HIKING AND SWIMMING IN THE BEAUTIFUL ZINGARO NATURAL RESERVE
Another must-see site in western Sicily is the Zingaro Natural Reserve. We recommend it because it combines activity and relaxation.
Active, as it involves following the various hiking trails in the park.
But also relaxation because you can stop anytime at numerous empty beaches in colors of green, sandy and turquoise.
We would say that this trip is something between climbing Monte Cofano and sunbathing on the beach of San Vito Lo Capo.
KEY POINTS ABOUT VISITING ZINGARO:
Half-day trip
Budget – basically none
Better to avoid it during very hot days. There are small coves to cool off, but there’s still a fair amount of walking.
A trip to Zingaro can easily be combined with San Vito Lo Capo, Erice or Poggioreale.
Most visitors reach either the northern or southern entrance by car, where parking is easily available.
However, it’s also possible to join an organized boat tour to the Zingaro Reserve, departing from San Vito Lo Capo or Castellammare del Golfo. This option allows you to stop and snorkel in spots that are otherwise inaccessible. In that case, however, there is no hiking through the reserve.
There are three main trails:
– the coastal trail (green), the lowest one, is about 7 km long (one way),
– the mid-level trail (orange) is about 8.5 km,
– the high trail (brown) is a longer trekking route of around 17 km.
The trails are interconnected at various points, which allows you to vary your hike in terms of elevation and create different loop options, instead of walking back the same way
→ You can’t buy water or food inside the reserve, so make sure to bring your own snacks and drinks.
→ Entrance costs 5 euros.
→ A small heads-up: we’ve heard more than once that rangers sometimes refuse entry to visitors wearing inappropriate footwear. Obviously, flip-flops or sandals aren’t trekking shoes, but we just point out that this could be an issue.
→ Dogs are not allowed in the reserve. There is an option to leave your dog in a cage at the entrance, but considering the heat and the time you’ll likely spend hiking, it’s much better to leave your pet at home or with someone.
A FEW FACTS ABOUT THE ZINGARO NATURE RESERVE
Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro (official website) was the very first officially established nature reserve in Sicily. It was created in 1981, following strong public environmental protests that successfully stopped the construction of a coastal road between Castellammare del Golfo and San Vito Lo Capo.
Today, Zingaro is considered a symbol of effective nature protection on the island.
The reserve stretches along about 7 km of coastline, and its highest point reaches around 914 meters above sea level (Monte Speziale). There are no roads and no car traffic inside — the only way to explore Zingaro is on foot. It’s also one of the very few places in Sicily where the coastline has remained completely untouched by development.
The landscape is a mix of steep limestone and dolomite cliffs, small coves with rocky beaches, and classic Mediterranean vegetation (maquis). Along the trails you’ll find caves — some with prehistoric traces of human presence — as well as old shepherd shelters and a small ethnographic museum display.
The reserve is home to around 650 plant species, including many rare and endemic ones. You’ll find dwarf fan palms (Chamaerops humilis), olive and carob trees, typical maquis shrubs like thyme, broom and euphorbia, and even remnants of ancient cork oak forests. Botanically speaking, Zingaro is considered one of the most valuable natural areas in Sicily.
As for wildlife, there are around 40 species of nesting birds (including peregrine falcons, kestrels and buzzards), numerous insects such as butterflies and beetles, as well as bats, small mammals and reptiles.
SCOPELLO – A CHARMING LITTLE TOWN AT THE ENTRANCE TO ZINGARO
Scopello is also a lovely place to stop by. It’s a small, picturesque town where you can slow down for a spritz and taste some local sweets. Just keep in mind that in peak season — especially in August — it gets very busy and touristy.
Scopello is also known for its private beach, La Tonnara. The entrance fee is just a few euros, and the setting looks like something straight off a postcard. There’s a small tuna museum and a short walking path leading to ruins on the rocks. Snorkeling between the steep cliffs is great too. Just don’t expect a sandy beach — it’s all rocks and clear water.
Distance from spot: 65 km
Travel time: 50 min.