Falconry in Sicily: displays, trekking and an ancient passion

An ancient craft, listed by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. And in Sicily, between Etna and the Nebrodi mountains, it is still alive and still practised.

There are several ways to get close to birds of prey, depending on how far in you want to go.

Parsifal Park in Catania puts on displays with golden eagles, Siberian owls, falcons and barn owls — recurring events around Ferragosto and 2 June, with a picnic and barbecue area. Entry is around nine or ten euros, small children free. Ideal for families.

If you want more, you can combine a trek on Etna with falconry through Sharing Sicily and the falconer Claudio Costanzo. You set off from Piano Vetore at 1,740 metres, walk through lava and woodland, and finish with a flight display and the “baptism of the glove” — the moment the bird lands on your own arm. Twenty euros for adults, ten for children.

For anyone who wants to go beyond watching, there are proper courses: Sicilia Falchi teaches the training and care of birds of prey; Falconeria dei Nebrodi runs educational activities and also does rehabilitation work; the International School of Falconry at Nicolosi trains aspiring falconers with workshops and displays.

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