.

Riserva naturale orientata dello Zingaro

Riserva naturale orientata dello Zingaro is a protected nature reserve on Sicily's northwestern coast, offering diverse terrain and routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging.

Hiking

Running

Mountaineering

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.4

(768)

9,011

hikers

#3.

Riserva Naturale Orientata Fiume Ciane E Saline Di Siracusa

Riserva Naturale Orientata Fiume Ciane E Saline Di Siracusa is a nature reserve near Siracusa, Sicily, offering routes for hiking and cycling through its unique papyrus wetlands and salt pans.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.4

(1243)

7,649

hikers

#4.

Riserva naturale orientata Cavagrande del Cassibile

Riserva naturale orientata Cavagrande del Cassibile is a Sicilian nature reserve with a vast canyon, freshwater pools, and diverse routes for hiking and cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.4

(594)

4,303

hikers

#5.

Riserva naturale orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari

Riserva naturale orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari is a diverse Sicilian nature reserve offering routes for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling across varied coastal and inland terrain.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.4

(230)

4,035

hikers

#6.

Riserva naturale integrale Saline di Trapani e Paceco

Riserva naturale integrale Saline di Trapani e Paceco is a Sicilian nature reserve with salt pans and wetlands, offering flat terrain ideal for cycling and hiking routes.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.1

(569)

3,868

hikers

#7.

Alcantara River Park

Alcantara River Park in Sicily features unique basaltic lava formations carved by the river, offering diverse routes for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(706)

3,359

hikers

#8.

Riserva naturale orientata Pantalica Valle dell'Anapo e Torrente Cava Grande

Riserva naturale orientata Pantalica Valle dell'Anapo e Torrente Cava Grande is a Sicilian nature reserve with deep canyons and diverse terrain, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(347)

2,353

hikers

#9.

Parco dei Nebrodi

Parco dei Nebrodi is Sicily's largest protected natural area, offering diverse terrain from sea level to mountains with dense forests, rivers, and lakes for hiking and cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(159)

1,679

hikers

#10.

Riserva Naturale Macchia Foresta Del Fiume Irminio

Riserva Naturale Macchia Foresta Del Fiume Irminio, in southeastern Sicily, offers diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and jogging routes through Mediterranean scrub, forests, and the Irminio River.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.1

(368)

1,660

hikers

#11.

Riserva Naturale Orientata Bosco Di Malabotta

Riserva Naturale Orientata Bosco Di Malabotta is a Sicilian nature reserve with an ancient forest, diverse landscapes, and numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.3

(204)

1,638

hikers

#12.

Riserva Naturale Di Randello

Riserva Naturale Di Randello is a Sicilian nature reserve with diverse terrain, including pine forests, sandy beaches, and dunes, offering routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.4

(112)

1,381

hikers

#13.

Riserva Fiumedinisi E Monte Scuderi

Riserva Fiumedinisi E Monte Scuderi is a Sicilian nature reserve offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and more across its many routes.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.0

(127)

1,349

hikers

#14.

Riserva Naturale Integrale Macalube Di Aragona

Riserva Naturale Integrale Macalube Di Aragona is a Sicilian nature reserve known for its unique mud volcanoes and diverse routes for hiking and cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.3

(140)

1,021

hikers

#15.

Parco Dei Sicani

Parco Dei Sicani is a nature reserve in central-western Sicily, offering diverse landscapes of mountains, hills, and river valleys for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.0

(101)

947

hikers

#16.

Riserva Naturale Bosco Di Alcamo

Riserva Naturale Bosco Di Alcamo is a nature reserve on Monte Bonifato, offering diverse landscapes and over 50 routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

3.9

(151)

883

hikers

#17.

Riserva Pino D'Aleppo

Riserva Pino D'Aleppo is a nature reserve in Sicily protecting the last indigenous Aleppo pine forest, offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and jogging.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(135)

866

hikers

#18.

Riserva Naturale Orientata Delle Serre Della Pizzuta

Riserva Naturale Orientata Delle Serre Della Pizzuta is a mountainous Sicilian reserve with karst formations, offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and more.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(122)

823

hikers

#19.

