Zingaro Nature Reserve (Italian: Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro) protects a 7-kilometre stretch of unspoiled Tyrrhenian coastline on Sicily’s northwestern tip, between Scopello and San Vito lo Capo. Set along the eastern flank of the Capo San Vito peninsula, it was the first nature reserve established in Sicily.

Covering 1,620 hectares of limestone cliffs, Mediterranean vegetation, and secluded coves, Zingaro offers a striking coastal landscape that remains untouched by roads or modern development. Visitors explore the area entirely on foot via a network of scenic trails linking beaches, caves, traditional shelters, and small museums.

• Established: 1981, following local opposition to coastal road development
• Location: Between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo, northwest Sicily
• Size: ~1,620 hectares
• Ecology: Over 650 plant species and 40 nesting bird species; home to Bonelli’s eagle
• Protection: Natura 2000 site and Special Protection Area (SPA)
• Features: Coastal paths, pebbly coves, caves, restored rural buildings, and nature centers

Terrain

[edit]

The landscape blends steep limestone ridges, narrow coves, and terraced hillsides shaped by centuries of subsistence farming. Footpaths lead visitors through varied elevations, connecting beaches, archaeological sites, and mountain lookouts.

'"`UNIQ--maplink-00000001-QINU`"'

Map of Zingaro Nature Reserve

• 38.1252312.788391 Northern Entrance — Entry point near San Vito lo Capo, offering access to remote beaches and longer hiking routes. Parking available nearby.
• 38.1203412.788522 Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo — The reserve’s most popular beach, easily reached from the southern entrance. Ideal for swimming, with crystal-clear water and a pebbly shore backed by cliffs.
• 38.11112.78933 Cala dell’Uzzo — One of the most scenic and accessible beaches in the reserve, known for clear turquoise water and dramatic cliffs. Near the Grotta dell’Uzzo archaeological site.
• 38.1059112.794234 Cala Marinella — A small, secluded cove reached via a 2.8 km hike from the northern entrance; known for its rocky shoreline, crystal-clear turquoise water, and tranquil setting.
• 38.1011212.796985 Cala Berretta — A small, secluded pebble beach roughly 2.3 km (30–35 min hike) from the southern entrance, with clear turquoise water and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
• 38.0993212.798566 Cala della Disa — A quiet, pebbly cove accessible by a 2.2 km hike from the southern entrance. Known for its clear turquoise water and secluded atmosphere, with excellent snorkeling in a peaceful setting.
• 38.0958612.803157 Cala del Varo — A secluded sandy–pebble cove within the reserve, accessible via a 1.4 km hike from the southern entrance. Noted for its clear turquoise water, peaceful atmosphere, and dramatic cliffside setting.
• 38.0882912.806278 Cala Capreria — A scenic pebble beach just 450 m (≈7 min walk) from the southern entrance. Known for crystal-clear turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and excellent snorkeling; no facilities on-site, so bring refreshments and sturdy shoes.
• 38.0826612.811029 Southern Entrance — Main access point near Scopello, with parking, ticket office, and information panels. Closest entrance to popular beaches like Cala Capreria and Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo.
• 38.1065512.7681110 Monte Speziale — The highest point in the Zingaro range at approximately 913 m, offering panoramic views of both Gulf of Castellammare and Capo San Vito; part of the Limestone ridge of the Trapani Mountains.
• 38.111212.789411 Grotta dell’Uzzo — Important prehistoric cave with evidence of Paleolithic and Neolithic habitation. Located near Cala dell’Uzzo.

Zingaro Nature Reserve is a popular day trip from Scopello, San Vito lo Capo, or Castellammare del Golfo. It stretches between the eastern edge of the Capo San Vito peninsula and the Gulf of Castellammare, and is easily accessed by car or guided tour.

Access and booking

[edit]

Visitors can enter the reserve from two official entrances:

• Southern Entrance — near Scopello (closest to Cala Capreria and Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo)
• Northern Entrance — near San Vito lo Capo (ideal for accessing more remote coves like Cala Marinella)

The reserve is open year-round during daylight hours. Entry requires a small admission fee (typically around €5–7) and is payable on-site at either entrance.

For educational visits or guided tours (particularly school groups), booking is required in advance. A request form is available online and must be submitted via email or fax.

• Website: Official Zingaro Reserve site
• Contact:
  • 📧 [email protected]
  • ☎ +39 0924 35108
• Book a visit or guide

Downloadable brochures and a detailed map of the trail network are available via the official website. Note if there are entry fees (typically €5) and hours (usually sunrise to sunset, with variation by season).

Zingaro’s main attractions lie along its coastal trails, where visitors can discover small museums, restored rural buildings, archaeological sites, and panoramic viewpoints. Most are accessible only on foot and spread between the northern and southern entrances.

• 38.1168212.77191 Borgo Cusenza. Historic rural hamlet once known as “Bagghiu di l’Acci” (mentioned by Cordici, 1586–1666) and famed for its sweet grazing cattle and deep cave drippings. Cultivated crops included wheat, oats, clover, vines, palmet, and Ampelodesma; orchards yielded mulberry, fig, pear, and more. Traditional water features include a 1696 trough, mule well (“chianu puzzu”), and the communal fountain along the Acci canal. 
• 38.104512.7892 Museum of Weaving (Museo dell’Intreccio). Showcases traditional weaving of local plant fibres—palmetto, Ampelodesma, reed—by master artisans demonstrating historic basket and mat crafts. 
• 38.124812.7873 Museum of Marine Activities (Museo delle Attività Marinare). Housed in a former tuna-processing site, it displays tools, nets, and archival materials related to traditional fishing along the Tyrrhenian coast. 
• 38.11112.78974 Museum of Rural Civilisation (Museo della Civiltà Contadina). Features agricultural tools, weaving implements, and reconstructions of peasant life, focusing on the historical grain cycle. 
• 38.082512.8065 Naturalistic Museum (Museo Naturalistico). Small interpretive centre with exhibits on the reserve’s flora, fauna, and ecosystems—ideal as an introduction before hiking. 

Zingaro is best experienced on foot, with several marked trails of varying length and difficulty. All routes require good footwear and plenty of water (note: wells and troughs inside the reserve are not drinkable). Trail maps are available at the entrances or online.

• Coastal Trail (Sentiero Costiero) – The reserve’s main and most popular path runs 7 km along the coast from the southern entrance near Scopello to the northern entrance near San Vito Lo Capo. It passes Cala Capreria, Cala del Varo, Cala della Disa, Cala Berretta, Cala Marinella, and ends at Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo and the Grotta dell’Uzzo. Approx. 2 hrs one way.
• Central Trail (Sentiero di Mezza Costa) – This mid-elevation route connects Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo with Casa Forestale via Borgo Cusenza, Grotta Mastro Peppe Sino, and Contrada Sughero. It’s a scenic 7.5 km trail through rolling hills and agricultural terraces. Approx. 3 hrs.
• High Trail (Sentiero Alto) – An 8 km trail beginning behind the visitor centre at the southern entrance and rising toward Pizzo del Corvo. It continues through Sughero, Borgo Cusenza, and Grotta Mastro Peppe Sino before ending at Casa Forestale. Approx. 4 hrs.
• Passo del Lupo Trail – The most demanding trail in the reserve, this 13 km route begins at the northern entrance and climbs via Monte Passo del Lupo and Monte Speziale (the reserve’s highest peak at 913 m), passing through Sughero and ending near Contrada Marinella. Approx. 7–8 hrs.
• Scardina Forest Path (Sentiero Bosco Scardina) – A loop trail beginning behind the visitor centre at the southern entrance. It winds through forested hills, Pianello, Borgo Cusenza, and Sughero before descending via Contrada Marinella to rejoin the coastal path back to the entrance. Moderate difficulty.

There are no food vendors or restaurants inside the reserve, so visitors should bring their own meals, snacks, and plenty of water. Picnic spots are available near some beaches and shelters, but all rubbish must be carried out—there are no bins in the reserve. Be sure to pack reusable containers or bags, and avoid leaving food waste behind. The nearest places to eat are in Scopello and San Vito lo Capo, just outside the two main entrances.

There are no hotels, guesthouses, or formal campsites inside the reserve. However, basic stone shelters are available for overnight stays between October and May, by request.

• Shelters (Rifugi) in Contrada Sughero – Located along the mid-elevation trail, roughly 2 hours from either entrance. Camping here is permitted only with advance authorisation from the reserve management. Shelters are primitive: no toilets, beds, electricity, drinking water, or heating. A €10 fee per person per night (including entry) is payable when collecting keys. Keys must be collected and returned at the same entrance.

For most visitors, it’s more convenient to stay outside the reserve in:

• Scopello – Closest to the southern entrance; offers agriturismi and small hotels.
• San Vito lo Capo – Best for access to the northern entrance; wide range of accommodations.

Zingaro is wild and beautiful, but basic precautions are essential—especially in summer.

• Heat – The sun can be intense, particularly from June to September. Carry plenty of water (at least 2 L per person), wear a hat, and avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.
• Sun exposure – There is little to no shade along the trails or beaches. Sunscreen and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing are recommended.
• Footing – Paths can be uneven, rocky, and steep in places. Sturdy footwear is strongly advised.
• Swimming – Beaches are unmonitored, often with pebbly or rocky entrances. Swim only if confident in open water, and watch for sudden depth changes or currents.
• No phone signal – Mobile coverage is limited or nonexistent in parts of the reserve—don't rely on it for navigation or emergencies.

Zingaro forms part of a network of protected areas across western Sicily. Other nearby reserves worth visiting include:

• Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco – Coastal wetlands and working saltpans south of Trapani, home to flamingos, traditional windmills, and a salt museum.
• Stagnone Lagoon and Islands Nature Reserve – A shallow lagoon near Marsala known for its windmills, kite-surfing, and the ancient island of Mozia.