Bosco di Malabotta
Places
Park·Easy·Family·Popular

Bosco di Malabotta

Sicily

This reserve on the eastern Nebrodi protects one of the largest surviving stands of tree-form holly in Europe, some specimens centuries old and unusually large for a species normally seen as understorey shrub. Cork oak and downy oak fill out the rest of the canopy, and wildcats have been recorded by camera traps in the reserve's quieter corners. The forest borders the medieval hill town of Montalbano Elicona, worth combining with a walk here.

Duration
2 hours
Distance
5 km
Elevation
+150 m
Best season
April – October

Highlights

  • Rare stands of ancient tree-form holly
  • Recorded wildcat presence
  • Near the medieval town of Montalbano Elicona

With your dog

Shaded forest tracks through holly and cork oak; dogs on leash.