In Sicily there are enchanted places that are worth going to visit. Areas surrounded by nature. True paradises, rich in flora and fauna. These are the approximately 350 naturalistic caves that are located between the provinces of Syracuse and Ragusa. There are many itineraries that are promoted. Just rely on the many associations operating in the area and take part in the excursions. Because Sicily is sea, but also and gentle cosmetics. Many of these areas are already protected as reserves. While others may soon become so. The Sicilian Region has in fact restarted the process to establish the Iblei National Park, which will serve to protect these localities. But let's go and discover them.
Cave, among the oldest Cavagrande del Cassibile
Some of them are real natural pools, waterfalls. Blue water that is reflected by the sun. Lots of dense vegetation and overhanging walls. Among these quarries, the Cavagrande del Cassibile one undoubtedly stands out. It is near Noto, in the territory of the Iblei. Rivers have eaten the limestone over the years, creating these spectacular canyons. In them the water continues to flow, between vegetation and animals of all kinds. Here the Cavagrande river has created some lakes that are inserted between dense layers of rock, drawing a unique and extraordinary landscape. Often taken as a destination for many tourists who like to spend their holidays in these places, the lakes remained inaccessible for a long time.
How to reach these quarries
It is therefore necessary to rely on the many associations that organize excursions. From the Acquanuvena association to Natura Sicula, volunteers promote guided tours. It is also important to leave equipped, because the path is difficult to do and you need to be prepared.
In the Valley of the Gods lin Cava Tortorone
Continuing in these areas, there is also Cava Tortorone in the so-called Valley of the Gods. You will cross an area which is also rich in vegetation. Between the rocks flows the river that leads to the Laghetto del Dragone and the Blue Lagoon. And so this too is like a paradise. The water has shades of blue and azure, the vegetation is rich in oleanders, ferns, fig trees.
Quarries to visit, that of Santa Chiara
Another Cava is that of Santa Chiara. Here flows the homonymous stream fed by the perennial springs of San Giovanni Lo Vecchio and Serra Porcari. Here too there are waterfalls, ponds, for hundreds of meters giving life to a wonderful environment, surrounded by the Mediterranean scrub. Here are the Cultrera lakes.
Among the ruins of ancient Noto there is Quarry Carosello
Not far from ancient Noto is the Cava Carosello. Devastated by the earthquake of 1693, ancient Noto stood on an internal plateau, straddling two deep canyons. Reaching this place and participating in the many promoted excursions you can also admire the walls, the ruins of the castle and the prison-tower, the ruins of Palazzo Landolina. Here there is also a path that descends towards the Cava Carosello. To admire the ruins of ancient tanneries and mills.
In the province of Ragusa the Quarry of the Servants
In the areas leading to the province of Ragusa, between the municipalities of Rosolini and Modica, there is the Cava dei Servi. It is a nature reserve, rich in history and a place of extraordinary beauty. This valley has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the necropolis with caves, dating back to the Bronze Age, and the ceramic artefacts dated to about 4000 years ago. In the quarry there is the Tellesimo stream, which forms small lakes.
The characteristics common to these places
The quarries as mentioned are many. They are united by the luxuriant vegetation with its cool waters of the streams. History has played its part. The lakes have become a destination for visitors who come to them to bathe. They are oases of rare beauty that make the whole Val di Noto extraordinary.
