Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve – Sicily: where the great river meets the sea, between golden dunes and migratory flights in the plain of Catania. The Simeto Oasis Nature Reserve extends to the mouth of the longest Sicilian river, among river environments, wetlands, Mediterranean scrub and sandy beaches. Located south of Catania, the Oasis is one of the most important areas of the island for the stopover and nesting of migratory birds, as well as representing a rare landscape, suspended between fresh and brackish water. 🌾 Water and sand landscapes: The meeting of the Simeto River and the Ionian Sea creates a dynamic ecosystem, consisting of ponds, reeds, small lagoons and coastal dunes. Rushes, tamarisks, glasswort and plants adapted to the brackish environment grow here, while in summer the beach turns into a long, almost deserted golden expanse. 👉 Tip: Visit the reserve between April and June: the weather is mild, the paths are practicable and the biodiversity is in full swing, with spontaneous blooms and migratory passages. 🦩 Birds and fauna to observe: The oasis is home to over 200 species of birds, including pink flamingos, herons, black-winged stilts, marsh harriers, and various species of ducks. It is a strategic point in the migratory routes between Africa and Europe, and offers ideal conditions for observation in all seasons. 👉 Tip: Bring binoculars and check the information boards along the way: the viewpoint near the mouth is one of the best for birdwatching. 🚶 Paths, nature and silence: The reserve can be visited on foot or by bike, on flat paths suitable for everyone. The paths wind through wetlands, meadows and beaches, offering experiences that are slow in contact with nature. The absence of invasive tourist facilities makes the atmosphere even more authentic and relaxing. 👉 Tip: Start the route from the Primosole Bridge and walk along the nature ring to the beach: a simple itinerary, full of scenic suggestions. 🏡 Where to sleep and what to enjoy: In the surroundings of the reserve, especially towards Catania and Lentini, there are farmhouses, B&Bs in the countryside and renovated rural houses. The local cuisine enhances the products of the plain: vegetables, citrus fruits, olives, fresh cheeses and typical dishes such as caponata, arancine and blue fish. 👉 Tip: After the hike, try a trattoria near Vaccarizzo or Agnone Bagni to enjoy traditional Sicilian cuisine with a view of the sea. The Simeto Oasis is a wild and surprising corner, where nature and quiet meet in a fragile balance that deserves to be discovered with respect and slowness.