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Itineraries
ical relics and the differentiation of a rich endemic flora, currently esti-
mated in 48 species, 7.4 % of the whole flora, including some interesting
Tertiary relics. Unfortunately, in the same context, prickly pear (Opuntia
ficus-barbarica) is today widespread thanks to anthropo- and zoochory.
This species was imported in the Mediterranean basin after the discovery
of America and it is now so widely naturalized that it is considered as an
essential element of the Mediterranean coastal landscapes. As a matter
of fact, most of the natural vegetation of Mt. Cofano have been spoiled
or permanently altered by a millennial human activity. The vegetation
of the promontory shows almost everywhere the traces of a long-lasting
exploitation of the land. After the recent abandonment of agricultural
activities, husbandry and fire are the only occasional disturbances in the
area. Along the trail, we will observe many different vegetation types,
including: Mediterranean temporary ponds (Luronio-Potametalia; Na-
nocyperetalia), annual and perennial dry grasslands (Thero-Brometa-
lia, Trachynietalia distachyae, Hyparrhenietalia), vegetation of rocky
cliffs (Asplenietalia glandulosi; Geranio-Cardaminetalia hirsutae), ha-
lo-petrophilous vegetation (Crithmo-Limonietalia; Frankenietalia pul-
verulentae), dwarf palm maquis (Pistacio-Rhamnetalia alaterni). On the
way back, if not too late, we’ll make a short visit at Bosco di Scorace
(Quercetalia ilicis and reforestations).
Trail: Length: 5.2 km round trip, Hiking time: 3 hours, Elevation range: 280 m

General Description

2.1. The physical setting
The Mounts of Trapani and the Egadi islands represent the west-
ernmost part of the Sicilian-Maghrebid Foreland-Thrust belt connect-
ing the NW African mountain ranges and the Apennines. They issue
from the tectonic overlap of limestones and dolomitic limestones
(coral reefs of upper Triassic and lower Giurassic, i.e. c. 230-190 Ma)
with clays and sandy marls dating back to lower Pliocene (c. 5.5 Ma).
The bays of Cornino and Màcari (W and E of Mt. Cofano), Capo San
Vito and the Egadi islands are characterised by marine terraces made both
of marine and continental deposits, i.e. calcarenites and calcareous sand-
stones of the lower Pleistocene (1.8-0.8 Ma), coarse marine conglomerates,

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