Welcome, fellow backpackers, to the mesmerizing Zingaro Nature Reserve in Sicily! Nestled along the stunning coastline, this hidden gem offers a paradise of exceptional beaches, crystalline waters, and captivating mountain trails. Whether you’re a nature lover, beach enthusiast, or avid hiker, Zingaro has it all. Join us as we embark on an unforgettable journey through this enchanting Sicilian destination.
What is the Zingaro Nature Reserve?
The Zingaro Nature Reserve – or Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro in Italian – is a pristine stretch of protected land located on the northwest coast of Sicily, Italy, between the towns of Scopello (south) and San Vito Lo Capo (north). Spanning over 7 kilometers, this coastal reserve showcases untouched beauty, boasting a rich variety of flora and fauna.
As you delve into the heart of the reserve, you’ll be greeted by rugged cliffs towering above azure blue bays, while hidden coves and idyllic sandy shores invite you to relax and soak up the sun. Zingaro is a haven for wildlife, with numerous species of birds, reptiles, and mammals calling this natural paradise their home. It’s a sanctuary where nature thrives and visitors can reconnect with the environment.
Understanding the Zingaro Nature Reserve
Trying to understand the whole Reserve can be quite overwhelming at first, so we broke everything down to make it easier for you:
- ENTRANCES: There are 2 entrances to the Zingaro Nature Reserve, one to the north and one on the south.
- BEACHES: There is a total of 6 beaches along the coast of the Zingaro Nature Reserve, all of which can be accessed by the lower trail. All of them are listed and explained into details below.
- TRAILS: There are 3 main trails in the Zingaro Nature Reserve: lower, middle and higher trail. The vast majority of the visitors will only ever do the lower trail, which is the one which connects the beaches, and that is also the only one we will discuss on this post. If you’re visiting off season and you’re interested in checking out the other trails, here are some brief information about them:
| Length | Difficulty | |
| Lower Trail (Sentiero Costiero) | 7 km | Easy |
| Middle Trail (Sentiero di Mezza Costa) | 7.5 km | Moderate |
| Higher Trail (Sentiero Alto) | 13 km | Difficult |
Where is it?
This pristine sanctuary is situated in the province of Trapani, approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Palermo, the bustling capital city of Sicily. It is nestled between the charming coastal towns of San Vito Lo Capo and Scopello, and it stretches across an area of 1,600 hectares.
NORTH ENTRANCE
This entrance is accessible via San Vito Lo Capo, and it is about 12km from the town’s centre. Parking is allowed along the road.
SOUTH ENTRANCE
This entrance is about 12 km from the town of Castellammare del Golfo, and just 1km from the town of Scopello.
How to get there?
Getting to Zingaro Nature Reserve is relatively straightforward. Here are all the options available:
🚗 By car:
Driving your own car to the reserve is the easiest way to reach the Zingaro Nature Reserve. The southern entrance near Scopello is generally the busiest, so it’s good to arrive early as the parking spots are limited. The northern side sees moderately less tourists, but it’s also recommended to go early if you’re visiting during peak season.
🚌 By public transportation:
The only entrance available is the southern one. Reach the town of Castellammare del Golfo and then take the local bus to Scopello, from where you can walk straight to the entrance. Alternatively, if you don’t have your own car, you can still visit the Nature Reserve by boat, either renting one or joining one of the many tours offered in the nearby town of San Vito Lo Capo.
✈️ By plane:
If you’re arriving by air, the closest airport is Palermo Airport, which offers domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can rent a car, providing you with the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. The drive from Palermo to Zingaro takes approximately one hour, and along the way, you’ll be treated to scenic coastal views.
Parking at Zingaro Nature Reserve
South Entrance: The main parking lot located next to the Reserve’s entrance offers free parking. However, it’s important to note that this parking lot tends to be quite busy, especially during peak season, and spaces fill up quickly. Once the lot reaches its capacity, the only alternative nearby is a paid parking area, with a daily rate of approximately 8€ in 2023.
North Entrance: Parking at the North Entrance is free, and you can conveniently park your car on the left side of the road. It’s important to remember that parking on the opposite side of the road is strictly prohibited.
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee for the Zingaro Nature Reserve is 5€ per person. You can buy tickets at both entrances and there is no need to book it in advance. It is possible to pay by card, but it’s wise to bring cash just in case.
