Nature Reserve Macalube

One of Sicily's more unusual sights is the badlands of the nature reserve near Agrigento, known as the Macalube. This lunar-like landscape features bubbling springs of volcanic mud, an eruptive phenomenon created by trapped gasses below the earth that pass through clay and a water table, then erupt through the surface, bringing with it this clay mud. A bizarre sight that definitely delight the kids and geology buffs! Usually, the mud flows gently, hardens and then forms craters, but sometimes it erupts like a geyser that shoots mud 30 to 40 meters high into the air. Though not predictable, it's quite a scene to behold when it happens!

When in Agrigento, a side-trip to this unique spot is a worthwhile detour.