Pantalica

Pantalica is one of my absolute favorite places in Sicily. It is a Nature Reserve and the Necropolis of Pantalica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

There are about 5.000 rock-cut chamber tombs dating from the 7th to the 13th centuries BC (late bronze age). 

Later, during the byzantine era, many of the tombs have been transformed into habitations and some into churches like San Nicolicchio and San Micidiario near the "sella di Filiporto", the former access point to the so-called byzantine village. Remains of frescoes are still visible in the churches.

There are several ways to visit Pantalica. This time we entered from entrance near the lovely village of Sortino.

Even in December there are flowers in bloom

friendly encounters

Early spring is the best time to visit Pantalica. Nature explodes in spring. There are colorful flowers everywhere and particularly in Pantalica you can find a vast variety of  wild orchids. Here are images from an earlier visit in spring (April). 

Orchis Italica - the "naked man"

the trail follows the former railway tracks

former railway station 

frescoes San Nicolicchio church

Vendicari - hike along the coast

Easy hike along the coast of the Wildlife Sanctuary of Vendicari. The shallow lakes are popular stop over for migration birds even though the pink flamingos in recent years have stayed all year long. So you can be quite sure to spot them during the winter months.

The Nature reserve also includes a "Tonnara", the ruins of a former tuna factory. One of the most important income sources in the past.

Along the hike you also pass by some beautiful beaches. The sea stays warm until late December, then it cools down. But even during the coldest months the water temperature never drops below 15°C. So you may dare a quick dip into the water...

Calamosche beach

Ruins of the "Tonnara"

Noto Antica - Cava Carosello - Fiume Asinaro

Noto Antica is the original location of the town until it was destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1693. The city was finally abandoned and rebuilt about 14 km further down the hill, closer to the coast. You can see the ruins of the old churches, remains of the tower with the annexed prison (with graffiti from the prisoners), sanctuaries of the Greek period, tanneries of the Arab period and tombs of the late bronze age. There is an ancient trail that leads from the city down to the river Asinaro where you can see the caves used as tanneries. 

Impressive walls of the fortified city - Porta Montagna (mountain gate)

Cava Carosello

ancient trail from the city to the valley of the river Asinaro

Tombs of the late bronze age later transformed into housings and stables

Caves that have been used as tanneries during the Arab period

Tanneries of the Arab period

to the old mill and tanneries

Friendly company on our way back up

Winter hikes in Sicily

Winter in Sicily can be really mild. Sure, you can catch a week of pouring rain and the days are shorter. But most of the time weather is just wonderful, the sky is clear and the visibility is just incredible. You can see Mt. Etna from Siracusa and sometimes even Calabria on the mainland. So perfect weather to explore!

This winter I want to make the best of my free time, spend as much time outdoors as possible before the season starts and takes over the control of my time.

Here are some photographs of the hikes I did so far in the last weeks.

Plemmirio - Ortigia - Mt. Etna

Climiti mountains

Climiti mountains

Climiti mountains

My favourite rides 2019 - part 2

Cycling in my backyard

Over the summer it can get seriously hot in Sicily, so if you want to cycle you should get up early. You can cycle during the day, there is always a little breeze and with enough water the heat is manageable, but it is far more pleasant in the fresh air of the morning. So I set my alarm clock for 5.30 AM to be out on my bike not later than 6 AM.

Once you are out of town, the hinterland of Siracusa offers some truly great rides with nice climbs and fast descents. And there is almost no traffic. Quite likely, on a Sunday morning, you will meet more cyclists than cars!

Can you spot Mt. Etna? 

Fusco climb to Sortino

Anapo River

my vintage bike (don't worry, not one of the rentals)

Winter in Sicily - part two

When all Europe is still covered in snow and ice, in Sicily it is already spring. Now is the time to harvest the last oranges.