Between sea and mountain
Continuing from the town along the coastal road on the slopes of Monte Monaco, one reaches the Zingaro Reserve, Sicily's first Oriented Nature Reserve, whose territory extends for over 7 kilometres along the coast between San Vito Lo Capo (for the most part), the northern entrance, and Scopello, Castellammare del Golfo, the southern entrance. The Zingaro consists of 1650 hectares of virtually unspoilt nature opening onto the sea with cliffs and crags interspersed with pebble coves where the sea is turquoise and crystal clear. For lovers of the sea, the Reserve is ideal both as a place for bathing and for snorkelling to explore the seabed, where underwater caves such as that of the Colombaccio open up.
The marine creeks as well as the mountain area (the highest peak is Mount Speziale, 914 metres) can only be accessed on foot: a small paradise for lovers of sporty trekking - but the walks can also be slow and relaxing - especially in autumn and spring, with routes to be chosen according to degree of difficulty. Dominating the earthy landscape of the Reserve - home to hundreds of plant species - is the dwarf palm, the protagonist of the Mediterranean scrub, which gives way to a varied prairie, perfumed with medicinal herbs, in which orchids and cornflowers bloom. Interesting also from the point of view of fauna, the Zingaro is home to indigenous species such as weasels, rabbits, foxes and about forty species of birds - among which pride of place goes to birds of prey, including the rare Bonelli's Eagle - that nest and live here.
Between sea and mountain
Continuing from the town along the coastal road on the slopes of Monte Monaco, one reaches the Zingaro Reserve, Sicily's first Oriented Nature Reserve, whose territory extends for over 7 kilometres along the coast between San Vito Lo Capo (for the most part), the northern entrance, and Scopello, Castellammare del Golfo, the southern entrance. The Zingaro consists of 1650 hectares of virtually unspoilt nature opening onto the sea with cliffs and crags interspersed with pebble coves where the sea is turquoise and crystal clear. For lovers of the sea, the Reserve is ideal both as a place for bathing and for snorkelling to explore the seabed, where underwater caves such as that of the Colombaccio open up.
Those who love speleology will also find places to explore in Riserva: from caves at the water's edge such as that of Cala dell'Uzzo, to caves in the hilly area such as the large Grotta del Sughero and the 'Zubbie' or vertical caves - to be visited only by experts - very beautiful due to the presence of 'pseudo corals', to those in the mountainous area such as that of Monte Speziale.
Do you want to visit the Reserve? Book a shuttle with driver now with the Makari Transfer service!
Fill out the form below
The marine creeks as well as the mountain area (the highest peak is Mount Speziale, 914 metres) can only be accessed on foot: a small paradise for lovers of sporty trekking - but the walks can also be slow and relaxing - especially in autumn and spring, with routes to be chosen according to degree of difficulty. Dominating the earthy landscape of the Reserve - home to hundreds of plant species - is the dwarf palm, the protagonist of the Mediterranean scrub, which gives way to a varied prairie, perfumed with medicinal herbs, in which orchids and cornflowers bloom. Interesting also from the point of view of fauna, the Zingaro is home to indigenous species such as weasels, rabbits, foxes and about forty species of birds - among which pride of place goes to birds of prey, including the rare Bonelli's Eagle - that nest and live here.
Those who love speleology will also find places to explore in Riserva: from caves at the water's edge such as that of Cala dell'Uzzo, to caves in the hilly area such as the large Grotta del Sughero and the 'Zubbie' or vertical caves - to be visited only by experts - very beautiful due to the presence of 'pseudo corals', to those in the mountainous area such as that of Monte Speziale.
Do you want to visit the Reserve? Book a shuttle with driver now with the Makari Transfer service!
Fill out the form below
