There is a place in Sicily where archaeology, astronomy, and unspoiled nature merge into a landscape steeped in mystery. Just a few kilometers from Montalbano Elicona, a medieval village in the province of Messina, stand the megaliths of Argimusco, imposing stone sentinels rising from the Malabotta Forest Nature Reserve, one of the island’s largest green lungs.
The charm of this corner of Sicily renews itself every autumn. During this season, the Malabotta Forest transforms: oaks, beeches, and chestnut trees burst into a stunning foliage of golden, red, and copper hues.
Up on the Argimusco plateau, the clear autumn light reveals crystal-sharp views of Mount Etna and the Aeolian Islands. At sunset, the rocks glow in warm tones, and on clear nights the sky opens up to the Milky Way, offering a breathtaking spectacle for stargazers. In particular, the autumn equinox is a special time to visit: the di Archaeoastronomy Institute in Sicily often organizes evening walks to celebrate the change of season.
The Megaliths of Argimusco: Between Legend and Science
The Argimusco plateau rises about 1,200 meters above sea level, suspended between the Nebrodi and Peloritani mountain ranges, offering sweeping views that stretch all the way to Etna.
This is a place that captivates for its visual power and the sense of sacredness it inspires. The megaliths, scattered across hundreds of meters, look like sculptures carved by human hands, yet their origin remains uncertain. Some believe they are natural rock formations shaped by wind and rain; others suggest they were carved by ancient civilizations for astronomical or ritual purposes.
Walking among the stones, you can recognize zoomorphic and anthropomorphic shapes such as the Eagle, the Serpent, the Sagittarius, and the Virgin. Their alignment is thought to be intentional, forming an ancient observatory used to track solstices and equinoxes.
Standing before these monumental rocks, it’s easy to feel a connection with ancient myths the megaliths appear almost alive, silent guardians of Sicily’s distant past.
The Malabotta Forest
At the foot of this plateau stretches the Malabotta Forest, one of the most extensive and unspoiled nature reserves in Sicily.
Covering more than 3,000 hectares across five municipalities in the province of Messina, it protects a remarkable biodiversity: foxes, weasels, hares, hawks, and even golden eagles live among its trees.
In autumn, the forest turns into a painter’s palette of warm colors, and the scent of mushrooms and chestnuts fills the air, the perfect atmosphere for trekking lovers.
Among the best-known hiking trails are the Sentiero dei Patriarchi (about 8.5 km long), which winds through centuries-old oaks and panoramic clearings, and its southern extension, the Sentiero Pittari, offering steeper slopes and wilder scenery.
Visiting these places means discovering a different Sicily, one far from the sea, yet equally enchanting.
Here, nature takes center stage, the landscapes shift with the seasons, and time itself seems to slow down, inviting you to experience the island with new eyes.
Photo credits
Cover:
Megaliti dell’Argimusco – Federico Di Dio via Unsplash
Gallery:
L’Etna vista dall’Argimusco – Vincenzo Miconi via Wikimedia Commons
Paesaggio al crepuscolo – Vincenzo Miconi via Wikimedia Commons
Megaliti dell’Argimusco – Vincenzo Miconi via Wikimedia Commons
Bosco Malabotta – Shifegu via Wikimedia Commons
