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AREA: The coastline to the
north-east and north-west of Palermo
The coastline winds its way along
for about 200 km from Balestrate to Finale di Pollina.
It is characterised by three gulfs:
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 colours, ranging from the intense
blue of the sea, the luscious green of the vegetation
and the darker colours of the rocks and cliffs.
In the area around the gulf 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
characterised 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
characterised 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, characterised 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
Cefalù,
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. The Communes in this area
include:
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 to sea, 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. |