Here are some exceptions to the full fee:
- Reduced ticket: children up to 14 years – 3€
- Special ticket: school groups, groups of students attending training courses – 1€
- Free ticket: Italian citizens over 65, children of all nations under the age of 10, active law enforcement officers
Opening Times
The Zingaro Nature Reserve has different opening times depending on the season:
- Summer Season: from 7:00AM to 7:30PM
- Winter Season: from 8:00AM to 4:00PM
Is it possible to access the Zingaro Nature Reserve outside of its designated opening hours? While it is generally not permitted, it is worth noting that one can discreetly bypass the entrance gate when unattended. This is good news for those interested in watching sunrise at one of the beaches, and you can always pay your tickets later!
List of beaches (from South to North)
As you explore Zingaro Nature Reserve, get ready to be mesmerized by its breathtaking beaches. Here’s a detailed list of all of the beaches in the Reserve, starting from the southernmost point and moving northward:
Cala Capreria: With its golden sands embraced by towering cliffs, Cala Capreria is a picturesque beach that beckons sun-seekers and nature photographers alike. Bask in the warm Sicilian sun and relish the panoramic views of the coastline.
This beach is located 0.9km from the Southern Entrance and 5.8km from the Northern Entrance.
Cala della Disa: Tucked away amidst lush vegetation, Cala della Disa offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling world. The pristine waters and vibrant marine life make it a prime location for snorkeling and exploring the underwater wonders of the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Cala della Disa is about 2.6km from the Southern Entrance and 3.6km from the Northern Entrance.
Cala Berretta: As you reach the northernmost point of the reserve, you’ll encounter Cala Berretta, a charming pebble beach. Enjoy panoramic views of the rugged coastline and embrace the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds you. This tiny beach is located just next to Cala della Disa. Due to its small dimensions, the beach gets full pretty quickly, but it also remains one of the most quiet during high season.
Cala Marinella: This is the best spot in the Zingaro Nature Reserve for cliff jumping! The (tiny!) beach is located inside a small cove, which is only accessible by the sea after a short swim. It is the only spot listed here without an actual stretch of beach reachable by foot, but in our opinion it is also the most unique. People can decide whether to enter the water gently or to jump right in, and the water is incredibly clear. Cala Marinella is about 3.5km from the Southern Entrance and 2.8km from the Northern Entrance.
Cala dell’Uzzo: Renowned for its striking turquoise waters and small white pebble, Cala dell’Uzzo is amongst the most beautiful beaches in the Reserve. It is the perfect spot to snorkel and relax. The beach is easy to access, and it gets quite busy during peak season. Cala dell’Uzzo is about 4.5km from the Southern Entrance and 1.8km from the Northern one.
Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo: As you reach the northernmost point of the reserve, you’ll encounter Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo, a charming pebble beach with clear waters. Many visitors often mistakenly assume that Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo and Cala dell’Uzzo are the same beach due to their similar names. However, it is important to clarify that these two stunning coastal spots offer distinct experiences and characteristics that set them apart.. Enjoy panoramic views of the rugged coastline and embrace the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds you, but be quick! This is the closest beach to the Northern Entrance and it gets crowded pretty soon during the day.
From the Southern Entrance, Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo is about 5.5km away, while it is just 0,7km from the Northern Entrance.
What’s more to see at Zingaro?
In addition to its breathtaking beaches, the Zingaro Nature Reserve offers a treasure trove of attractions that make it a must-visit destination. One of the notable highlights is the presence of three captivating caves nestled within the reserve. While one of these caves can be conveniently accessed from the coastal trail, the other two require a slight detour to reach, adding an element of adventure to your journey.
The reserve is not only a haven for beach enthusiasts but also a paradise for nature lovers. As you explore the upper trails, particularly during the spring and autumn seasons, you’ll encounter a vibrant tapestry of plants, including delicate orchids and an array of other colorful flowers. These floral wonders attract numerous visitors, adding a touch of natural beauty to your hiking experience.
Immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of the Zingaro Nature Reserve, where stunning beaches and an enchanting display of flora and fauna await your discovery.
Our experience at the Zingaro Nature Reserve
We had the incredible opportunity to explore the captivating Zingaro Nature Reserve in August 2023, and we made a conscious decision to split our visit into two separate days. After all, why rush through such a spectacular place when we knew we wouldn’t normally visit six different beaches in a single day?
