We had left off at dinner and new projects

We had left off at our dinner filled with conversations and new projects… On Sunday we wake up early and once again we are struck by Riccardo’s great hospitality, who never stops pampering us. Breakfast with freshly baked croissants, coffee, and off we go to meet Daniela, an environmental guide who will accompany us to discover the natural side of Mistretta.

Towards the Cuttufa Waterfalls: nature and water

After the introductions, we head towards the Cuttufa Waterfalls: a journey back in time, in contact with nature, traditions, and the ultimate element—water!

We begin this evocative path among yellow and green rocks; along the way Daniela points out traces of animals that inhabit this place, including several foxes. She tells us about the mainly Mediterranean vegetation, cork trees, mandrake, cyclamens, minicucco (whose wood was used to make cow collars), lemon balm, and the “apple of Sodom”: a type of grafted eggplant. And also a tuber once used in place of potatoes, the cipollaccio, poplars, and various mushrooms.

Wildlife, silence and nature

During our trek Daniela tells us that at certain times of the day, if you remain silent in the middle of nature, it is possible to hear the whistle of the Black Kite, see cranes, small falcons, and Goldeneyes that use the waterfalls as a passage during their migration.

Ancient mills and the “Spy Stone”

We continue walking, realizing that every corner of this land hides so much history and tradition; we stop to admire the ruins of an ancient vertical mill, where traces of volcanic stone brought here by sea can still be found. We pause in front of two large boulders called “Pietra Spia” (Spy Stone), where people once hid to observe anyone coming from the nearby valleys.

The Zu Pardo bridge and ancient engineering

We are completely fascinated and captivated by the “Zu Pardo” bridge, a 16th-century suspended bridge 20 meters above the river, connecting the ancient route that once linked Mistretta and Caronia. This rural path was used more for trade than for pastoral activities, as shown by the stone paving still present along much of the route. Thinking about how such majestic and durable structures were built in the past with very limited tools is truly wonderful!

Trekking, fun and the waterfall

We leave our backpacks behind to continue along a slightly more challenging path, made easy thanks to Daniela’s help, and in the blink of an eye we become children again, jumping, sliding over rocks, and hopping from stone to stone to avoid getting our shoes wet… laughing all the way, we finally reach the waterfall!

The waterfall experience

A ritual we cannot miss: we take off our shoes and socks and dive into the cold water, a real adrenaline rush we were eager to experience, especially given the heat despite it being late autumn. A few photos, a moment of rest, and we head back to the car.

Return to Mistretta and new encounters

Back in the center of Mistretta, we say goodbye to our guide Daniela, promising to meet again for a new experience to offer to those eager to live and discover the heart of Sicily.

We have a quick lunch while chatting about the beautiful realities this territory offers and, after lunch, our last stop is at the riding stable a few minutes from the town center where we meet Matteo with his collaborators and his mare Frida.

Frida and the horse experience

Our contact with Frida is nothing short of wonderful and therapeutic: Patrizia, who has always been afraid, manages to pet her without fear, deeply moved by having overcome her block (let’s say Frida, with her sweetness, attracted everyone’s caresses). Roberta rides her bareback, entering into direct contact with her body, feeling its warmth and breath, experiencing an invaluable sensation! Daniela cannot help but capture the amazement and wonder on our faces through many photos and videos taken with her inseparable camera.

The final trail through forests and wind turbines

It is time to head home, but Riccardo wants to give us one last experience that can be enjoyed on foot or by bike.

A well-worn trail inside the forest, where the greenery, the valley views, the fresh air, and the silence interrupted here and there by grazing animals are truly fascinating; but what surprises us most is crossing a stretch of path among wind turbines that we can admire up close, so majestic with their slow movement and the distinctive sound they make as they cut through the air. Magic!

Sadly, as in every journey, it is time to return. We thank, say goodbye, and embrace Riccardo, an extraordinary host and local expert, with the wish and promise to help travelers discover the wonderful and magical territory of the Nebrodi Mountains and in particular Mistretta, making them feel like true islanders during their stay.

We are ready to live a new experience… and you?