Cava Grande del Cassibile Nature Reserve

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Located among the municipalities of Noto, Siracusa and Avola, Cava Grande del Cassibile Nature Reserve was established in 1990 to preserve the natural vegetation, restore the Mediterranean scrub, and increase the protected local fauna.

This reserve covers about 6.820 acres and runs along the Cassibile River for about 6.2 miles – one of the largest south-eastern rivers of Sicily – creating a valley that reaches peaks of 820 ft.

The reserve includes lakes, erosion showers, ridges and valley bottoms – with variegated vegetation, an ancient Byzantine village and the necropolis of Cassibile. There are several paths inside the reserve, suitable for visitors of all ages.

FLORA AND FAUNA

Many aromatic species grow on the plateau such as Pimpinella spinosa, thyme ( Thymus spp.), and Rosmarinus officinalis . There’s also common heather (Calluna vulgaris), many wild orchids (including Barlia robertiana, Orchis italica, and Chromis chromis).

On the ridges, there are ash trees, oaks (Quercus robur), elms, plane trees and willows, vines (Vitis nigra, Vitis vinifera), oleanders (Nerium oleander), red raspberries (Rubus idaeus), evergreen roses (Rosa sempervirens), hawthorn (Crataegus oxyachantha), ivy, old man’s beard (Clematis vitalba), and many species of ferns.

The aquatic vegetation is also very rich, with species such as Zannichellietum palustris on the lower and muddy bottoms, Myriophyllum spicatum, and Potamogeton crispum.

The local fauna is very rich too, with moorhens, blackbirds, tits, robins, cuckoos, turtle doves, pipits, wagtails, starlings, kestrels, and many others.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)