Zingaro Natural Reserve in the north-west of Sicily

Visit Zingaro Natural Reserve

The Natural Reserve of Zingaro was created in 1981 and covers more that 1600 hectares. It is situated to the north-west of Sicily and north of Scopello, from where the southern end of the reserve is accessed.

It is one of the most attractive and unspoiled regions of the island, and contains a great deal of attractive scenery, much along the coast. It is a very popular place for walking and for discovering quiet, attractive beaches.

Explore Zingaro Natural Reserve

Sicily Visitor comment: Extending several kilometres along the coast, the small beaches are interspersed with impressive rocky outcrops and backed by low mountains, while small rocky islets in the sea add to the beauty.

The entrance to the Zingaro Natural Reserve is about one kilometer from Scopello in the south and the north entrance is about twelve kilometers south of San Vito lo Capo. Between the two is a beautiful coastal path about nine kilometers long. The Zingaro Reserve is pedestrian only and so your exploration will be on foot.

Along the walk there are a few short diversions down to the various beaches that you can take if you wish and there are also a number of small natural museums that you can visit along the way.

There are several beaches within the reserve. Most people only walk as far as the first, at Punta della Capreria, and the others further north are much quieter so the extra effort is recommended.

As well as the main coastal walk there are various other walks that you can do that take you more into the heart of the reserve and away from the majority of visitors. These are all well signposted and several lead to caves.

The reserve is a treasure trove for plant and wildlife enthusiasts and walkers will see many species of plant and birdlife not commonly found elsewhere, all set in lovely scenery. There are a number of water points and toilets throughout the reserve.

Along the coast in the Zingaro Natural reserve you will also see various old houses and workshops, now abandoned - these remain from the days when the coast here was active in the local tuna fishing industry and from small scale farming enterprises.

Be sure to wear sturdy shoes to walk the Zingaro trails and bring water.

Where to visit nearby?

Scopello to the south is an attractive coastal visit and not far away is Castellammare del Golfo which is becoming popular as a seaside destination. To the north San Vito lo Capo is a popular seaside town that has built up around its large sandy beach.

The large and impressive Segesta temple dating from the 4th century BC is a small distance inland of the Zingaro Natural Reserve as is the pretty hilltop village of Erice which is classified as one of the most beautiful villages of Italy.

You can find more local travel ideas in the West Sicily guide,