The small lake cluster of the Nebrodi
The Campanito Lakes are small natural water mirrors situated at about 1000 metres above sea level, in the Sambughetti-Campanito Nature Reserve. The reserve covers the mountain area above Nicosia and is part of the Nebrodi Park protected system.
The reserve and its wildlife
The lake area is a protected habitat for:
- amphibians (common toad, green frog, spectacled salamander);
- seasonal water birds;
- riparian flora of botanical interest, surveyed by the University of Palermo.
Access is regulated under the Oriented Nature Reserve rules: no camping, no open fires, no flora collection.
Access trekking
The lakes are reachable via CAI Sicilia trails from the SS117 road above Nicosia. The most-walked path is the 24 Barons Trail section that crosses the reserve, with moderate elevation and a walking time of about 1-2 hours from the trailhead.
To visit
- Recommended season: late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October), when water is abundant and the natural environment is most pleasant.
- Gear: hiking boots, water, map or GPX traces.
- Recommended CAI guide: the trails are well marked but a CAI guide enriches the naturalistic reading.
See together
- The Monte Altesina — adjacent oriented reserve, panoramic peak.
- The Nebrodi Park — protected-area system the lakes belong to.
- The 24 Barons Trail experience — three-day trek crossing the area.