Pantalica, located in the province of Syracuse, is one of the most fascinating places to visit in eastern Sicily. It is a large area with still uncontaminated nature, where the suggestion of breathtaking panoramas blends with the charm of ancient archaeological remains.
It is necessary to clarify a bit, as the area is large and often those who want to visit it do not have clear ideas about what to see and how to reach it.
The Valle dell'Anapo Nature Reserve includes some suggestive canyons carved by the Anapo river and its tributaries. Established in 1997, this important natural area extends between the towns of Sortino and Ferla, in the province of Syracuse. The plateau formed and delimited by the Anapo river and its tributary, the Calcinara stream, is called Pantalica. In the summit part of the plateau, during the late Bronze Age, an important indigenous settlement was established, which built its necropolises along the sheer walls of Pantalica. The archaeological area of Pantalica consists mainly of necropolises composed of several thousand tombs, called "a grotticella artificiale", artificial grotto, carved into the rock between the 13th and 8th centuries BC.
There are many possibilities for visiting, and access and the best itinerary should be planned according to one's interests and physical abilities, as there are also medium difficulty and length paths.
Today there are 4 main entrances: two of them are on the plateau, one on the Ferla side and the other on the Sortino side. The other two allow access to the valley, always from the entrance of Ferla or Sortino. The Calcinara valley physically divides the two towns, so moving by car from one entrance to the other requires a long detour of about 45-60 minutes. Similarly, from the Anapo valley, it is possible to climb on foot to the plateau of Pantalica, but the path is rather steep and long and therefore recommended only for the fittest people. Before leaving for the visit to Pantalica, clarify which aspects interest you most.
For those interested in archaeology, it is certainly advisable to reach the plateau from the Ferla gap. From the small Sicilian village follow the signs for Pantalica (about 8-9 km). The visit generally begins from the "Sella di Filiporto" where a first necropolis is located. A few kilometers before the "sella" there is a ranger information point where you can request a map of the area or use the restrooms (no toilets in Pantalica!). From there, you can also take the beautiful nature trail "Giarranauti". By accessing Pantalica from the Sella di Filiporto, the necropolis and the anaktoron - the foundations of the so-called prince's palace - are easily visitable. These archaeological remains, due to their importance, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also possible to explore the late antique remains of a Byzantine village and three rock-cut oratories with some traces of ancient frescoes: San Micidiario, San Nicolicchio, and the oratory of the crucifix. Continuing to the end of the road, it is then possible to walk down to the Calcinara stream.
To fully enjoy the suggestions of Pantalica and to discover its history and curiosities, it is also possible to book a guided tour. Hermes Sicily's tour guides offer private guided tours for individual tourists, organized groups, and school groups throughout the year. For more information contact
The best times to visit Pantalica are spring and autumn. In summer, given the temperatures and the lack of shade, visits are recommended early in the morning or a few hours before sunset.
Another itinerary to visit with a focus on archaeology is feasible from the Sortino access (reach Sortino and follow the signs for Pantalica). A tourist reception area is being prepared in Serramenzana but is not yet operational. From this path, you can descend to the Calcinara stream and, with a small detour and a suggestive ancient staircase carved into the rock, visit the entrance to the bat cave. The view of the north necropolis from this path is certainly the most suggestive. It is also possible to ford the river and climb the other side of the quarry.
For those instead looking for a path without steep slopes and preferring the naturalistic aspect, we recommend visiting the Anapo Valley by opting for one of the two entrances of Sortino or Ferla. The two openings are connected and it is possible to walk the entire quarry along an easy and flat route, about 13 km long, obtained on the path of the old Syracuse-Vizzini railway, now dismantled. The itinerary is suggestive because it unfolds amidst lush vegetation interrupted at times by the old galleries of the railway and the station inside the quarry. In addition to the main route, there are various secondary paths that allow you to reach the river or climb to the plateau.
Visiting Pantalica is an experience suitable for everyone, especially by planning the best path to enjoy the beauty of the place to the fullest. In addition to hiking, certain areas of the reserve can also be visited by mountain bike during certain periods, while private facilities in the surrounding area offer horseback riding. Needless to say, the various agritourisms present allow us to conclude our excursion with a hearty meal of genuine local flavors.
Update July 15, 2024: if you are planning to visit Pantalica from Ferla, please read the new access rules
Entrance ticket for Pantalica
Currently, there is no entrance fee to visit Pantalica. The management of the area is partially the responsibility of the regional agriculture and forestry department and partially the responsibility of the cultural heritage department. The project is to introduce an entrance ticket to access the Anapo Valley Nature Reserve and Pantalica in the not too distant future, although the date of implementation, the location of ticket offices, and the cost of the ticket have not yet been communicated.
Opening hours of the necropolis of Pantalica and Anapo Valley Reserve
The site is accessible from both the Sortino and Ferla sides, in the province of Syracuse. The two access points to the Anapo Valley and the access to the gorge of the Calcinara stream, on the Sortino side, are generally open from 8-8:30 am until about 1h30m before sunset. However, the hours change seasonally and for exact information, it is necessary to contact the regional agriculture and forestry department, the manager of the reserve. Access to the Pantalica plateau on the Ferla side is always open.
Useful links
- Hermes Sicily: guided tours of Pantalica
