Sicily offers ever-changing landscapes, from smoking craters and canyons carved by water to coastal reserves where nature remains untouched. For outdoor enthusiasts, the island is filled with opportunities, including high-altitude hikes, silent flights along the coastline and cycling routes through Baroque cities.
Some activities, in particular, offer a direct way to experience the island. Each has its own pace – sometimes contemplative, sometimes energetic – with one common thread, connecting with places that, due to their nature and history, leave a lasting impression.
Etna on foot: trekking among craters
Those dreaming of a new life on the island, perhaps considering houses for sale in Sicily Italy, often associate Sicily with a living mountain. Mount Etna, with its ever-changing scenery after each eruption, allows you to walk through a recent geography made of pumice, lava tunnels and forests climbing as high as the soil permits.
The most accessible routes start from the Piano Provenzana area and the Rifugio Sapienza. Several trails lead to lateral craters and panoramic points from which, on clear days, you can see as far as the Ionian coast. As you ascend, you’ll witness lava flows from different periods: the color of the ground shifts, rocks take on strange shapes and vegetation retreats. Higher up, the air becomes dry and cool, making a windbreaker and sturdy boots essential gear.
Some routes require the presence of certified guides. The reason is simple: At certain altitudes, volcanic activity makes the environment more fragile and the trails change over time. With a guide, you gain not only safety but also a deeper understanding of the landscape, including crater names and geological curiosities.
Kayaking and snorkeling between the Zingaro Reserve and the Faraglioni of Scopello
Between San Vito Lo Capo and Castellammare del Golfo stretches the Zingaro Reserve—a sequence of coves, cliffs and Mediterranean scrub. By kayak, the coast reveals itself at a slow rhythm, with bays like Cala Capreria, Cala Berretta and Cala dell’Uzzo.
An early morning departure allows for calmer seas, less traffic and perfect light for natural photography. Those preferring a shorter trip can focus on the area around the Faraglioni of Scopello, where the old tuna processing buildings tell of a deep-rooted maritime tradition.
Canyoning in the Alcantara Gorges
North of Mount Etna, the Alcantara River has carved a volcanic-origin canyon over time, featuring basalt walls with impressive geometric shapes. The canyoning experience, organised with specialised guides, allows you to climb parts of the stream by walking in the water, navigating small drops and passing through corridors carved into the rock.
Even beginners will find suitable options, as the more technical sections are reserved for experienced participants. The Alcantara offers the perfect alternative during the hottest hours or when you’re looking for a break from beach days and without missing out on a raw and unique natural setting.
Tandem paragliding over Taormina and the Ionian coast
With tandem paragliding, you’re securely attached to a certified pilot who manages every phase of the flight. Takeoff happens upright, with a few steps on a gentle slope – then the ground falls away and silence takes over, broken only by the sound of wind. Below, the natural terrace of Taormina and hills stretching toward the sea.
Flight windows depend on weather conditions and wind direction. Experts recommend appropriate clothing: A light sweatshirt or windproof jacket is useful even in summer, as the perceived temperature drops in the air. For those wanting a souvenir, a video recording is often available via a camera mounted on a stick, in compliance with safety standards.
Cycling through the Val di Noto
Southeastern Sicily offers cycling routes that alternate between coastal sections and inland roads. Noto, Modica, Scicli and Ragusa Ibla are Baroque gems; linking them over several stages allows you to combine art and nature at a steady pace.
To handle the climbs in the Iblei area, it’s wise to use a bike with gears, or opt for a pedal-assisted e-model. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons. You can still ride in summer by starting at dawn and taking long breaks during the hottest hours.