Riserva Naturale Orientata Torre Salsa

Riserva Naturale Orientata Torre Salsa is a Sicilian nature reserve offering diverse landscapes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking routes across hills, cliffs, and beaches.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.4

(71)

808

hikers

#20.

Riserva Naturale Orientata Foce Del Fiume Platani

Riserva Naturale Orientata Foce Del Fiume Platani is a Sicilian nature reserve offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and jogging along its river mouth, beaches, and cliffs.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

See more

Loading

Most popular routes in Sicily

Hiking in Sicily

Nature to explore in Sicily

Protected Areas in Sicily

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the nature reserves in Sicily?

Sicily has over 70 designated nature reserves, with this page aggregating routes and information for approximately 30 of them. These protected areas safeguard diverse ecosystems, from coastal wetlands and volcanic slopes to dense mountain forests. They offer a network of trails for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.

What are some notable nature reserves in Sicily?

Some of Sicily's most significant nature reserves include Parco delle Madonie, a UNESCO Global Geopark with high peaks, and Riserva naturale orientata dello Zingaro, the island's first reserve known for its coastal trails. Sicily's largest protected area is Parco dei Nebrodi, which contains extensive forests. The Riserva naturale orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari is a key coastal wetland for migratory birds.

What activities are available in Sicily's nature reserves?

The primary activities are human-powered outdoor sports. This collection includes over 2,000 routes for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. Many reserves also offer trails suitable for running and leisurely walks.

What kind of hiking trails are in the Riserva naturale orientata dello Zingaro?

The Riserva naturale orientata dello Zingaro is known for its coastal hiking. It features a main path of approximately 4.3 miles (7 km) that runs along the coast between its two entrances, offering access to several pebbly coves. There are over 40 hiking routes documented, ranging from easy walks to more challenging climbs into the hills above the sea.

What are the options for hiking in Parco delle Madonie?

Parco delle Madonie contains some of Sicily's highest peaks and offers around 60 distinct hiking routes. Trails range from gentle walks through beech forests to strenuous mountaineering ascents to peaks like Pizzo Carbonara. The park is a UNESCO Global Geopark, showcasing significant geological history alongside its natural landscapes.

Are there easy, family-friendly trails in Sicilian nature reserves?

Yes, many reserves offer trails suitable for beginners and families. The Riserva naturale orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari has flat coastal paths ideal for walking and birdwatching. Similarly, the Riserva naturale integrale Saline di Trapani e Paceco provides level walking and cycling routes around the salt pans.

What mountain biking trails are available in Parco dei Nebrodi?

Parco dei Nebrodi, Sicily's largest protected area, offers extensive terrain for mountain biking. There are numerous routes that traverse its dense forests, high-altitude pastures, and the shores of lakes like Lago Biviere. The park's vast network of trails caters to various skill levels.

Are dogs allowed in Sicily's nature reserves?

Policies regarding dogs vary by reserve and are often subject to specific regulations to protect wildlife. In many protected areas, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. It is recommended to verify the specific rules for each park, such as Lo Zingaro or Madonie, before visiting with a pet.

When is the best time of year to visit nature reserves in Sicily?

Spring and autumn are generally considered ideal for hiking and cycling in Sicily's nature reserves, offering mild temperatures and blooming landscapes or fall colors. Summers can be very hot, especially on exposed coastal trails, making early morning or late afternoon activities preferable. Some higher elevation parks, like Madonie, may have snow in winter.

Is it necessary to have a permit for hiking in Sicilian nature reserves?

For most standard hiking trails within the reserves, a special permit is not required for individuals or small groups. However, some reserves, like Lo Zingaro and Cavagrande del Cassibile, charge an entrance fee. Access to certain sensitive areas or for specific activities may be restricted or require authorization, so it is always best to check local regulations.

What kind of terrain is found in the Riserva naturale orientata Cavagrande del Cassibile?

The Riserva naturale orientata Cavagrande del Cassibile is characterized by a deep limestone canyon, one of the largest in Europe. The main features are the steep trails that descend into the gorge and the series of freshwater pools and small waterfalls formed by the Cassibile river at the bottom. The terrain is rocky and involves significant elevation change.

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating
Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy