ZINGARO RESERVE

This nature reserve of 1,700 hectares extends over 7 km of coastline. It was one of the most intact environments in the Mediterranean until it burned almost entirely in 2020, with nearly 1,400 hectares going up in smoke. It has since risen from the ashes and is home to a dozen species of birds, including the peregrine falcon, the buzzard and the kestrel. The dwarf palm tree grows on the slopes of the garrigue hills, as do the olive trees, the caraboutiers, the euphorbias... The cave of Uzzo, located in the center of the reserve, testifies to the passage of prehistoric men in this area.

Transportation. You can reach the entrance of the reserve by car from San Vito Lo Capo or from Scopello. It's about 11 km from San Vito to the park entrance near the beach of Cala dell'Uzzo. From Scopello, there is direct access on foot from the village, only 2 km from the center. Half-day or full-day boat trips are available from San Vito or Scopello. They go from beach to beach according to a program and determined times. In general, departure around 9:30 am and return around 3 pm.

Visit. You can only get there on foot or by boat from the coast. It is necessary to walk along the small paths of this unique reserve in Sicily, admiring the hillsides that form an infinite number of small coves where you can swim. The most beautiful beach is Cala dell'Uzzo. Three different itineraries are proposed.

The coastal path (2 hours each way, 7 km, easy). It goes through (starting from Scopello) Punta Capreria - Cala del Varo - C. da Zingaro - Contrada Marinella - Torre dell'Uzzo - Tonnarella dell'Uzzo. You can refill your water bottles at Cala del Varo in summer and at the Civiltà Contadina museum all year round.

The halfway path (7,5 km, 3 hours, medium) starts from the north access of San Vito. Tonnarella dell'Uzzo - Torre dell'Uzzo - Contrada Marinella - C.da Sughero - Borgo Cusenza - Canalone Grotte Mastro - Peppe Sino - Casa Forestale.

The ridgepath . (8 km of loop, 4 hours, difficult). Departure from Scopello, arrival at Casa Forestale. Pizzo del Corvo - C. da Sughero - Borgo Cusenza - Canalone Grotto Mastro Peppe Sino - Casa Forestale.

Nights in refuge. It is possible to sleep in lodgings in the reserve, only along the path at mid-height. They are very basic, very simple dormitories. For this, you have to book via an online form on the reserve's website.