Nature tourism
Caltanissetta

Nature reserve of Monte Conca, Campofranco: it is inserted in a landscape of exceptional beauty and naturalistic value for the flora and fauna that lives within it, the reserve concerns the territory of the municipality of Campofranco. It was established in 1995 by the Sicilian Region in order to safeguard a territory, 245 hectares wide, in which both superficial karst phenomena of considerable scientific interest fall, and two important caves both crossed by an underground stream: the Risorgenza and the Inghiottitoio. Located at the crossroads of important fluvial and terrestrial routes, the territory of the reserve has always been of considerable strategic importance as evidenced by numerous historical, archaeological and anthropic emergencies such as villages with huts and tombs dating back to Neolithic times, also present medieval forts. Today the reserve has been entrusted in management to the Italian Alpine Club that organizes visits and speleological walks inside it.
Biviere Nature Reserve, Gela: it has been a nature reserve since 1997. In the 16th century it was a marshy area, transformed during the following century into a freshwater pond (drawing from the Dirillo river). The Biviere lake is a few kilometers from the sea and was used for several years as a salt. Later it was used as a fishing area, so much so that a small house was built as a shelter for the fishermen who went there, as well as a small chapel. The landscape, although it has been repeatedly subjected to the work of man, preserves many stretches of unspoiled nature, with thick reeds and lake plants. In spring you can witness the wonderful flowering of the Orchid Ophrys Oxyrrhynchos, a very rare wild species. Also noteworthy is the dense vegetation of the white broom and the Leopoldia Gussonei hyacinth, a very rare species of hyacinth found only in the Sicilian territory.
The Streets Walk, Gela: in the Piana di Gela it nests one of the largest white stork colonies in Italy. The walk is very impressive because it allows you to observe the nests and behaviors of this elegant bird, in addition to the cereal and vegetable species present in the area. All in a wonderful atmosphere offered by the sun at sunset.
The Maroglio Valley, Gela: it is a route that includes an itinerary in the middle of nature and the canyon naturally carved into the rock by the Maroglio river. In the valley many species of birds nest, and many areas are used for the cultivation of violet artichoke.
The integral nature reserve Lago Sfondato, Caltanissetta: is a protected natural area of Sicily that is located near Marianopoli, established in 1997 by the Sicilian Region. The area is home to numerous species of wild orchids, among which we mention Anacamptis pyramidalis, Ophrys tenthredinifera, Ophrys sphegodes subsp. panormitana and the endemic Ophrys fusca subsp. obaesa. Among the mammals we should mention the wild rabbit, the hare, the fox and the porcupine. The avifauna is represented by birds both diurnal diurnal like the Kestrel and the Poiana, and nocturnal as the Barbagianni and the Civetta. The lake also attracts numerous species of water birds such as the river nightingale, the little grebe, the coot, the moorhen, and the Beccamoschino; during the migration period it is also possible to observe specimens of Gray Heron. Also present: the green frog and the collared snake; dragonflies and butterflies among which the endemic Cupido minimum trinacriae. In the area of Marianopoli we also point out the Miracle Cave at the foot of Castel Belice which according to legend, hosted the shepherd who obtained the miracle of the sculpted Christ.
Sughereta Nature Reserve, Niscemi: was established in 1997 in order to protect the Sughereta, as a natural specimen and testimony of the past. Formerly the cork oaks were found in all the Sicilian districts and constituted a fundamental part of the island’s economy. The Sughereta di Niscemi is an ancient cork forest, an evergreen oak that grows in hot and dry climatic conditions. This tree can touch up to 15 meters and live over 100 years. From its bark, cork is obtained through an ancient process. In this ancient cork oak, lives the Gruccione a very colorful migratory bird that in the past years has also risked extinction. For birdwatchers, there is the presence of Silvidae, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Upupa, Poiane and Gheppi.
Coral reliefs of Portella del Morto, Resuttano: these are calcareous remains of coral called Bioherma of Portella del Morto, a marine rock formed by corals in not very deep waters. It is a fossil cliff of the Miocene Superiore with a yellowish color on the surface and deep gray-blue.
Park of Mustigarufi, San Cataldo: offers a fascinating journey from a landscape and naturalistic point of view. This is a protected forest area, mainly consisting of eucalyptus, equipped with wooden benches and tables for refreshment. Along the way you can see the remains of the houses occupied by the peasants before moving to the city and an old white stone farmhouse with, in its time, a well and a chapel built as a place of worship for local farmers.
Area of the Gabbara Forest, San Cataldo: protected by the WWF, is a natural park full of vegetation and tall trees, used by citizens for trips outside the city. There is also a shelter, embellished on the outside with stone sculptures. Characteristic of the park is undoubtedly the brackish area where surface formations of steam and rock salt surface. Alongside the Salito river flows; in summer it is possible to notice the formation of salt conglomerates.
Antiche Solfare Adventure Park, San Cataldo: a park full of games and acrobatic routes, suitable for the whole family, set within a beautiful natural scenery. There are also many educational courses and workshops for children, such as the discovery of minerals and sulfur. Inside you can take advantage of an area equipped with benches and tables for lunch.
Contrada Scaleri Geological Nature Reserve, Santa Caterina Villarmosa: a beautiful protected nature area, where you can see karstic formations and calcareous tuffs. Typical of the Mediterranean scrub vegetation is the presence of the rare Anacamptys Pyramidalis orchid.
Urban Park, Serradifalco: is the large green area of the city, from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Soprano lake. Inside, a rich vegetation and centuries-old shrubs of almonds and olive trees.
Cozzo pirtusiddu, Villalba: it is a very suggestive naturalistic area that extends on a hill about 900 meters above sea level. The place offers a breathtaking view, you can see in the distance Resuttano, Alimena, Valledolmo, Vallelunga, Lercara, Castronovo, Cammarata, San Giovanni Gemini, Aragon, Naro, Sutera and the Manfredonico castle, Marianopoli and Serradifalco. Sometimes it is even possible to distinguish the imposing silhouette of Mount Etna. It is a destination for excursions and nature walks, allowing a total immersion in the magic of nature. There are foxes, rabbits and hares, as well as various species of birds. In this area a particular megalithic site was also observed.