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Prickly pear blooms

While spring is undeniably the best time to go walking in terms of the flowers, autumn has its own specialities, such as unusual concentrations of cyclamens in the woods and the striking purple flowers of the poisonous mandrake. Also known as the love apple for its use in potions, not to mention as a painkiller in medieval times, it is similar to the gentian, though is enclosed by spreading dock-like leaves.

Cyclamens are common in upland woods

Wildlife

Crocodiles from the Nile, believed to have been imported by Arab conquerors during the 10th century, once prospered in Sicilian waters. Reports as late as the 16th century described the fearful creatures in lakes and rivers, not to mention Siracusa’s famed fountain Fonte del Ciane, where they lurked amongst the giant papyrus. On the other hand, fossil evidence from the Nebrodi mountain range clearly speaks of elephants, rhinoceros and hippopotamus, whereas prehistoric graffiti and cave paintings on the island of Levanzo depict donkeys and bison, along with tunny fish and dolphins. Present-day species are those that managed to live through the ravages of World War Two and extensive deforestation, after centuries of relatively peaceful cohabitation with agricultural man. Survivors range from shy deer and foxes to the wild boar and elusive porcupine (introduced by the ancient Romans for its delectable flesh), and even noisy walkers can count on seeing hordes of wild rabbits and the occasional larger creature such as mouflon. A Mediterranean native, this wild sheep frequents rugged scrub mountain flanks and can be distinguished by its showy curved horns.