Petri Petri
Excursions on Monti Iblei.

It is a valley full of water and greenery, with striking landscapes. Along the way, among the paths, you will come across an ancient hermitage, the Hermitage of Santa Maria della Misericordia. The remains of ancient mills testify to the laborious work of man in the past. In the warm season you can cool off in the Ciaramite stream.

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended: trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight.

A wild and full of greenery valley will lead you to discover ancient historical sites, prehistoric graves, a rock castle from the Arab-Norman era, and a large number of rock dwellings carved into the rock. During the walk, you will learn about the many stories and legends of the past: the Sorceress Saraghina, the Cieconato who was born blind from Spaccaforno. And if you are really lucky, you may even encounter unicorns.

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended: trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight.

Monte Alveria is a heart-shaped highland where the ancient city of Netum once stood. From here, you descend along ancient mule tracks into the valley where the Asinaro River flows, surrounded by wild nature. The path through the gorge follows old trails, passing by mills and tanneries from the Arab era, leading to a beautiful natural pond where you can cool off or take a refreshing dip.

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended: trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight.

The Cava Grande Reserve is a stunning valley where the Cassibile River flows, carving deep gorges over millennia and creating falls and ponds with crystal clear water. Walking through the trails of the reserve, you can reach charming and lovely spots with stunning views. In the warmer months, you can enjoy a revitalizing swim in the natural pools along the river.

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended: trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight, swimsuit, towel.

This natural reserve lies along the most stunning stretch of the Iblean coast. The trail is an easy hike that winds through Mediterranean vegetation along a coastal path atop the cliffs. You walk among agaves and dwarf palms, starting from Cava d’Aliga to Sampieri, eventually reaching the ruins of the ancient brick factory at Penna in Punta Pisciotto. During the warmer months, you can take a break for a swim in the sandy bay known as “La Spiaggetta.”

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended:trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight, swimsuit, towel.

A naturalistic route, connecting the two Ragusas, Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla, up and down ancient steps and forgotten paths. From the historic center you can easily reach the valleys surrounding the city, Cava Santa Domenica, with a path under the 3 bridges of Ragusa Superiore, and Cava San Leonardo, a valley under Ragusa Ibla with ancient mills and an old cotton factory. Along the way you can make some tasty stops to try the famous Ragusan “scaccia” or the typical “cassatella” with ricotta cheese.

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended: trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight.

A secluded route, up and down alleys, stairs, and hidden paths, to rediscover corners and glimpses from the hills surrounding the town: Pizzo, Idria, Giganta, Monserrato. From above, Modica appears just like a split pomegranate – where the two streams, Pozzo dei Pruni and Janni Mauro, now dry and covered, join, transformed into the current Corso Umberto I. Along the way, you can make some sweet stop to taste the typical Modica chocolate or the various traditional biscuits and sweets.

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended: trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight.

An unusual route, up and down forgotten paths, to rediscover hidden corners and landscapes from the three hills surrounding the town center: San Matteo Hill, Rosario Hill, and Croce Hill. Walking through narrow streets, paths, and staircases, you’ll uncover the city’s stories, festivals, and traditions. Along the way, you can combine a visit to the Convento della Croce and/or the city’s museums (Ancient Pharmacy, Palazzo Spadaro, Commissariato di Vigata) and take a sweet break to taste the typical “teste di turco” pastries.

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended: trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight.

The Pantalica Nature Reserve is located on the Anapo Valley, the most striking quarry in the Monti Iblei, declared a UNESCO heritage site for its historical, archaeological, and landscape values. Here, water has carved a wonderful valley where humans have lived since the prehistoric era. Walking through the reserve, there are various archaeological sites and the old railroad track of “Ciccio Pecora.” In the warm season, it is possible to take a refreshing swim along the Anapo River or in the Calcinara stream.

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended: trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight, swimsuit, towel.

Vendicari is a natural oasis immersed in Mediterranean vegetation, home to over 200 bird species, including flamingos, herons, and egrets. It’s also a nesting site for the Caretta caretta turtle. Along the path, you can explore the rich history of this area: from the Hellenistic-era quarries and the Byzantine Cuba, to the 15th-century Torre Sveva and the ancient tuna fishery, which operated until 1943. During the warmer months, you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the golden sandy coves.

What you need:
Hiking shoes, day pack, comfortable layered clothing suitable for the climate, weather-proof and windproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch box, water (min. 1.5 liters).
Recommended: trekking poles, binoculars, flashlight, swimsuit, towel.