Overview

Natural paradise in Sicily

Coves that can only be reached on foot or by boat, clear seas, unspoilt nature and prehistoric caves. The Riserva dello Zingaro is Sicily at its wildest – the side you don’t expect, far from the busy beaches and modern comforts. This oasis of tranquillity stretches between San Vito lo Capo and Scopello, and you’re sure to fall in love with it at first sight.

The Reserve can only be explored on foot, starting from the northern entrance at San Vito or the southern entrance at Scopello. Make sure you have comfortable shoes, food and a good amount of water – there are no shops inside the reserve. Follow the five clearly signposted trekking routes to discover spectacular coves where the Mediterranean scrubland gives way to crystal-clear waters: Cala Tonnarella, Cala dell’Uzzo, Cala Marinella, Cala Beretta, Cala Disa, Cala Capreria, Cala del Varo. Shelter from the heat under the Zingaro’s iconic dwarf palms or inside the grotta dell’Uzzo – a prehistoric site inhabited since the Palaeolithic period. Take a break from swimming to visit the Reserve’s five museums dedicated to various traditional activities, from bluefin tuna fishing to palm leaf weaving.

For a different perspective, hire an inflatable boat or book a boat trip. Admiring the Reserve from the sea and swimming to its coves is an experience you will not easily forget.