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Outdoor LeisureHiking.  The mountains of the Madonie and Nebrodi, the slopes of Etna and the Islands hide some of the best walks in the Mediterranean. The vast variety of landscapes, the flora and fauna, fascinating places and people make for some of the best rambles in Italy. A taste of the contrasts of Sicily will wet the appetite for the visitor to come again and again as the landscape unfolds. The mountains, villages and towns within the parks tell a history that is fascinating and turbulent. Golf. Currently there are two 18 hole golf courses on Sicily, 'Il Pìcciolo Golf Club' on the slopes of Mt Etna between Catania and Taormina and 'Le Madonie Golf Club' on the north coast between Palermo and Cefalù. These are set in the beautiful Sicilian countryside with fantastic views throughout the courses.  Climbing and Potholing. The mountain ranges of the island have evolved into a complex landscape ideal for the outdoor enthusiast. There are several limestone cave systems which are only accessible escorted by local speleological groups. Climbing on the peaks of the Madonie is possible with expert guides and permissions from the park authorities. Watersports.  Sailing is becoming more and more popular in Sicily, sailing from the north coast ports can be arranged through the nautical clubs and organisations. Facilities are also available on several of the islands for charter or renting of boats. Windsurfing and jet skiing is popular in most of the costal resorts but best around the Islands. Diving.  The surrounding coastlines of Sicily offer to the keen underwater enthusiast a wide variety of marine life and fascinating dive sites. There are numerous locations that are UNESCO protected and the further flung islands of the coast are some of the best in Europe. Equipment can be hired for the experienced diver, or training can be undertaken to allow novice visitors to experience the jewels of these three varied seas. The best diving is around the coastal archipelagos of Egadi, Pelagic and Aeolian Islands which have crystal clear waters and due to their volcanic nature the sea remains a little above the average temperature for Sicily. A wide variety of sites and also World War II wrecks can be explored by the more experienced. The dive schools will also hire out snorkelling equipment so you can enjoy glimpses of sea life above the water. Horse riding.  There are Agriturismo farms and riding schools from where horse and pony trekking can be arranged. How better to experience the beauty of the Madonie or Mount Etna than on horse back, give your legs a break and let the horse take the strain. 4x4 Adventures. The best way to see large areas of the sometimes undiscovered areas of Sicily is by 4x4 vehicle. Tours are available with our specialist partners touring Etna and other remote areas of the island. Cycling.  Both road and mountain biking are catered for in Sicily. Cyclists in Sicily are a hardy bunch, the terrain is not for the faint hearted with the mountainous terrain and the sometimes dubious quality of the roads but the scenery always makes up for this. The Western area of Sicily is the flatter area for the more recreational cyclist. The two major races of the year for the spectator both take place in March. These are “The Rofeo dell’Etna” (200km) around the famous volcano and “The Rofeo Pantalica” near Syracuse. (170km) Skiing.  When the snows arrive in the winter months the Sicilians lead the way to the slopes. Skiing is normally possible in the period from December through to February. There are ski resorts which are located on the Slopes of Mount Etna and in the Madonie Mountains at Piano Battaglia. The main resort is on Etna which benefits from a good 3m of snow fall. During the eruptions in 2002 most of the ski lifts were swept away but have now been rebuilt on the south side. Piano Battaglia is a small but very friendly resort with two drag lifts servicing 5 slopes. This is the place to come to avoid the crowds and has several cosy refugees and a small but excellent restaurant bar at its base. Cross country skiing is also very popular in the surrounding forests. |
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