Waterfall Scopalacqua: a jewel in the heart of the Madonie Park.

We hear more and more often that every year hundreds of tourists, whether national or international, decide to come to our splendid Sicily to spend their holidays and escape from the monotony or frenzy of their daily routine. They wish to change scenery and enjoy our more than shining sun, our sometimes blue, sometimes crystalline sea and our exquisite food that is more accessible such as arancine, sfince, cannoli, cassata and granita, or that is more as refined as fine dining.

There are many reasons that drive such a large number of people to stay in the most beautiful places in Sicily: there are those who focus on an itinerary of the best known cities of the island such as Palermo, Siracusa, Catania, Taormina, Agrigento and Trapani; those looking for tourism (defined as "cultural") related to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and therefore concentrate, for example, on Noto, Modica, Scicli, Ragusa Ibla and Palazzolo Acreide.

Those who still go in search of a more naturalistic experience, to find that perfect balance between body and mind, and focus on places and attractions such as the Aeolian Islands, the Egadi Islands, Etna, the Nebrodi Mountains, the Madonie Park and the infinite Natural and Marine Reserves of our wonderful land including: the Torre Salsa Reserve, the Plemmirio Reserve, the Zingaro Reserve and the Stagnone Stagnone.

And in this regard, today we want to talk to you about the idyllic Scopalacqua waterfall right inside the wonderful Madonie Park mentioned above, in the territory of Petralia Sottana. The waterfall is located at 1200 m above sea level. and is easily accessible and identifiable. In fact, travelling along the provincial road that connects Petralia Soprana and Sottana to Piano Battaglia, it is already possible to admire this evocative jet of water flowing between the rocks.

The name of the waterfall has uncertain origins: it is thought to be the Italianization of the expression taken from the local dialect "scoppa l'acqua" (lit. "The water falls") in Scopalacqua. What is certain is that it is part of a very interesting and evocative naturalistic itinerary called "Stones and Water".

The entire route is divided into three paths, two of which fall within the municipal territory of Castellana Sicula, and one in the territory of the Municipality of Petralia Sottana. The peculiarity of these paths is that they manage to link in a non-forced way not only the strictly naturalistic and geological aspects, but also the evidence of human activities linked to them. The "Stones and water" route also has another interesting perspective since it was born from a brilliant idea of ​​the pupils and teachers of the Istituto Comprensivo di Castellana Sicula with the GEA association and discussed and implemented around the 2003 - 2004 school year.

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.

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.

Blanca: Immersed in a forest of centuries-old oaks and a suggestive hazelnut grove, here is Blanca. Delightful property located on the slopes of Mount San Salvatore, in the heart of the Madonie Park. With 1 hectare of surrounding land, a wonderful view of the valley and the mountains and a modest swimming pool fed with fresh spring water, this property is ready to give you moments of absolute relaxation immersed in the quiet of Mediterranean nature.