Lake Gurrida is a small semi-natural basin formed by the waters of the Flascio river. We are in the municipality of Randazzo, on the slopes of Etna, on the edge of the long Alcantara valley that separates the volcano from the Nebrodi Mountains.
Although the lake is 800 meters above sea level, the imposing mass of Etna, whose northern side can be seen, overlooks the plateau with all its immensity. On clear days the majestic shape of the volcano is reflected almost entirely on the lake surface.

Although included within a private land belonging to the Gurrida farm, the lake falls within the competence of the Etna Park. The Park Authority has prepared a nature trail that follows its perimeter, arranging some huts for the observation of avian fauna. Periodically, various migratory species such as heron, stork, ducks or egrets stop here. Reptiles and amphibians complement the local fauna, making the trek around the lake particularly interesting. The remains of ancient lava flows can be easily identified from the most panoramic points. It is these rock masses that interrupted the course of the river in 1536, starting the swampy flooding of the area.

No less interesting is the vineyard that you cross before reaching the banks of the artificial basin. During winter and at the beginning of spring, especially in the years in which Etna was covered by heavy snow, the waters of the lake overflow from the artificial basin that contains them and flood the cultivated fields, creating an extremely suggestive scenario. It seems that this phenomenon, which has been repeated annually since time immemorial, has helped to preserve an indigenous species of vine by defending it from the devastating phylloxera infestations that in the past destroyed much of the island's vineyards.

To reach Lake Gurrida you have to take the state road 120 which from Randazzo proceeds in the direction of Maniace. At kilometer 181 on the left there is a small clearing and the remains of an indication. After passing a stone quarry, you will reach the farm which, as mentioned, must be crossed. For admission you pay (little) a ticket (especially on weekends) and you can take the opportunity to visit the ancient farm faithful to the Sicilian tradition. Lately the area has been a bit abandoned but this hasn't diminished its charm, on the contrary it has added a touch of wilderness that doesn't hurt. Waiting to be enhanced again.

The video was shot in 2019. The footage was mostly taken with an Olympus OM-D EM5 MKII, including the two short timelapses. A couple of moving clips were filmed with a GoPro Hero 7 while drone footage is shot with a Mavic Air.
The photos are by Francesca Sparatore and were taken with a Nikon D3100.

The song “After All” is by Geographer and is available in the YouTube music library.
Special thanks to the "Gurrida" company.
www.gurrida.it

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