Hitsicily Newsroom

Tips, ideas and travel itineraries in Sicily

In contact with nature: the Natural Reserve of the mouth of the river Platani.


26 May 2023 - Categorie: Sea, beaches, coasts and islands, Boat holidays, The places of the heart Tags: Trip to Sicily, Tourism in Sicily, Itineraries in Sicily, Nature in Sicily, Sea in Sicily, Beaches of Sicily, The best destinations in Sicily, Western Sicily, Beauties of Sicily, Places to visit in Sicily, 10 places not to be missed in Sicily, 10 things to see absolutely in Sicily, Sicilian coasts, Sandy beaches Sicily, Visit Sicily

Lao Tzu wrote: "If you search everywhere, yet cannot find what you’re seeking, it is because what you seek is already in your possession". In the perspective of a society where everything is just a click away, where technology and virtual realities have taken ample space in many aspects of our daily lives, in the frenzy of the working routine, sometimes we forget to take a minute's break to appreciate what surrounds us and which has an emotional value for ourselves: nature, one of the few entities that can give us back that wonderful, almost cathartic balance between spirit and body.
And it is not only philosophers who remind us of this balance but also the great minds of science such as Albert Einstein: "not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that’s counted truly counts".

And what is the best time to rediscover yourself and give yourself some time to appreciate a renewed balance with nature? But of course on vacation! And today we want to offer you one of the most splendid locations in south-western Sicily, an undisputed destination for international tourism for decades and which you cannot fail to consider as a stop on your itinerary to discover our beloved island: the Nature Reserve of the mouth of the Platani river , between the municipalities of Ribera and Cattolica Eraclea.

The Nature Reserve, as the name already suggests, includes the mouth of the Platani river and features low dunes, spontaneous shrub species and conspicuous Mediterranean vegetation characterised by the presence of eucalyptus, acacia and pine trees. It covers over 200 hectares and was established in 1984 to protect the varied coastal ecosystem and the many species of birds such as the grey heron, the herring gull, the purple heron and the marsh harrier. Furthermore, we can include the presence of the caretta caretta turtle, the most common in the Mediterranean Sea but also the most strongly threatened by the risk of extinction. The landscape is completed by the imposing cliff of Capo Bianco, a rock overlooking the sea, at the top of which is the acropolis of Eraclea Minoa.

The mouth of the Platani River Nature Reserve is a place of enchanting naturalistic beauty, ideal for a trip with friends, family or couples, in search of that almost primordial contact with nature, suspended between sea and sky, respecting the surrounding environment.

The unspoiled nature

Mouth of the Platani river
View from above

And to round off your holiday, why not stay in one of our splendid villas in the area? From here, every day, you can set out to discover a new place to visit, among which we mention: the wonderful Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Archaeological Park of Selinunte, Sciacca and its Thermal Baths, the salt flats of Trapani and Paceco and the numerous oases and reserves. with beaches in the area including Scala dei Turchi in Realmonte as well as the beaches of Eraclea Minoa and Contrada San Giorgio.

Recommended villas


Olivastro: Wonderful house located inside the Torre Salsa Reserve, an oasis protected by the WWF. Whether you decide to enjoy the splendid view of the valley full of olive trees from the comfortable and shady patio in front of the house or to walk a suggestive path made of vineyards and prickly pears, this is the ideal home for a beach holiday in complete relaxation and in total privacy.

Casa Moresca: In the heart of 10 hectares of Sicilian countryside dedicated to the cultivation of olives for oil, the house is located near the town of Castelvetrano and a few kilometers from the Selinunte Archaeological Park. Let yourself be lulled by the scent and sounds of the surrounding nature in its splendid infinity pool located close to an idyllic lake.

Rosmarino: Exquisite house located within a large estate planted with citrus and olive trees. Its location close to the town of Castelvetrano is an excellent starting point for visiting the wonders of Western Sicily but also an excellent destination for a holiday dedicated to relaxation and the sounds of Sicilian nature while diving into its delightful infinity pool. or you can rest comfortably in the cool of the gazebo in the garden.

La Robazza: Rich in history and a few hundred meters from a still active millstone, this delightful residence stands on a small promontory which is part of an ancient Sicilian fiefdom where exquisite extra virgin olive oil is produced. In front of the house stands its suggestive infinity pool that will give you unforgettable sunsets and an unprecedented view of the Sicilian countryside full of olive trees.

Villa Sara: Splendid modern residence with a Mediterranean taste, nestled on a sweet promontory that will give you an idyllic view of the Sicilian countryside between Menfi and Sciacca that sinuously slope down towards the sea. Ideal for a break from the hectic city life that will seem like a distant memory while during the sunset you will enjoy a sparkling happy hour on the covered patio in front of the swimming pool.

Camemi: Delightful modern villa with luxurious details, Camemi offers you an almost endless panorama with different shades that starts from the vineyards of the south-west of Sicily and ends with the turquoise of the sea. If you were looking for a place of peace and Sicilian colors and scents, this is the right home for you and perfect for any age.