Zingaro Nature Reserve

The Zingaro is one of the finest coastal walking destinations in Sicily — a seven-kilometre stretch of undeveloped coast between San Vito Lo Capo and Scopello, protected since 1981. The main trail runs along the cliffs above a series of small coves with clear water, accessible by scrambling down side paths. The water in the coves is among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean: translucent green over white rock, royal blue in the depths.

The reserve is home to a large colony of Bonelli's eagles and numerous other raptors, as well as rare coastal plants. The northern entrance is about 11 km south of San Vito Lo Capo by road. Carry water — the trail offers no facilities for most of its length, and the coastal section in full sun is hot in summer. Most walkers do the route one way and arrange transport back.

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A story
The Zingaro was Sicily's first nature reserve, established in 1981 after local residents physically blocked a road construction project that would have destroyed the coastline. The protesters were unarmed, but they stood in front of the bulldozers and refused to move. The road was never built.

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