The great Sicilian park
The Nebrodi Park is the largest protected area of the Sicily Region, with about 86,000 hectares. It extends along the Nebrodi mountain chain, between the provinces of Messina, Catania and Enna. The south-western side of the park directly involves the territory of Nicosia and that of the partner villages — Sperlinga and Cerami.
The environment
The park hosts one of the most complex mountain ecosystems of Mediterranean Italy:
- beech forests, the southern limit of the species in Europe;
- oak groves (sessile oak, holm oak, Turkey oak);
- springs and mountain lakes (see Campanito Lakes);
- seasonal high-altitude meadows with endemic flora;
- wildlife: porcupine, pine marten, wildcat, raptors.
CAI trails
The CAI Sicilia maintains a network of marked trails that cross the Nicosian side of the park. The main one is the 24 Barons Trail, a 3- or 5-day trek between Nicosia, Sperlinga and Cerami that uses the park trails.
Certified GPX tracks are published on Komoot and kept up to date by the CAI Enna section.
Events and management
The park is managed by the Nebrodi Park Authority, with seat in Sant’Agata di Militello. For Nicosia, the relevant park events are:
- trail maintenance interventions (see News — CAI restores trails);
- the 24 Barons Trail Festival in May (see calendar event);
- the Trail Closing Feast in autumn.
To visit
- Best season: April-June and September-November.
- Gear: hiking boots, layered clothing, water, CAI map.
- CAI guide: strongly recommended, especially for less-frequented trails.
- Access: from SS117 north (Nicosia side) or SS289 (Cerami side).
See together
- Campanito Lakes — mountain lakes in the park.
- Monte Altesina — adjacent panoramic peak.
- Cerami and Sperlinga — partner villages reached through the park.