The peak of the reserve
Monte Sambughetti (1,559 m a.s.l.) is the highest summit of the Sambughetti-Campanito Nature Reserve, the protected area covering the mountain side above Nicosia. Together with Monte Altesina it forms the system of Nicosia’s two panoramic peaks: Altesina looks east toward Mount Etna, Sambughetti closes the western side toward the Madonie.
The beech forest
On Sambughetti grows one of the southernmost beech forests in Europe, a glacial relict of major botanical value. The beech zone develops from about 1,350-1,400 metres up to the summit elevations and hosts an understory flora of scientific interest, surveyed by the University of Palermo.
Above the forest, on the ridge, high meadows open up with spring blooms (wild orchids, asphodels) and rocky outcrops where raptors nest.
Wildlife
The area is habitat for:
- diurnal raptors (buzzard, kestrel, rarely the golden eagle);
- forest mammals: pine marten, porcupine, wildcat;
- amphibians and the Sicilian pond turtle of the high-altitude wetlands (see Campanito Lakes).
Trails
The classic ascent to Sambughetti starts on the SS117 north, at the junction for the reserve, and follows the marked CAI Sicilia trails. The path is of moderate difficulty, with an elevation gain of about 400 m and a walking time of 2-3 hours up.
The trail crosses the beech forest and reaches the summit ridge with a 360° panorama: Nebrodi to the east, Madonie to the west, Etna to the south-east, Mount Cammarata to the south.
To visit
- Best season: May-June and September-October.
- Gear: hiking boots, layered clothing, water, CAI map or GPX traces.
- CAI guide: strongly recommended, especially in shoulder season or on foggy days.
- Winter: the summit is often snow-covered; not recommended without experience and proper gear.
See together
- The Campanito Lakes — water mirrors of the same reserve.
- The Nebrodi Park — the great regional park to the east, beyond Cerami: the reserve is an autonomous protected area.
- The Monte Altesina — Nicosia’s other panoramic peak, on the opposite side of the territory.
Where it is
Sambughetti-Campanito Reserve, Nicosia (Enna)