The Palermitan coastline offers visitors a wide
variety of sea views and seaside resorts.
One of the most wonderful aspects of the area is the incredible
variety of colors, ranging from the intense blue of the sea, the
luscious green of the vegetation and the darker colors of the rocks and cliffs.
In the area around thegulf of Palermo, the coastal
system is of great environmental quality, based around the large
calcareous masses of Monte Gallo and Monte Pellegrino. The former
throws itself towards the sea, forcing the coastal road to make a
detour in land, by which it is possible to visit the small seaside
suburbs of Sferracavallo, Mondello, Vergine Maria, Arenella and Acquasanta.
In the area of the gulfs of Castellamare and Carini to the
northwest of Palermo, the coastline is characterized by easy
accessibility to the sea and its sandy beaches. After Balestrate,
near Terrasini, there are some calcareous rock formations which,
especially at sunset, take on a reddish-pink glow and which give way
to numerous coves and sea grottos (Cala rossa). Further on is Capo Rama, a natural reserve.
Once more the coastline returns to
its accessible sandiness as numerous rivers, the Jato, the Pinto and
the Calatubo, find their way into the sea.
This area is also
characterized by a change of countryside.
The bleak mountains (such
as the Montagna Longa) give way to open, wide valleys. The Communes
found in this area include:
swimming and bathing is
extremely easy thanks to the presence of many free, fully-equipped
beaches.
As far as the coastline to the North-east of Palermo is
concerned, the most striking element is Monte Catalfano (a natural
reserve) whose slopes reach right down to the sea. This mountainous
coastline is a harsh area, characterized by terraced cultivations
and typical Mediterranean scrub. Indeed, in some points, it is
possible to find some rare examples of Quercus Soluntina and
flowering orchids.
In the area of Cefalu', right up to the border of the province of Palermo,
the coastline contracts, becoming sandy and pebbly by turn, with
frequent interruptions of bays, particularly towards Finale di
Pollina.
Bathing and access to the sea is
not always easy due to the relatively high cliffs.
Just off the Palermitan coast, at around 36 miles out tosea,
is Ustica a small island of volcanic origins renowned as a
“paradise” for scuba divers. Its underwater geography is made up of
a scientifically important and complete marine ecosystem which
serves as a natural area for the refuge, repopulation and diffusion
of a great variety of marine life.
For this reason, in 1986, Ustica and its surrounding sea was made into a Marine Nature
Reserve. The sea is not the only ecologically important part of
the island, however. Indeed, the island itself is also a Natural Reserve.
The coastal area of the Province of Palermo boasts numerous
possibilities for accommodation including hotels and campsites, all
of which offer the chance to appreciate the area’s striking
landscapes.
Courtesy of AAIPT Provincia di Palermo, Palermo Official Tourist Board