THE NORTHERN PART: On our first day, we entered the reserve through the northern entrance and set out to discover the three magnificent northern beaches. Our journey began bright and early at 8 AM, just after obtaining our tickets from the office. Our first stop was Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo, a beach that already looked stunning from our vantage point. However, we decided to keep moving and explore the other beaches before settling down.
After just a few minutes of walking, we stumbled upon the breathtaking Cala dell’Uzzo. Its sheer beauty was simply outstanding, with crystal-clear waters beckoning us to dive in. Tempting as it was, we decided to proceed to Cala Marinella first, to avoid walking both ways under the scorching sun. The journey to the third beach took us approximately 45 minutes, and while the terrain was mostly flat, there were a few gentle slopes along the way.
The hike itself wasn’t particularly challenging, but we highly recommend wearing suitable footwear, such as trainers, and taking breaks to escape the heat, especially if you’re visiting during the hot summer months of July and August.
We spent around an hour at Cala Marinella, which proved to be a delightful experience. The place, although not extensive, offered a sense of tranquility. However, it fills up rapidly, so it’s important to arrive early to secure a spot.
By 11:30 AM, we found ourselves back at Cala dell’Uzzo, and to our surprise, the atmosphere had transformed completely. The beach was now bustling with visitors, yet we managed to find a small spot to lay our towels and relish the crystal-clear waters of Zingaro. However, as the clock struck 1 PM, the sun’s intensity became overwhelming, and seeking shade became a top priority. Reluctantly, we bid farewell to this enchanting beach, as most people were desperately seeking respite from the scorching rays.
THE SOUTHERN PART: Eager to continue our exploration, we reserved the second day for the southern part of the reserve. With an ambitious plan to witness the sunrise on the beach, we set our alarms even earlier. Arriving at the entrance before opening time at 6:40 AM, we were surprised to find a guardian already present, instructing us to wait. Luckily, after a brief 10-minute wait, another vehicle arrived, and the guardian kindly allowed us all to enter.
Once again, we made a beeline for the farthest beach to avoid the midday heat. Arriving at Cala della Disa at 7:40 AM felt truly magical. There were only a handful of early risers present until 9:30 AM, and we practically had the entire beach to ourselves for two hours. The morning sunlight cast a mesmerizing glow on the crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. We marveled at the diverse marine life, encountering an array of colorful fish. Another advantage was the natural shade that enveloped the beach for several hours, offering respite for those who may have acquired a sunburn during their time in Sicily.
Before departing, we made a quick stop at Cala Berretta, located adjacent to Cala della Disa, and then proceeded to Cala Capreria. However, here we encountered the full force of mass tourism. Finding even a small patch of sand to drop our belongings became an impossible task (more on that in the next chapter!). Fortunately, as we had other plans for the afternoon, we didn’t intend to stay much longer and decided to forgo swimming at Cala Capreria altogether.
It’s worth noting that the southern part of the reserve is even more popular than the northern section. To truly enjoy the splendor of Cala Capreria, it’s advisable to arrive very early or plan your visit during the off-peak season, when the crowds are less overwhelming.
Overcrowding during high season
Summer months are peak season in Italy, and popular places like the Zingaro Nature Reserve get extremely busy in this time of the year, especially in the month of August. This is when you are somehow forced to visit the reserve early in the morning, as it’s the only way to avoid the hundreds of people that flock these beaches. Here is the same beach you saw above (Cala Capreria) at 11AM (instead of 7AM). The photo was taken on August 20th, 2023.
Zingaro Nature Reserve rules
Visitors to the Zingaro Nature Reserve are not allowed anymore to enter the Reserve with beach umbrellas. While this may seem like a small detail, it is important to note that the climate is very arid and that there aren’t many areas in shade during the day. Temperatures during summer can reach up to 40°C (104°F), so keep that in mind if you have a delicate skin.
Also, do not plan on doing the hike in flip flops. The Reserve demands visitors to wear closed shoes for the hike, due to past incidents.
There are no trash bins within the Reserve, so get ready to bring your trash home with you.
What to bring
To make the most of your adventure in Zingaro Nature Reserve, it’s essential to come prepared. Here’s a detailed list of items you should bring:
- Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the Sicilian sun with a high SPF sunscreen. As mentioned above, there are very few areas in shade so wearing sunscreen is a must to avoid unpleasant sunburns.
