ZINGARO RESERVE
7 KILOMETERS OF UNTOUCHED NATURE
Zingaro Reserve is the first Reserve established in western Sicily, being home to dwarf palms, red earth, dolomite rocks, and intensely blue sea. It is one of the few remaining untouched nature spots in Europe.
A JEWEL TO CHERISH
The Reserve was established in the early 1980s, after a public protest stopped the construction of a road meant to link San Vito lo Capo and Castellammare del Golfo.
The Zingaro Reserve is considered a treasure of Mediterranean civilization. Its caves sheltered the earliest human settlements 12,000 years ago, making it a priceless historical gem.
The landscape consists of a rocky coastline made of Mesozoic limestone, marked by bays and steep cliffs that descend into the sea.
The coastline, characterized by rock walls and charming coves, is where you'll find pebbly beaches.
When observed from the sea, these beaches appear as lighter hollows carved into the dolomitic walls. Below the waves, the seabed showcases various colors and formations.
FLORA
This Mediterranean paradise is home to six hundred plant species, providing habitat for various birds, mammals, reptiles and insects. The Dwarf Palm, despite its name, can reach up to three meters in height and is the emblem of the Reserve.
Almond, ash, olive and fig trees play a part in forming a distinctive and captivating ecosystem. Additionally, the Reserve is covered with flowers, including orchids - 25 species in total - and the Sicilian iris, which adds vibrant purple color to the coastal landscape.
FAUNA
The Bonelli's Eagle reigns in the sky and shares its habitat with magpies, kestrels, blackbirds, and goldfinches. Within the Reserve, you'll encounter a variety of wildlife, including weasels and wild rabbits, hedgehogs and foxes, grasshoppers and bats, praying mantises, lizards, and skinks.
The underwater caves of the Reserve were frequented by Mediterranean Monk Seal until 1972, but there is a hopeful anticipation for their return.
THE TRAILS
You can access the Reserve using one of the two main entrances: San Vito Lo Capo (north side) and Scopello - Castellammare del Golfo (south side).
Each entrance offers four main paths: Sentiero costiero, Percorso di mezza costa, Sentiero alto, Sentiero Italia.
THE TRAILS
The sentiero costiero:
Regardless of its starting point, it is the most accessible of all the trails. It is about 7 km long with walking time of 2 hours.
The duration of the journey may vary depending on the choice to visit the enchanting coves along the way.
The percorso di mezza costa:
Lasting about four hours, this trail offers a unique panoramic experience.
Covering a distance of 8.5 km with a medium difficulty level, it leads to the picturesque Borgo Cusenza and the relaxing Contrada Sughero.
From October to May, it is possible to enjoy the shelters, pending authorization from the Reserve.
The sentiero alto:
With its 17 km and an estimated travel time of around 7 hours, it is the most challenging trail, making it recommended exclusively for experienced hikers.
Marked by uphill paths, it offers an immersive experience into a mountainscape, traversing from north to south across peaks such as Mount Passo del Lupo (868 m), Speziale (914 m), and Scardina (680 m).
The sentiero Italia:
Extending over 14 km, this path crosses both the mountain and coastal regions of the Reserve, and is part of a route connecting the Alps to Sicily.
Accessible from Scopello or Macari, this trail offers a breathtaking view of the beauty of Sicily.
