The Zingaro nature reserve

Zingaro Nature Reserve is the stock symbol of Sicily, it was the first nature reserve to be established in Sicily in 1981, and since then it has opened the debate on environmental protection. It is an area of one thousand seven hundred hectares, between Castellammare del Golfo and San Vito Lo Capo, and initially this area had to be put to another purpose, like the opening of a road that it would easily connected the two centers. It would be the end of everything that now the reserve offers: the beautiful coastlines, the faunal diversity (39 species of nesting birds), the rich flora with over 700 plants surveyed, the countless caves that adorn the striking cliffs, archaeological evidence and historical, the unpolluted waters. Zingaro Nature Reserve is one of the most frequented sites in Sicily. Over 200 thousand tourists annually visit this “earthly paradise.” There are two official entrances: one from Scopello (Castellammare del Golfo side) and one from San Vito Lo Capo. Either we must abandon any means and walk along the paths proposed by the managing body. The symbol of the reserve is the dwarf palm, which here reaches tree size. This area protected in every season offers different landscape aspects, but the main attraction of the reserve is the coastal strip. From Scopello, the coastal route allows to reach Cala Capreria, Cala della Disa, Cala Berretta, Cala dell’Uzzo Tower and Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo then to exit in the side of San Vito Lo Capo. The journey takes about two hours. In the summer, the trails are especially crowded, but efforts are rewarded by the unique scenery in the world, and then with a swim off will notice and appreciate the magnificent bottom rich in fauna and flora. But the Zingaro reserve is not only sea. The managing body has made great efforts in recent years in proposing alternative paths in seasons that we are not the summer. A route that is worth doing is to average coast, about three hours of walking. The route is characterized by caves and houses, winds up to cork cave consists of three large rooms with limestone formations. There is another route, parallel to the coastline, which takes place all upward, from the visitor center to Corvo lace. It covers about five hours. Also from the visitor center in about six hours it is possible to reach the forest Scardina. It is one of the most fascinating as it is scenic and winds through the dwarf palms and fragrant brooms there are still several paths, marked by forest, varying in length and difficulty, but all very beautiful and scenic. The Gypsy also have a museum, a visitor center, a few eateries, where you can enjoy a little ‘shadow.