- Hat and sunglasses: Shield your face and eyes from the sun’s rays by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. They provide added protection and keep you comfortable throughout your explorations. especially
- Comfortable footwear: Opt for sturdy hiking shoes or sandals that provide good traction and support. These will come in handy as you navigate the mountain trails and rocky terrain, and they are required at the entrance. You can complete the hike in trainers, but hiking shoes are recommended. Also, bring flip flops or sea shoes (recommended!) for visiting the pebble beaches.
- Swimwear and towel: Pack your favorite swimwear and a lightweight towel to indulge in the inviting waters of the reserve’s beaches. Dry off with the towel after your swim or use it as a makeshift picnic blanket.
- Snorkeling gear: Bring your own snorkeling equipment to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world of Zingaro Nature Reserve. Discover the colorful marine life and explore the hidden nooks and crannies beneath the surface.
- Water, fruit, snacks: Pack a light lunch, snacks, and plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day. As there are no restaurants or food vendors within the reserve, having a picnic will allow you to savor a delightful meal amidst the captivating scenery.
- Camera or smartphone: Capture the breathtaking landscapes and memorable moments during your visit to Zingaro Nature Reserve. Whether it’s a panoramic vista, a hidden cove, or a playful dolphin sighting, you’ll want to preserve these memories.
- Spare clothes: Some people do the entire hike in just one swim suite while others switch to dry clothes between every beach. Whatever style you choose, make sure to pack accordingly.
Best tips for visiting Zingaro Nature Reserve
The Zingaro Nature Reserve is an absolute paradise, especially for adventure seekers and beach enthusiasts. Picture yourself amidst stunning hiking trails and pristine shores, but here’s the catch: high temperatures, limited shade, and bustling crowds can put a damper on your experience during peak seasons.
Fear not! We’ve got you covered with our ultimate insider tips to ensure you have an unforgettable time in this slice of heaven. Get ready to make the most out of your visit with these savvy suggestions:
- Visit early or late: Beat the crowds and make the most of your time in the reserve by arriving early in the morning or visiting later in the day. This way, you can enjoy the beaches and trails with more seclusion and tranquility.
- Don’t rush it: it is possible to check out all beaches in one day, but that’s really not the best way to enjoy a day at Zingaro Nature Reserve. Instead, pick a couple of beaches you are interested in and enjoy them first. Leave only when you’re bored and excited to see something new.
- Stay hydrated: Sicilian summers can be scorching, so make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during your explorations. Carry enough water with you as there are no spots to refill within the reserve. The only places where you can buy water and food are located at each entrances. These however are food trucks, with prices much higher than usual.
- Respect nature: Help preserve the reserve’s pristine beauty by following the designated trails, refraining from littering, and respecting the wildlife.
- Check weather conditions: Before setting off for your adventure, ensure you’re aware of the weather forecast to plan your activities accordingly. Zingaro Nature Reserve is best enjoyed on clear, sunny days when the colors of the landscape truly come alive.
- The watermelon hut: There are a couple of private properties within the Zingaro Nature Reserve. One of them sells fresh watermelon slices during high season. It is located between Cala Capreria and Cala della Disa, closer to the latter.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Dress in lightweight and breathable fabrics to stay comfortable during your outdoor adventures. You want to wear something that dries quickly, and consider wearing a hat to protect yourself from the sun between one beach and another. Some people do everything in a swimsuit, while others prefer to bring an outfit for hiking and another one for swimming.
- Explore the trails: While the beaches are undeniably enchanting, don’t limit yourself to just coastal exploration. Venture into the mountain trails within the reserve to uncover hidden caves, dramatic cliffs, and panoramic vistas that offer a different perspective of Zingaro’s beauty.
- The first beach: When visiting the Zingaro Nature Reserve, it’s important to keep in mind that the beach closest to each entrance tends to attract the largest crowds. To make the most of your experience, it’s wise to plan your visit accordingly, taking into consideration this popular trend.
You’re now ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the Zingaro Nature Reserve in Sicily. From its exceptional beaches and crystalline waters to its captivating mountain trails, this hidden gem promises an adventure like no other. Pack your bags, embrace the spirit of exploration, and get ready to create lifelong memories in this breathtaking Sicilian paradise. Happy travels!