{"id":67752,"date":"2015-10-02T13:34:39","date_gmt":"2015-10-02T12:34:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sicile-sicilia.net\/?p=67752"},"modified":"2026-10-12T21:50:17","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T20:50:17","slug":"zingaro-nature-reserve","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sicile-sicilia.net\/en\/zingaro-nature-reserve","title":{"rendered":"Zingaro Nature Reserve"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Zingaro Reserve<\/strong> is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Sicily, stretching along part of the coast of the Gulf of Castellammare<\/a> in the north-west of the island, for nearly 7 km.
It was created in 1981, as the first nature reserve in Sicily, following a citizens’ movement that prevented the construction of a coastal road between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo.
Unfortunately, on 29 August 2020, a fire devastated it, and it remained closed for several months. A large part of its natural wealth was lost and the description given below is partly out of date.<\/p>\n

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The reserve was closed after a major fire in the summer of 2025 that heavily damaged the site.<\/span>
As of early 2026, it remains partially closed, for safety reasons and for ecological regeneration.<\/span>
A gradual reopening began in March 2026, with only certain trails accessible.<\/span>
Access should widen in the spring (around Easter), but will remain limited for several months.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Presentation of the reserve<\/h2>\n
\"Mid-slope<\/a>

Mid-coast trail of the reserve<\/p><\/div>\n

There is no road for exploring the Zingaro reserve, which is discovered on foot, and very few buildings. 
The protected area extends over about 7 km of coastline and covers nearly 1,600 hectares, with an alternation of limestone cliffs, coves and inland reliefs reaching more than 900 m in altitude.<\/p>\n

This land has kept the same appearance for many centuries, where the green of its generous nature contrasts with the shades of blue of its waters, sometimes flown over by peregrine falcons. One can thus discover this beautiful coast on foot, encountering junipers, oaks, dwarf palms or olive trees.
The main coastal trail, more than 7 km long, links the Scopello<\/a> entrance in the south to the neighbouring one of San Vito lo Capo<\/a> in the north, passing by many pretty coves with transparent waters irresistibly inviting you to swim. By road, a long detour of nearly 55 km is needed to link these two entrances.
One can also explore the heights along several other paths, between maritime pines and maquis, where sublime panoramas and enchanting places are revealed, such as the Bosco di Scardina wood, the Borgo Cusenza hamlet, or prehistoric caves.<\/p>\n

Visiting the Zingaro and its itineraries<\/h2>\n

Download the map of the itineraries<\/a><\/p>\n

\"mappa-riserva-zingaro\"<\/a>

Map of the itineraries<\/p><\/div>\n

During the period when the reserve is closed, it is possible to discover its coast with boat excursions.
The reserve can be reached from the south of San Vito<\/a>, via a coastal road that stops at the entrance of the natural area. The other access to the park is located north of Scopello<\/a>. <\/p>\n

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There is an entrance fee: \u20ac5 for the full price, \u20ac3 for the reduced rate.
Allow at least 4 h to make the round trip along the shortest trail. It is necessary to bring good hiking shoes and water (no water points in the reserve).
The network includes three main itineraries, from the lowest to the highest: the sentiero costiero, the sentiero medio, and the sentiero alto, the latter crossing the highest and least frequented inland areas of the reserve.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

After entering from San Vito, in the north of the park, one reaches one of the most beautiful panoramas over the Gulf of Castellammare, preceding the cove of Tonnarella dell’Uzzo<\/strong>, overlooked by a small fishing museum. The tonnarella corresponds to an old tuna trap active until the 20th century, linked to the traditional exploitation of tuna. Very close by is the Museo Naturalistico della Riserva, presenting the geology, endemic fauna and flora, with particular attention paid to protected species.<\/p>\n

\"Cala<\/a>

Zingaro Reserve<\/p><\/div>\n

The path towards the Grotta dell’Uzzo, occupied in prehistoric times, passes in front of groves of dwarf palms and varied nature with orchids, almond trees, fig trees, etc. One passes by the Museo della Civilt\u00e0 Contadina which documents traditional agricultural practices, the use of terraces and the rural economy before the gradual abandonment of the site.
The Grotta dell’Uzzo<\/strong> is one of the major prehistoric sites of western Sicily: excavations have revealed a continuous occupation from the Mesolithic to the Neolithic, documenting the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agriculture.<\/p>\n

The trail from the pretty Uzzo beach<\/strong> below the cave becomes steeper, crossing limestone formations. <\/p>\n

One can choose to continue along the coast or take a fork towards the heights and the hamlet of Sughero<\/strong>, or that of Cusenza<\/strong> to the north, and still higher the mount of Monte Passo del Lupo, reaching 700 metres in altitude with very beautiful views. These hamlets preserve remains of recent agro-pastoral occupation (19th\u201320th centuries), notably sheepfolds, dry-stone shelters and rainwater collection systems.<\/p>\n

\"Cala<\/a>

Cala Capreria<\/p><\/div>\n

Continuing along the coastal path, one passes by the coves of Cala Marinella<\/strong>, then Cala Beretta<\/strong> and Cala della Disa<\/strong>, the Punta Leone<\/strong> before reaching the small Museum of manna<\/strong> at Punta Capreria Grande.
Manna, extracted from the manna ash, was a traditional economic resource: this solidified sap was used in pharmacopoeia and in food until the beginning of the 20th century.<\/p>\n

Further on, you reach Cala Capreria<\/strong>, one of the last places suitable for swimming before leaving the park on the Scopello side.
This Cala Capreria marks the geological transition towards the reliefs near Scopello and stands out for the presence of protected ornithological species, notably birds of prey nesting in the rock faces, including Bonelli’s eagle.<\/p>\n

Inland, Monte Speziale<\/strong>, the highest point of the reserve at about 913 m in altitude, offers a complete overview of the geographical organisation of the site, from the limestone ridges to the coastline.<\/p>\n

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Where is the Zingaro reserve and map<\/h2>\n
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