Page 67 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

SPORTS AND OUTDOOR

ACTIVITIES

As a Mediterranean island, Sicily is well set up for water sports of all kinds, from

scuba-diving to windsurfing, while many come in the cooler months either side of
summer (April, May, September and October) for the hiking. The volcanoes of
Etna and Stromboli offer more adventurous excursions – probably the most

emblematic Sicilian outdoor activity is the climb up Stromboli to see the nightly
volcanic light show.

Watersports

The best places for snorkelling and scuba-diving are the limpid waters of the offshore
islands, principally Ustica, the Aeolians, Lampedusa and Pantelleria. Diving schools
on each of these offer day-trips and courses for beginners and experienced divers

alike. Other areas are protected as marine and natural reserves, so even at far more
touristed resorts like Mazzarò (Taormina) the water is often remarkably clear.
Windsurfing gear is available for rent at most of the major resort beaches and lidos,
and kitesurfing is increasingly popular at places like Mozia on the west coast.

Hiking

Hiking is growing in popularity, though it’s nowhere near as established as in alpine

Italy. If you’re keen to do a lot of walking in a short time, your best bet is to join a
walking holiday – several tour operators now offer this as an option and the routes
used have all been thoroughly tried and tested. The best walking areas are in the
interior, around Etna in the east, and in the mountain regions of the Monti Madonie
and Monti Nébrodi (between Etna and the Tyrrhenian coast), where a few marked
trails have been laid out, making use of existing paths.

On the whole, though, given the paucity of information and services, unsupported
hiking in interior Sicily is more for the experienced and well-equipped walker. You’d
do well to get hold of Walking in Sicily by Gillian Price, which details 42 walks
across the whole island. However, if all you’re looking for is a half-day stroll or short
hike you’re better off sticking to the coast or outlying islands. The Aeolians and
Egadis in particular offer some lovely walking, while the protected coast between

Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo (north of Trapani) has an excellent network of well-
maintained paths.

Outdoor pursuits