Anapo Nature Reserve & Pantalica is considered one of the most interesting natural areas in south-eastern Sicily and is a place of great beauty. In addition, with the archaeological area of Pantalica, it has become a Unesco recognised World Heritage Site.
-What does the service include?
There will be a transfer from Sortino or from a place to be agreed upon - with a comfortable 9-seater minibus authorised to transport passengers - to the starting point of the hike.
Anapo Nature Reserve & Pantalica was established in 1997, as a place of extraordinary natural interest, in order to safeguard the Sicilian Macrostigma Trout, an endemic fish of the Mediterranean, and the Oriental Plane Tree, a species that grows wild in this area of Sicily.
But it is not only these rarities that make the Reserve a special place for the province of Syracuse. Within the territory of the Reserve lies one of the largest Necropolis in Europe, the 'Necropolis of Pantalica' - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - which is home to thousands of tombs (around 5000).
This part of the Anapo Valley between 1915 and 1923 was affected by the construction of the Siracusa - Vizzini - Ragusa railway. Tunnels were dug, toll booths built. Activated for public service on 26 July 1923, the railway experienced a moment of glory in 1933.
The railway was closed in 1956 and from its route was carved the cart track that still crosses the Anapo Valley today and is used by hundreds of hikers every day.
There are three levels of proposals to be evaluated with your Environmental Hiking Guide, who will be able to suggest the best according to your physical condition and requirements.
-The river route is the one that runs along the mythical Anapo River and follows the ancient railway that once connected Syracuse with Ragusa.
Level: Easy.
-The mixed route is the one that includes the Anapo Valley, the Calcinara stream and the tomb site of Pantalica.
Level: Medium-high.
-The archaeological route is related to the Necropolis of Pantalica, classified by Unesco as a World Heritage Site.
Level: Medium.
At the end of the visit, you will be accompanied by a comfortable minibus to the agreed location.
Optionally and according to your interest, after the visit of the Reserve, it will be possible to have lunch at an agritourism located within the Reserve. Or visit a local oil mill and taste olive oil, accompanied by preserves and local cheeses.
"Live this experience rich in nature and culture, accompanied by an environmental hiking guide experienced in these places".
Technical Information Sheet
It is recommended to have hiking shoes, an anorak, a fleece, a hat, a small backpack, trekking poles, a 1.5 litre water bottle, pic nic.
Level: Easy and medium-high.
Period: All year round.
Pick Up: 9.30 a.m.
Drop Off: 3.30 p.m.
Cost of Service: From 69.00 euro pax.
The service includes: Nature Guide + Pick Up & Drop Off.
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