Caves in Sicily, a beautiful island…even in the dark!
A hidden and little-known Sicily, but equally rich in charm. Beauty is not always illuminated by sunlight, sometimes we can find uniqueness in the darkness. It is for this reason that Sicilian Secrets wants to take you to discover the caves in Sicily, an unexpected journey into the labyrinths of the island.
The caves in Sicily are a natural masterpiece. Pampered by shade and sheltered from prying eyes, some of them are authentic gems that reveal themselves to the gaze of the most curious travelers. Each one with its own particularities (and uniqueness!) deserves to be marked on the map of your itinerary…an alternative stop that will surprise you. After all, they are the ones that give an extraordinary overview of the island’s geology and culture. With their bizarre shapes and magic, each one tells a different story, offering a unique perspective on this land…beautiful even seen from its underground. Ready to discover the top 5 of Sicilian Secrets?
Mangiapane Cave
Among the caves in Sicily, it is certainly the largest, so much so that it houses a real village inside. The Mangiapane Cave is located in Custonaci, in the province of Trapani, and is a gem not to be missed. This settlement has roots that go back to the Paleolithic, as evidenced by the engravings on the cave walls, but its name is decidedly more recent. It is, in fact, a tribute to the family that inhabited it until the 1950s, which devoted itself to agriculture and fishing and gave rise to the village. Following a period of neglect, the entire village has now been restored so much so that it seems that time has crystallized a century ago. A walk into the past, wrapped in the everyday life of an era long gone but still alive in the present.
Cave of the Bats
Perfectly themed to the upcoming Halloween night is the Cave of the Bats. Where? In Pantalica, in southern Sicily. Why this cave is so named is easy to guess; it is actually bats that inhabit this cavern, coiled in their black cloak. This is undoubtedly an adventurous place, suggestive and suitable for thrill seekers. What to do once you get there? Listen…to the silence!
Cordari Cave
Our tour among the caves in Sicily takes us to Syracuse, and more specifically to the Neapolis Archaeological Park. It is here that we find, among the ancient ruins, the Cordari Cave whose name brings to mind the craftsmanship practiced by the city’s inhabitants. The craft of cord-making was widely practiced in the 17th century, now the hustle and bustle of the workers can only be imagined by being embraced by the energy of this quarry in nature. A small note: perhaps not everyone knows that until the 1980s, the cave was still used by the very rope makers who, even then, attracted the interest of visitors curious to learn more about this laborious traditional art.
Ice Cave
Dreaming of an experience worthy of the scenery of the Snow Queen? No need to go to the North Pole, but rather to the northern slope of Mount Etna. Be amazed by the Ice Cave, home of the southernmost glacier in the entire Northern Hemisphere! A record-breaking place, in short, a cave guardian of perennial ice that you can reach by setting your navigator to the town of Randazzo. Once you reach more than 2,000 meters above sea level, you will be faced with a tunnel that can be easily reached by hikers during the summer season through some particularly challenging routes…the real wonder? Inside, the temperature never rises above -6° C! Here is your endless winter!
Blue Grotto
The last of the caves in Sicily we present is blue, as deep blue as the sea. The Blue Grotto is one of Taormina‘s attractions and attracts many visitors every year. Located in the bay of Taormina’s Isola Bella Marine Park, when the sun kisses it in the morning, the water is tinged a brilliant blue. Unique shades that steal the heart. In addition, it is a great spot for snorkeling…don’t forget your mask and fins so you can get a close look at lots of colorful fish, starfish and corals. All the mystery of the underwater world…just a stroke away.
