Parco dei Nebrodi

The Parco dei Nebrodi is a regional nature reserve in northern Sicily that stretches roughly 70 kilometers along the Tyrrhenian coast and connects the Madonie and Peloritani mountain ranges. The landscape consists of dense beech forests, open meadows, and rocky summits that give the area a changing profile.

The name Nebrodi comes from the Greek word Nebros, meaning fawn, which refers to the once numerous deer in these mountains. During the 19th century, many of these wild animals disappeared from the area due to increased hunting and land use.

The towns within the protected area still use ingredients such as mushrooms and wild herbs from the surrounding forests for their local cooking. These traditions connect residents to the woodland and shape the culinary identity of the region in daily life.

The town of San Fratello makes a good base for visiting different parts of the nature reserve and reaching several hiking trails. The woodland paths require sturdy footwear and some stamina, as the terrain rises in places and the trails are not always paved.

Within the protected area lies the Tassita Forest, a roughly 50-hectare zone with old yew trees that have become rare in southern Europe. This part of the woodland is also home to badgers, which retreat into dens among the tree roots and are rarely seen.

Location: Metropolitan City of Catania

Location: Metropolitan City of Messina

Location: Province of Enna

Inception: 1993

Operator: Ente Parco dei Nebrodi

Website: http://parcodeinebrodi.it

GPS coordinates: 37.93000,14.61900

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28