Horse trails in the Nebrodi area

Day 1 – Stage 1: Floresta: the highest starting point in Sicily

The adventure begins in Floresta, in the heart of the Nebrodi Mountains, at 1,275 meters above sea level: it is the highest town in Sicily. This village in the province of Messina is surrounded by pastures, beech forests, and ancient sheepfolds that still tell the story of rural life in the past.
Before mounting up, it is worth strolling through the historic center and admiring the Church of San Nicola di Bari and the small houses built in lava stone. The air here is fresh even in summer, and the food is genuine: cured meats, cheeses, and porcini mushrooms are a must for those seeking the authentic flavors of the Nebrodi.
From Floresta, the route heads west along dirt paths that cross one of the lushest areas of the park. After a few kilometers, a surprising view opens up: Mount Etna rises to the south, and the Aeolian Islands sparkle to the north.
Passing through woods and pastures, you reach the area of Lakes Trearie and Cartolari, two water gems nestled among the highlands, ideal for a refreshing stop. Lake Trearie, at 1,400 meters above sea level, is the highest lake in Sicily.
After a break for horses and riders, the journey continues toward the Mangalaviti Forest, where the first day ends, immersed in the island’s most authentic natural setting.

Day 1 – Stage 2: From Bosco di Mangalaviti to Serra del Re: through beech woods and streams

The second leg of the first day crosses Bosco di Mangalaviti, one of the most spectacular areas in the Nebrodi Park. Centuries-old beech trees, holly bushes, and wild apple trees create an almost Alpine atmosphere, broken only by birdsong and the murmur of flowing streams.

Here, the Sanfratellano horse is in its natural element: agile, sturdy, and sure-footed on the trails. The route gently ascends to Serra del Re (1,754 m), one of the most scenic peaks in the area. Along the way, you pass by clear creeks and clearings where cows and semi-wild horses graze freely.

From the summit, the view stretches from the Peloritani Mountains to Mount Etna, and out to the blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The trail then descends briefly toward Lake Biviere, where the first day of the journey comes to an end.

Day 2 – Stage 1: Biviere Lake: between red waters and monumental trees

The morning of the second day begins with a truly magical scene: Lake Biviere of Cesarò, the highest and most important natural basin in the Nebrodi Mountains. During summer, its waters turn a curious reddish color due to the bloom of a microalga called Euglena sanguinea.

Surrounding the lake is one of the richest wetland areas in Sicily, home to a remarkable variety of biodiversity: herons, mallards, wild ducks, and buzzards accompany the trail, while the surrounding beech forests provide shade and coolness.

Not far away, visitors can admire three monumental trees: the Yew of Biviere (500 years old), the Ash of Biviere (150 years old), and the Beech of Saracina Forest (400 years old).

The route continues westward through meadows and clearings, eventually reaching the slopes of Mount Soro, the final stop on this horseback journey through the green heart of Sicily.

Day 2 – Stage 2: Mount Soro and the Acerone: the Roof of the Nebrodi

The final stage is also the most thrilling. The trail climbs to Mount Soro, the highest peak of the Nebrodi Mountains at 1,847 metres. From the summit, the view is breathtaking: to the north, the Tyrrhenian coast and the Aeolian Islands; to the south, the silhouette of Mount Etna; to the west, the Madonie and the Erei Mountains.

Here, nature reigns supreme: silence, wind, and endless horizons. Just below the summit, a natural monument awaits visitors: the Acerone of Mount Soro, one of the largest mountain maples in Italy, standing 22 metres tall with a circumference of about 6 metres.