The nature reserve Timpa di Acireale is of volcanic origin, that can be explored on a nice hike via a scale that starts in the lovely Baroque town of Acireale and ends in the small fishing village Santa Maria La Scala. The area is mainly formed the sedimentation of several layers of different eruptive periods. On your way down to the sea you will see characteristic Mediterranean plants like broom, myrtle, mastic, carob trees, wild olive trees and buckthorn, along withe pungent asparagus, paper mulberries, ailanthus, clematis, capers, ivy and prickly pears.  In the northern part of this timpa opens the characteristic Grotta delle Colonne. Part of the reserve is located near the coast (about six kilometers). The reserve is home to many animals: porcupines, blackcaps, warblers, and horned owls. Near the seashore there are kingfishers, doves and, if it is the time, migration birds like herons and birds of prey.