Sicily's most inspiring natural beauty spots are protected by numerous parks and reserves that dot the island. Walking trails abound in the parks and you can visit isolated beaches, pristine forests and active volcanoes. Plus you can spot all manner of local wildlife and visit traditional villages where life is little-changed in decades. Here are eight of our favorite parks for exploring the natural world in Sicily.

Parco Naturale Regionale delle Madonie
Best for traditional villages

The 400 sq km (154 sq mi) Madonie regional park is an outdoor paradise that’s well suited to slow, culturally rich travel. The Madonie Mountains are crowned by Pizzo Carbonara, which is the highest mountain in Sicily after Mt Etna.