Between woods, lakes, and legends: a day on the Nebrodi with Anna and Giuseppe

Sicily, a land of sun and sea, can surprise with landscapes that evoke something completely different: dense forests, silent lakes, and mountains covered in green. It is in this atmosphere that today we accompany Anna and Giuseppe, the young couple traveling from Trentino, to discover the Parco dei Nebrodi,

the green lung of the island and one of the most authentic and least-beaten places by mass tourism.

A journey into the heart of nature

We leave early in the morning from Taormina. The air is still fresh and the sun begins to gently warm the slopes of Etna behind us. Giuseppe, with a curious smile, watches the landscape change as we move away from the coast.

"It feels like returning home," he says, looking at the hills covered with pines. "It reminds me of the Dolomites... but with a different soul."

Anna adds: "But here the scent is different. There's something wild in the air."

Our vehicle moves agilely through the curves of the SS116, while we tell them that the Nebrodi represent the largest natural park in Sicily, established in 1993 and extending between the provinces of Messina, Catania, and Enna. Also known as "the Sicilian Apennines," it is an area that preserves the island's richest biodiversity.

Between lakes and legends: Lake Maulazzo and Biviere

First stop: Lake Maulazzo, at almost 1400 meters above sea level. An artificial basin immersed in a centuries-old beech forest, the perfect place to start the walk. Anna gets out first and walks the path that runs along the water.

"I didn't expect so much coolness in Sicily at the end of summer!" she exclaims in surprise.

As we walk, we tell them the legend that these waters are inhabited by benevolent spirits, the "geni dei boschi" (forest spirits), who protect lonely travelers and show them the way with whispers in the wind.

Giuseppe smiles: "I hope they accompany us today too!"

We then continue towards the Lake Biviere di Cesarò, one of the most important wetlands for migratory avifauna. With binoculars, we observe herons and white storks landing on the shores.

"You know," we say, "the name 'Biviere' comes from Arabic and means 'place of water collection.' The Arab presence is still very visible today in the place names of many areas of the Nebrodi."

Along the shepherds' paths

We get back in the car to reach Montalbano Elicona, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, which dominates the valley from its medieval castle. Along the way, we cross expanses of pastures where free-range Nebrodi black pigs graze, a native breed raised in the wild.

Anna gets curious: "They are beautiful! And they seem happy."

We explain that these pigs are a fundamental part of the local economy, from which high-quality cured meats are obtained, such as coppa, guanciale, and the famous Nebrodi raw ham.

In Montalbano, we take a break in a small trattoria to savor typical products. Giuseppe tries maccheroni with black pork sauce, while Anna is tempted by a plate of Nebrodi cheeses, including aged Maiorchino.

A mountain of stories

After lunch, we visit the Castle of Federico II, a symbol of Montalbano Elicona. We explain that the Swabian sovereign loved to retreat to these places for hunting and contemplation. From here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding valleys, all the way to the Aeolian Islands on the clearest days.

"Did Federico II really come all the way here?" Anna asks.

"Yes," we reply. "And it is said that it was right here that he wrote some of his deepest reflections on knowledge and nature."

Last stop: the Megaliths of Argimusco

We cannot leave the area without a visit to the Piano dell'Argimusco, also known as the "Stonehenge of Sicily." Here, among rocks shaped by wind and time, surprising figures emerge: an eagle, a priest in prayer, a female figure looking at the sky.

"They look like they were sculpted by a giant artist!" Giuseppe exclaims.

We explain that, according to some scholars, this place was an astronomical and sacred site already in prehistoric times. The sunsets here are full of magic, and even today we stop to watch the sun set behind the profiles of the rocks.

Anna, moved, holds Giuseppe tight: "It's one of the most evocative places I've ever seen."

The return and the promise to come back

On the way back, the silence is broken only by a few jokes and the music that accompanies the journey. Anna and Giuseppe are relaxed, fascinated, and grateful.

"I didn't think I would find mountains like this in Sicily," he says.

"And instead... Sicily is much more than you can imagine," we reply.

With our car with driver service, even hidden places like the Nebrodi become easily accessible, without stress, without worries.

A day of nature, history, flavors, and legends that will remain in the hearts of Anna and Giuseppe for a long time. And, perhaps, in yours too.