The two parks were created in correspondence with the mountain ranges of the Nebrodi and the Madonie, a continuation of the Appennino Calabrese both geologically and from a naturalistic point of view. The landscape is marked by gentle slopes that become harsh where limestone is predominant, especially in the areas of S. Fratello and Rocche del Crasto (Nebrodi) and on the northern face of the Madonie, with Pizzo Carbonara, the highest peak, and Serre di Quecella, called the Sicilian Alps.
Nebrodi Park
The park, established in 1995, is a vast protected area (85,687 hectares), the largest in Sicily. In the various towns contained in the park (more than 24 municipalities), there are many information offices that can furnish information on excursions, geography and geology of the park. For a complete list of the information centers visit www.parcodeinebrodi.it. You can find treks of various difficulties and a great variation of scenery, from easy walks along the sea side to more demanding mountain climbs. In the town of Cesarò, Palazzo Zito, a newly restored villa, is the headquarters of the Ente Parco dei Nebrodi and contains an interesting museum, the Museo della Conoscenza delle Tradizioni dei Nebrodi, open daily, Monday through Saturday, from 9-13 and from 15.30 to 19.30, and on Sundays from 9-13 and from 16-19.30 (info and reservations +39 095 7732061, ticket 3€). Also interesting is the Museo della Fauna in Mistretta, which contains many fossils, mounted animals and information on the local fauna (for info +39 0921 381475).
Madonie Park
The park (39,679 hectares) was founded in 1989 and includes 15 municipalities of the Palermo area. It was born around the mountain range of the Madonie and is enclosed by two rivers, the Imera and the Pollina. In 2015 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Park. Flora is the protagonist of the Park. This botanical paradise welcomes over half of the 2,600 species present in Sicily and its peaks are as tall as 1,978 meters. From several spots it is possible to see magnificent views such as Etna, the Nebrodi, and the Aeolian Islands. For info contact the Ente Parco in Petralia Sottana, corso Paolo Alliata, 16, +39 0921 680478, or their office in Isnello +39 0921 662795.
