Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve in Catania

La Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve is one of most important protected areas of Sicily, not only for the extraordinary natural landscapes it presents but also for the importance it holds regarding the Sicilian fauna and flora, in which many specimens of plants and animals find the perfect habitat in which to be born and grow, allowing the protection of some species that could risk extinction. The Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve extends over approximately 2000 hectares of land, covering both a coastal and an inland area, allowing this natural site to be among the most popular and appreciated by tourists who choose to spend their holidays in Sicily.

History of the Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve in Catania

This area of ​​Catania has always been under the attention of those who, over the decades, have dealt with the protection of Sicilian natural areas. In 1975, after a long bureaucratic process, this area was officially recognized as Wildlife Protection Oasis, to then, in 1984, enter the classification of Regional Nature Reserve, managed and edited directly by Sicilian region.

What to do at the Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve in Catania

The Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve, as its name suggests, is located around the mouth of the main river of the Catania area, namely the Simeto. Over time, around the final part of this river, a rich natural area has developed, which over the years has grown more and more, up to the splendor it enjoys today, with scenic trails and unique landscapes. Along the coastal stretch of the Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve there is the Foce del Simeto beach, a wonderful sandy dune surrounded by natural vegetation.

Flora of the Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve in Catania

Different types of plants grow in the Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve, from those common in the flat stretches to the rarer ones found close to the sea waters. It's really easy to come across them, especially near the beach marsh reeds, as well as colorful flowers like the Wallflower and Tamarisks. Among the shrubs are widespread i Willows, in addition to groves in which they appear Eucalyptus e Pini.

Fauna of the Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve in Catania

Among the reasons that led the regional institutions to transform this area into a Nature Reserve is to preserve the fauna that lives in this place, where there are numerous species of birds that stop here during their migration cycle. Among the most iconic birds of the Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve we mention thePurple Heron, Golden Plover and Osprey, to which are added numerous other species, including the rare one Chicken Sultan, introduced to make this species proliferate also in the Sicilian territory.

How to get to the Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve in Catania

The Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve is located in the final part of the Playa of Catania, therefore a place served by a large number of internal connections, such as the AMT Catania buses, to which are added the routes of the Catania Metro, very useful for moving to the main points of the city. Catania can also be reached by trains and planes, being able to easily reach the Catania train station and the Catania Fontanarossa airport.

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