Page 227 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sicily

SPECIALIST HOLID A Y S AND OUTDOOR A C TIVITIES  225

Diving
The sea beds around Sicily
are the delight and joy of
scuba- and free-divers, who
head for the offshore islands –
especially the Aeolians (see
pp192–5), which are of volcanic
origin. The island of Ustica
(see p113) has a marvellous
marine reserve, making it an
ideal spot for underwater
sports. Agencies here include
Alta Marea, which offers diving
courses for all levels of
experience, and Barracuda.
Almost in Tunisian waters,
the Pelagie islands of The rugged coastline in the Riserva dello Zingaro, ideal for hiking
Pantelleria (see p128) and
Lampedusa (see p129) offer (see p161) and Cava d’Ispica These impressive rock form-
superb diving in brilliantly (see p153) in the Monti Iblei ations are accessible on clear
clear waters. As well as fish, (Hyblaei Hills). The protected paths. Other interesting areas
you may spot some historical park area around Mount Etna for walkers include Piana degli
artifacts such as Roman (see pp174–7) offers marvel- Albanesi (see p100) and the
amphorae from an ancient lous opportunities for high- divine coastline of the Riserva
shipwreck on the sea bed. altitude trips among the lava dello Zingaro (see p101).
Divex Centro Subacqueo has fields and grottoes. Qualified Several islands have unusual
a particularly good range of leaders from Etna Guides walking opportunities, such as
diving trips from Pantelleria. escort thrilling climbs to the the Aeolians (see pp192–5), with
Generally speaking, most smoking summit craters. To ascents of volcanoes, both
seaside resorts offer at least the east is the Alcantara river extinct and active, on Stromboli
basic diving facilities, including valley (see p185), which offers (where a guide is essential),
refills of your oxygen cylinder. easy routes through old Vulcano, Salina and Lipari.
The resort of Terrasini, on the settlements and a fascinating Magma Trek’s tour leaders are
coast west of Palermo, offers basalt ravine gouged out by particularly knowledgeable
both instructors and facilities. the impetuous watercourse. about the science and history
If you are planning to dive The rugged Madonie of Stromboli’s active volcano.
independently, always make mountains and park feature In both the interior and
sure that someone knows of spectacular panoramas, marked main cities of Sicily, visitors
your whereabouts and plans. paths and rare vegetation can find a number of sports
The Italian website Dive Italy in the Vallone Madonna degli associations and guesthouses
has useful information and a Angeli, near Piano Battaglia offering trekking holidays
number of operators, such as (see p98) and the Pizzo and excursions. Club Alpino
The Sicilian Experience, can Carbonara summit. Italiano also organizes
organize diving holidays. Highlights of the vast, rolling excursions on a regular basis,
Nebrodi mountain as does Explore Worldwide.
chain (see p190),
another protected
area, include the
Biviere di Cesarò, a
pretty lake and
important staging
point for migratory
birds. Parco
Crystal-clear waters surrounding the Regionale dei Monti
Aeolian Islands Nebrodi provides
extensive and helpful
information about
Walking and Trekking
the area. Close by,
There is an impressive range of and towering over
rewarding walking itineraries all the village of Alcara
over Sicily. The choice includes Li Fusi, is the
hills, mountains, coastal districts dramatic Rocche di
and fantastic limestone gorges Crasto, home to The awesome ravine gouged out of the basalt rock by the
such as the ones at Pantalica the griffon vulture. course of the Alcantara river

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