Established in May 1981, the Zingaro reserve – after the signing of a pact by thousands of citizens and the government in a bid to preserve nature – came into existence in between the lovely little village of Scopello (to the east) and San Vito Lo Capo (to the west) in Sicily, one of the largest Mediterranean islands. The Zingaro reserve; a 7km stretch belonging to the rugged picturesque north-western coastline of the Gulf of Castellammare, is a peaceful location with no roads, cars or noise.
Home to over 650 species of rare and indigenous plants, trees and shrubs, rich fauna and about 50 different species of birds (mostly birds of prey such as the Peregrine falcons, eagles, kestrels and buzzards) who also mate there. Zingaro as it is commonly called is a greatly diverse natural wonder with a humid micro-climate considered as a location of interest and relaxation.
The reserve has two entrances; the most popular being the coast road just after Scopello and the less crowded north entrance close to San Vito Lo Capo. With any of its steep connected walking paths, you can explore the reserve from different ends in about 2 hours and experience breathtaking beauty. While the coastal path is the most active, the mid-coast and high paths are easier to navigate with less crowds.
Home to small communities of farmers, the reserve has a history of smugglers hiding in its caves and an even richer archaeological past: Grotta dell’Uzzo, one of the first prehistoric settlements. In the spring, the grasses are littered with lovely wild flowers one of which is the Limonium Flagellare, a rare species of sea lavender.
The first protected area and one of the most spectacular locations in all of Sicily, Zingaro has an abundance of grottoes, caves, hiking trails and white pebbled with crystal clear beaches ranging from turquoise to azure to even cobalt blue in color. It attracts bathers, tourists, hikers and ornithologists who study the verse bird population and many others. Nature’s magic is indeed present throughout the reserve.
Riserva Dello Zingaro is an amazing location you most certainly want to visit if you happen to be in Sicily.
It is open to the general public every day from 7am to 7:30pm.
Entrance fee of €5.
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