It was supposed to become a coastal road, but instead the Zingaro Nature Reserve is today one of Italy’s most famous trekking destinations.
Within this nature reserve, nestled between the Gulf of Castellammare and San Vito Lo Capo, sea and mountains meet to create a landscape of stark and rare beauty that is a true paradise for walking enthusiasts.
Thanks to its enchanting coves, washed by crystal-clear waters in a thousand shades of blue, green and turquoise, Zingaro attracts tourists who prefer a dip in the sea to a mountain climb.
A walk through the Zingaro Reserve is an unforgettable journey of nature and history, featuring dramatic sea cliffs, intimate beaches, white and red rocks, wild olive, almond and carob trees, and dwarf palms, as well as an ancient rural settlement, restored farmhouses, stony paths, rock amphitheatres, archaeological finds and traces of rural life.
Put on comfortable shoes and set off to collect a wealth of memories; when the heat becomes unbearable, head down to the nearest cove and plunge into pristine waters.
Trekking is naturally the main activity within the Zingaro nature reserve, which can only be visited on foot, though you can also come here for a day of seaside relaxation.
The waters surrounding the reserve are a true paradise for divers, thanks to surprisingly beautiful seabeds and numerous underwater caves.
Birdwatching enthusiasts will also have plenty to enjoy within the reserve, which is home to or hosts over 40 different bird species, including some rare or endangered ones: the protection of Bonelli’s eagle was one of the reasons that led to the establishment of the nature reserve.
It’s not uncommon to spot the peregrine falcon, the Sicilian rock partridge, the kestrel, the raven, the bunting, while at night tawny owls and barn owls emerge.
During your visit to the park, you’ll come across three museums in this order as you walk along the coast from south to north:
If you’re feeling lazy and want nothing more than to admire the view, bring what you need for a picnic and settle in one of the equipped areas. Another idea is to admire the beauty of the reserve from the sea by taking a boat trip departing from San Vito lo Capo.
Numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty and duration wind through the Zingaro Reserve: some follow the coast, while others, equally spectacular, climb up into the reserve’s mountains.
There are three classic routes. The Main Trail is the coastal path that takes you through the entire reserve from the Scopello entrance to the San Vito Lo Capo entrance: at 7 km long, it’s classified as “hiking” and is therefore suitable for everyone.
This is the trail chosen by the majority of tourists, the least demanding and perhaps the most spectacular: a coastal walk that will take you past charming spots such as Punta Capreria, Cala del Varo, Marinella and Torre dell’Uzzo.
The so-called Second Trail zigzags across the territory and is a fantastic mix of coast and peaks: it’s 6 km long but more challenging than the main trail.
The third classic route, known as the Third Trail or Zingaro Alto, crosses the entire reserve through the inland mountains for a total of 14 km, also passing Monte Speziale, the reserve’s highest peak (912 metres): it’s recommended only for experienced hikers.
The marked trails have numerous branches: with a map you can create a custom itinerary suited to your wishes and fitness level.
Cala Tonnerella dell'Uzzo4 is the first cove you encounter when entering the Zingaro reserve from the northern entrance: it’s the most easily accessible, the largest and consequently the busiest.
Venturing further you’ll find less crowded coves and beaches: Cala Torre dell'Uzzo5, Cala Marinella6, Cala Berretta7, Cala della Disa8. The last beach before reaching Scopello, or the first if you enter from the southern entrance, is Cala Capreria9.
They’re all stunning beaches – choosing where to stop depends entirely on how much you feel like walking!
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
As it’s a protected natural area, there are no hotel facilities within the Zingaro Reserve.
From October to May it’s possible, upon prior request, to stay in one of the refuges located within the reserve along Contrada Sughero. Don’t expect luxury and comfort: they’re rather spartan shelters, but definitely appealing if you have a bit of a spirit of adventure.
The nature reserve is easily accessible by car, so if you’re coming in summer or the idea of sleeping in a shelter doesn’t appeal to you, you can find a hotel or B&B in Scopello, San Vito lo Capo or nearby tourist resorts, or stay in Palermo and make a day trip.
Reaching the Zingaro Reserve by public transport is virtually impossible. Much easier is to drive: take the A29 motorway towards Mazara del Vallo and exit at Castellammare del Golfo, then take the SS187 towards Trapani until you reach Scopello.
Follow the signs for Tonnara di Scopello and after a few kilometres you’ll find the reserve’s car park.
The Zingaro Nature Reserve is located in north-western Sicily, between the villages of San Vito Lo Capo and Scopello.
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