Malabotta Forest

Departure | Montalbano Elicona (Me)

• Length: 32 km
• Altitude: 1,341 m a.s.l.
• Elevation gain: 641 m
• Duration: 2h
• Difficulty: easy/moderate

The Malabotta Forest is one of the most distinctive forest areas in Sicily, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and ecological integrity. Since 1997, this forest has been protected as an Oriented Nature Reserve, located between the Peloritani Mountains and the Nebrodi Mountains, at altitudes ranging from 700 to 1,341 meters above sea level.

The reserve covers 32.21 km² and spans the municipalities of Montalbano Elicona, Francavilla di Sicilia, Malvagna, Roccella Valdemone, and Tripi. Inside the forest, various habitats can be found including woodlands, clearings, riparian wetlands, and rocky areas. Excursions to the Malabotta Forest can be combined with a guided visit to the Historic Center and Castle of Montalbano Elicona, or to the megalithic area of Argimusco, making for a day rich in historical and natural discoveries.

Nature trails, Flora and Fauna, Viewpoints

The Malabotta Forest offers several nature trails ranging in length from 5 to 15 km. Among the most famous, the Sentiero dei Patriarchi (Patriarchs’ Trail) is known for its centuries-old downy oak trees with trunks reaching 2 meters in diameter. Along the route, you can admire the majestic Turkey oak (cerro), which can reach 40 meters in height, and a vast beech forest.

The forest hosts a variety of plant species including wild pear, elder, ash, maple, willow, hazel, walnut, and chestnut. The undergrowth is rich in peonies, hawthorn, Spanish broom, and dog rose. A particularly evocative route is the Sentiero della Trota (Trout Trail), which follows the Licopedi stream, where trout can be spotted at certain times of year. Along the trails, various viewpoints offer spectacular views of Etna and the Alcantara valley, making the excursion an extraordinary visual experience.

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