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The Madonie Park: the natural beauties of Western Sicily.


03 February 2023 - Categorie: The places of the heart, Nature tourism, Travel Tips Tags: Trip to Sicily, Nature in Sicily, Itineraries in Sicily, Tourism in Sicily, Western Sicily, Beauties of Sicily, Visit Sicily, 10 things to see absolutely in Sicily, 10 places not to be missed in Sicily, The best destinations in Sicily, Places to visit in Sicily

Nature is what we see: the Hill, the Afternoon, Squirrel, Eclipse, the Bumble bee. Nay, Nature is Heaven. Nature is what we hear: the Bobolink, the Sea, Thunder, the Cricket. Nay, Nature is Harmony. Nature is what we know, yet have no art to say, so impotent our wisdom is to her Simplicity.” With this poem Emily Dickinson praises nature in its simplicity and how it can be good for both the senses and the soul.

It is precisely this well-being, this moment of catharsis, that famous balance between body and soul, which is sought every year by hundreds and hundreds of international tourists who choose Sicily as their travel destination in search of peace and tranquillity. And in this regard, how not to suggest our wonderful Madonie Park as part of this itinerary?

The Park is a protected natural area established by the Sicily Region on 9 November 1989 to re-evaluate and maintain an area infinitely rich in biodiversity and extremely relevant from a geological point of view. Precisely for this last reason, it has become part of a very prestigious circuit of geoparks such as the European Geopark Network and has been considered one of the most important areas in the world. It is no coincidence that in 2015 it obtained recognition as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The richness of the Madonie Natural Park is not limited to geology. Inside, many species of plants and animals have found their habitat. Cork, olive, beech, oak, and more weasels, porcupines, fallow deer, wild boars, wild hares, blackbirds, great tits, ravens and much more. The Park and its entities also offer various educational centres of great importance such as the Gal Hassin Astronomical and Research Park where you can study the geological history of the Earth and the wonders of the cosmos. Still another in Scillato where the water cycle, groundwater and springs are studied.

Also not to be missed are the Museum of salt sculptures and the largest rock salt deposits in Europe in Petralia Soprana, the natural amphitheatre of Polizzi Generosa and the Gorges di Tiberio, a canyon formed along the course of the Pollina river.

Extending for 39,941 hectares and including 15 municipalities of the splendid metropolitan city of Palermo, the Park also offers an excellent starting point for all those travellers who, in addition to the peace and quiet immersed in nature, leave for the love of exploration with a more varied itinerary: Palermo with its famous Mondello, the Capo Gallo reserve and the Addaura coast, Monreale, the wonderful tourist village of Cefalù, Pollina, Sperlinga, Gratteri, Castelbuono and much more. And don't worry, at the end of your day you can always stay in one of our fantastic luxury villas in the area.

Recommended villas


Baia Smeraldo: The emotions that this splendid property is ready to give you are truly indescribable: from the marvelous panorama of the crystalline sea that will accompany your gaze up to the promontory of Cefalù with its incomparable gold-coloured Arab cathedral, to the luxuriant flowery garden, to the delightful private swimming pool in which to cool off in the hottest hours of the Sicilian summer. Equipped with 4 bedrooms with a modern and Mediterranean taste, the house is ideal for hosting families and groups of friends up to 7 people.


Coda di Volpe and Punta a Mare: two magnificent villas with a simple and Mediterranean taste located in the splendid tourist-seaside area of ​​Cefalù, full of trattorias and restaurants where you can enjoy excellent fish-based dishes and more. Although the residences do not offer a private swimming pool, they do have direct access to the sea: on one side, the comfortable platform between the rocks and on the other, the golden sandy beach. The properties can be rented individually or together up to a maximum occupancy of 19 guests.

Terre di Lula: There are very few words to describe Terre di Lula because this is not just a residence, it's a sensation. It is located in the heart of the Madonie Natural Park in a fantastic medieval village called Polizzi Generosa, one of the few where you can still experience the real rural Sicily. Choose this breathtaking villa to experience the colors and scents of Sicily, to experience Nature and become one with it in absolute peace and relaxation as you bathe in the stunning private infinity pool that looks like a lake flowing over the beautiful rich mountains of trees and friendly animals

Carlotta: Carlotta is a delightful residence with a simple and modern taste, equipped with all the comforts one may need on holiday. It is located in the area of ​​one of the most famous seaside resorts in Sicily: Cefalù. Apart from the proximity to this town full of restaurants and shops, the house has direct access to the sea.

Faraglioni: Elegant villa born in one of the most fascinating areas of Sicily, the Kalura in the wonderful area of ​​Cefalù. The view of the sea and the fantastic Kalura stacks that the house offers you from its wonderful garden will leave you speechless. The property is built near a small beach access to which is reserved only for the owners of the villas in the area. On the other side, there is also a small concrete platform on which to enjoy the warm Sicilian sun and from which to dive into the wonderful turquoise sea. This platform is private. With 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, the house is suitable for families or small groups of friends looking for a relaxing and peaceful beach holiday.

Casa dei Nomadi: Are you looking for a residence a few steps from the sea, with a private swimming pool and hydromassage tub for a holiday of both relaxation and fun? Go no further as Casa dei Nomadi is right up your alley. This delightful property is located between Finale di Pollina and Castel di Tuna, in north western Sicily in an exquisite bay called Baia Turchina. With 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, it is absolutely ideal for large families and groups of friends.

Calaluna: Delightful cottage born among the rocks, and partially obtained from them, of the wonderful area of ​​Cefalù called Kalura. It was born in front of the fantastic stacks of the area and is located almost on the water. Not surprisingly, you will almost feel like you are on a boat. Equipped with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, this splendid property is suitable for couples or small families who wish to enjoy a relaxing beach holiday away from the chaos of the city.

Casa dell'Acqua: Unique property of its kind, belonging to the Baron of Fatta (owner of the surrounding lands and grandfather of the current owners). The house is located a few kilometres from the highway at the Buonfornello exit, close to Cefalù and the Madonie Park so as to make it far from the bustle of the city but not too far from the sea. Ideal for groups or families of up to 9 people who want to relax and enjoy each other's company between the barbecue and the delightful private pool.

Lalli House: Located on one of the most suggestive promontories of the Sicilian coast from which to enjoy unforgettable sunsets, this delightful charming retreat is ideal for couples of friends and small families who wish to spend a beach holiday away from the chaos of the city. The small beach, which is accessed via a stone staircase, is in fact reserved only for the owners of neighbouring villas.