Southeastern Sicily is a place of light. Rivers have carved out canyons in the chalky Monti Iblei (a future national park), and in summer they are lined with a profusion of flowering oleanders. On the plains above, kilometres of stone walls pattern the landscape. In aeons past, the limestone tables of the Iblei, Apulia and the Aegean Islands formed one continuous geological mass. It is fascinating to think that hundreds of thousands of years after the ancient Greeks emigrated west, they came to settle once again on their own soil.

Starting out as a limestone spring, the Ciane’s short meanders empty into the Porto Grande at Syracuse. The exotic vegetation along its banks makes this little river very interesting. Nowhere else in Sicily or the Mediterranean will you see so much papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) growing naturally. The plant was introduced on Sicily in ancient times by the Ptolemies, who made a gift of it to the Siracusan tyrant Hieron II. Try to visit the Ciane in early morning or late afternoon, as there is more birdlife.

Described as walk 36 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴). Have a look at the editors web site with current updates: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product/walking-in-sicily/.

Noto Antica is situated on the heart-shaped plateau of Monte Alveria. The advantages of this natural fortress were discovered in ancient times. Siculic, Greek and Roman necropoli testify to continuous settlement here since the 9th century BC. During the Spanish period, Noto was regarded as an impregnable fortress. In 1500 King Ferdinand the Catholic had the following inscription placed on the Porta della Montagna: 'NETUM INGENOSA. URBS NUNQUAM VI CAPTA'. In the end Noto was not taken by enemy armies, but by a terrible earthquake: on January 10th 1693, it crushed the town to the ground overnight. A new Noto was built further to the south on the slopes of the Meti, a model of a rationally-planned baroque town. Today a quiet peace lies over the deserted ruins.

Described as walk 37 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴). Have a look at the editors web site with current updates: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product/walking-in-sicily/.

More than eight kilometres of untouched sand and rock coast stretch out before you on this walk. Vendicari (www.oasivendicari.net) is one of the most important migration bases in the Mediterranean. Its pantani, the lagoons, dry out in the summer and fill again with rainwater in winter. Vendicari is not only a paradise for birds, but also for birdwatchers. More than 230 species have been identified here to date. With a little bit of luck you can see flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) in all seasons. More about the Riserva Naturale Orientata Oasi faunistica di Vendicari nature reserve: www.parks.it/riserva.oasi.vendicari/, www.oasivendicari.net.

Described as walk 38 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴). Have a look at the editors web site with current updates: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product/walking-in-sicily/.

Scicli is a little-known baroque jewel. You can combine a visit to this small town with a short walk up Colle di San Matteo. The views are lovely, and the place is perfect for a picnic.

Described as walk 39 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴). Have a look at the editors web site with current updates: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product/walking-in-sicily/.

A visit to Ragusa Ibla, one of the most beautiful baroque towns in southeastern Sicily, is a must. On this short walk you will see for yourself how wonderfully the old Ibla fits into the landscape. The new Ragusa, on the plateau, was completely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake in 1693.

Described as walk 40 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴).

For 5000 years Pantalica was the centre and capital of the most important Bronze Age civilisation in Sicily. Unfortunately, apart from the Anaktoron and the necropoli, no ancient building has survived. The more than 5000 cave-tombs, which perforate the bright limestone rock like honeycombs, date principally from the 13th to the 8th century BC. Some of the more important excavation finds are displayed in the archaeological museum at Syracuse. Dramatic canyons, luxuriant vegetation, and clear rivers make this walk a great experience of nature, as well as history.

Described as walk 41 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴). Have a look at the editors web site with current updates: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product/walking-in-sicily/.