Parco delle Cave, a small Arizona in Sicily

Parco delle Cave is a small hidden gem south of Marsala on the road towards Mazara del Vallo. A small sign on the road indicates the entrance to this Park carved out of the ochre-coloured tuff stone that extends for 3 hectares into the cavity of the earth at a depth of 30 metres. The unceasing extraction and processing of the tuff stone has created this unique gem in Italy. The comparison with the canyons of Arizona is the one most suited to describing this scenic place which will magically appear before your eyes as soon as you enter the Park. Most of the quarry is no longer used, and the owners have established a park open to guided tours. You will walk among canyons and high walls of tuff stone whose slopes are home to numerous species endemic to the area including thyme, agave, dwarf palm trees, asparagus and flowers, wild botanical species. The visits last about 1 hour and 30 minutes and horse-riding and barbecues are possible in the corresponding picnic area.