Riserva naturale Fiume Fiumefreddo, Regional nature reserve in Calatabiano and Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, Italy.
Riserva naturale Fiume Fiumefreddo is a regional nature reserve straddling the towns of Calatabiano and Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, fed by two natural springs. The river maintains cool water year-round, creating habitat for specialized plant and animal species adapted to these conditions.
The area once consisted of extensive wetlands until mid-20th century land reclamation projects drained most of them. Today this protected zone represents one of the last remaining natural wetland habitats from that period.
The reserve hosts Mediterranean plant life that has become increasingly rare in this region and supports local farming practices. Visitors can observe how this vegetation shapes the landscape and its role in sustaining the area's ecological balance.
The reserve is accessible via State Road SS 114 between Messina and Catania or Highway A18. A visitor center offers guided tours, and the best way to explore is to join an organized tour with a local guide.
The reserve is home to a rare type of Sicilian papyrus plant that grows only near the natural springs. This species was once widespread throughout Mediterranean regions but now survives only in a handful of locations.
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