Nature Reserve – Irminio River – Southern Sicily

There is a nature reserve, Macchia Foresta`del Fiume Irminio,  between the towns of Marina di Ragusa and Donnalucata on the Mediterranean Coast of Sicily.  Taking a walk through this reserve one can observe many examples of the Mediterranean pioneer vegetation along sand dunes.  The Irminio River, which starts 52 kilometers north of the coast, flows into the sea within this reserve.  Below are some pictures taken during a recent visit. 

One view of the mouth of the Irminio river

A wild artichoke plant – notice the tiny artichoke on top of the middle of the plant 

Below is the view from the spot where I enjoyed a picnic with some friends, at the mouth of the river.