Zingaro is the first nature reserve to be established in Sicily.

The reserve protects 7 km of unspoilt coastline between Castellammare del Golfo and San Vito Lo Capo. You won’t find any roads, hotels or restaurants here. Just walking trails, limestone cliffs, small pebble beaches and exceptionally clear sea.

In my opinion, Zingaro is one of the most beautiful day trips in western Sicily. You don’t have to walk the entire length of the nature reserve. Even in just 2 to 3 hours, you can reach several stunning coves.

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Which entrance to Zingaro to choose

The nature reserve has two entrances. They are not connected by road or public transport.

• The southern entrance from Scopello is best for a first visit. It offers the most famous views of the coast, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to walk to Cala Capreria beach. During the season, a bus runs here from Castellammare del Golfo.
• The northern entrance from San Vito Lo Capo is better for a short day trip to go swimming. You can walk to the large Tonnarella dell’Uzzo beach in about 10 to 15 minutes. Continue for a further 15 to 20 minutes to reach the next cove, Cala dell’Uzzo.

Beware of a common misconception: the northern entrance is not actually in San Vito Lo Capo itself. It is located near Calampiso, about 12 km from the town centre.

How long does the visit take?

You can easily tailor the length of your trip to suit your fitness level and the weather.

• 2 to 3 hours – a visit to one or two beaches from any entrance.
• 4 to 5 hours – part of the coastal route, two to three coves and a longer swim.
• 6 to 8 hours – a full-day trek with several stops at the beaches.
• The entire reserve – the coastal path between the two entry points is about 7 km one way. The official walking time is 2 hours without breaks. The return journey covers 14 km.

In my opinion, the route from the southern entrance via Cala Capreria towards Cala della Disa and back offers the best balance between difficulty and experience.

A one-way walk through the entire reserve is logistically more complicated. The trail ends at the northern entrance, not in San Vito Lo Capo. You’ll therefore need two cars or a pre-arranged lift. Don’t rely on regular transport links between the two entrances.

The most beautiful beaches in Zingaro

All the beaches are pebbly or rocky. You won’t find sun loungers, bars or showers here.

• Cala Capreria – the best-known beach and the first cove from the southern entrance. It is very photogenic, but also the most crowded in summer.
• Cala della Disa and Cala Berretta – smaller beaches in the central part of the reserve. As they involve a longer walk, there tend to be fewer people here.
• Cala Marinella – a narrow, rocky cove ideal for snorkelling.
• Tonnarella dell’Uzzo – one of the largest and most easily accessible beaches. It lies not far from the northern entrance.
• Cala dell’Uzzo – a beautiful cove near the Grotta dell’Uzzo cave.

The nearest beaches are certainly not empty in July and August. You’ll find more peace and quiet after a longer walk towards the centre of the nature reserve.

Coastal path

The main coastal path is wide and not technically demanding. However, it climbs and descends gently throughout. The surface consists of stones, gravel and short steps.

You do not need mountaineering kit for the trail, but flip-flops are not suitable. Wear sturdy trainers or light hiking boots. Water shoes are recommended for the pebble beaches.

The reserve management may close certain trails due to fires, weather conditions or maintenance work. Only the routes marked in red on the current official Zingara map are accessible.

Admission and opening hours

The reserve is open every day from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm.

Admission fees are payable at both entrances:

• adults: 5 eur
• students, Scouts, members of environmental organisations and the emergency services: 3 eur
• children under 8: free

The ticket is valid for the entire reserve, including all accessible trails and beaches. No booking or purchase for a specific time is required.

Please note that the ticket offices do not accept cash. You can only pay by card or other electronic means. Please check the official booking website for the current status of the trails and any exceptional restrictions.

What to bring with you

There are no shops, restaurants or stalls within the reserve.

• at least 2 litres of drinking water per person
• food for the entire planned stay
• sturdy shoes and, if necessary, water shoes
• a hat, sun cream and sunglasses
• swimwear, a towel and snorkelling equipment

Some water collection points are marked on the maps, but the reserve management warns that water from wells and drinking troughs is not safe to drink. Therefore, do not rely on these for refilling your water supplies.

There is very little shade along the coastal route. In summer, it is best to set off as soon as the trail opens and avoid walking during the hottest part of the day.

According to the reserve’s rules, dogs are prohibited, even on a lead. Bicycles and other vehicles are also not permitted within the reserve. Lighting fires and camping are also prohibited.

The paths are not suitable for pushchairs or for people with significantly reduced mobility.

On foot or by boat

If you’re capable of moderate walking, I recommend visiting Zingaro by land. For the entrance fee 5 eur , you’ll gain direct access to the beaches and can decide for yourself how long your trip will be.

Boat trips are better for travellers who don’t want to walk in the heat or who want to see the entire coastline in a single day. Boats mainly set sail from San Vito Lo Capo and Castellammare del Golfo.

Group cruises typically cost:

• half-day trip: 35 to 70 eur
• full-day trip: 99 to 115 eur

The boats travel along the coast and make stops for swimming. However, during the swimming season, maritime regulations prohibit boats from entering protected coves directly. A boat trip is therefore no substitute for a walk to the beaches.

• View boat trips along the Zingara coast

An organised land tour is mainly worthwhile if you don’t have a car and transport is included in the price. The coastal path itself is well signposted and you don’t need a guide for a standard visit.

How to get to Zingaro

The most convenient way is by car. You can find further information in the sections ‘Car hire in Sicily ’ and ‘Transport in Sicily’.

• Castellammare del Golfo and Scopello – the southern entrance is about a 20- to 25-minute drive away. During the tourist season, Russo Autoservizi buses run from Piazza G. C. Borruso. The bus stops right by the southern entrance to the nature reserve. The journey takes 30 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs 2,40 eur and a return ticket 3,80 eur. There are usually several services a day.
• San Vito Lo Capo – it takes about 20 to 25 minutes to reach the northern entrance by car. There is no regular bus service to the entrance. If you don’t have a car, take a taxi, a pre-booked transfer or a boat trip.
• Palermo – by car, allow around 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach the southern entrance. By public transport, travel first to Castellammare del Golfo and then take the seasonal Russo bus.
• Trapani – the journey to the northern entrance takes about 1 hour by car. By public transport, you can get to San Vito Lo Capo, but you’ll need to continue the last 12 km by taxi.

There are small car parks at both entrances. These fill up quickly in summer, so it’s best to arrive by 8.00 am. If the free car park at the southern entrance is full, private car parks along the access road usually cost between 7 and 10 eur per day.

Accommodation near the Zingaro Nature Reserve

Staying overnight near the reserve will allow you to reach the entrance before the main rush of visitors.

• Scopello is the closest to the southern entrance. There are fewer options and prices tend to be higher, but you’ll be at the reserve in a matter of minutes in the morning.
• San Vito Lo Capo is best for a beach holiday, the northern entrance and boat trips.
• Castellammare del Golfo offers the widest choice of accommodation and usually better prices than Scopello.

Accommodation near the Zingaro Nature Reserve

You can also easily combine a visit to Zingaro with a trip to San Vito Lo Capo, Castellammare del Golfo, Erice or Trapani.

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