riserva naturale orientata dello zingaro

jfarlam

This is a pretty spot preserved as a national park. There are hiking trails stunning views of the coastline and the water was crystal clear. This is a national park so there are no food stands open so bring a bottle of water and a couple of energy bars. The beach areas are not that large so I would recommend an off season visit to enjoy the natural site.

PeterB749

A spectacular piece of coastline with fascinating botany and outstdanding views (made all the more incredible on a day of squalls, scudding clouds, all-weather, and frequent rainbows). Hardly a soul to disturb the peace at this time of year, well-maintained tracks, and litter free beaches. A proper slog from Scopello entrance to the Capo entrance and back: 2 hours each way. Need to be agile and fit with suitable footwear to do it all.

DaljeIde

There is absolutely no shade, so be careful when going there in the summer. Bring a lot of water and food - you cannot by anything there. Some beaches are nice, some are awful. When we came there, there was a bad smell because of the sea grass. The water was not crystal clear. Beaches are very small and crowded. However, Marathi beach was worth seeing. If you are already in West Sicily, definitely go there. The hiking trail is not very difficult. It might be more fun in spring/autumn when it's less hot and crowded.

m_czarnecki

Stunning nature reserve, clear water, great view on a sea side. I highly recommend a boat trip. Be aware of medusas! :)

profjoypc

We really enjoyed our visit here although it was incredibly hot and there was little shade on the coastal walk. Do ensure you take hats and water if you are planning to go a long way on the route. After a short distance from the entrance one finds the reserve's museum and after that one can walk all the way from lovely Scopello to San Vito Lo Campo. The path is rugged and requires sensible shoes but the views and scenery are amazing - they are incredibly beautiful. This is a really wonderful part of Sicily and how good it is that this reserve has been established. It s a busy walk, especially at the beginning before many people descend to the small coves at sea level for sunbathing and swimming. We loved the walk and plan to return in cooler weather.

borgf

Beautiful "Cala's" and nice view around the mountains.Tiring but worth an affort, Gentle people working in the museum's of the riserva. We took 2 hours from Scopello entry to San Vito Lo Capo and 2 hours to go back. We walk for 7 km to san vito and 7 km back.We spent around 6 hours in there walking and swimming in the cala's. It's worth to make the trip but be prepared with water and food because in the riserva you can't find these things

squadnik

Beautiful landscapes, outstanding beaches. It's definitely worth to make a trip to Riserva Zingaro and go down from the route to one of gorgeous beaches. Make sure you have your diving kit with you :)

LauraL843

99% of reviews and all the people I know that have been recommend this natural reserve. In my opinion, it depends what you´re after and if you've seen similar places before for you to like it. The little "calas" are tiny and with rocks, they´re so carved in the mountain that around 3pm there´s only shade. You have to walk a lot over a treking path full of stones to get there, and then most of the "calas" will be full. Nice natural area, but not worth the effort for me.

Baczo

Everything is on pictures so and previous posts so I will point out only a few things-take water and food with you. It can be very hot during holidays months and there are no shops over there-normal ticket costs 5 euro,there is no discount for students-you can get for free a map at the begining. All the beaches and any other important stuff is there.-try to avoid weekends since there will be a lot of people (mind that all these beaches are very small ,as well as the paths are narrow)-its quite problematic if you want to visit it without a car. To get there from Palermo you need to take bus (Russo) to Castellamare del golfo and then change to another to Lo Zingaro. Mind that fact that you have ticket doesn;t mean that you have a place. I (and 10 other people) had to wait for for another one for almost 2 hours since there were no place in this at 19.00. All the buses were late. So I really don't recommand taking Russo if you want to plan anything or just be on time somewhere.

StellaPrincic1

We took one of the boat tours and it was a fun afternoon. We saw all the cala's and caves and swam in them.

mariabud

Ok - you need to plan and prepare for this one - its not far or particularly difficult terrain for an energetic and slightly challenging walk but in 30c it's a killer. Go early, go light and take plenty of water. Beach coves are stunning for swimming but will be packed by 10am in summer ( we went mid August) -literally like sardines a can!! Water is lovely (if you can get a foot in!) walk has lovely views to sea, actual park terrain is fairly rugged. We saw no eagles or any other birds for that matter. The main problems were no shade, and hundreds of tourist - we literally queued in part of the trail. So once again- note - go early !! Additionally if you go early there is free parking with some shade right by the park gate - it's small and fills up quickly - once this is full plenty of other parking run by locals 5e for the day 100% sun!!! Despite the heated challenges, the swimming made it al, worth it and would recommend to others up for a rewarding challenge

Cosmo_G_Spacely

I think this is one of those places that appeals to people who are more satisfied by how things look rather than how they feel. What I mean is that this place really is beautiful but the experience of being there is uncomfortable. The beach itself is not sand nor pebbles but stone, 5 -10 cm long. It hurt to walk on the beach without water shoes or sandals and lying there, even with a good towel, wasn't much better. It's an unspoiled reserve - translation: there's no place to eat. You have to lug any food, water and supplies you'll need for the day with you across the hot, dusty trail that's a long distance from the parking area. It can also get very crowded. We went there on a Thursday or Friday before noon and the place was so packed that I had to park the car about 1-2 kilometers up the road from the entrance. We also had a tough time finding real estate on the beach. On both of the first two beaches, we managed to get enough space for two of us to sit while the kids swam but we couldn't really stretch out.If I had to do it again, I'd go to the first beach to take a lot of pictures but then go to somewhere better to actually enjoy my day.

hermanp730

We expected the walk more difficult as Some say, but even with Teva watersandels iT was à very Nice and fantastisch nature experience.In my opinion best beach with bright cristal clear water was under the huge cave, le grotto Dell Uzzo, the cala del Uzzo.Mind that in August iT was crowded and very popular!Also intersting was the nature museum where you van watch the almost extinctie Hermanns turtle.I think iT was called the centro visitatori with very friendly host.The views where fantasic during walk, and with all the heat you need lost of water.The trip is doable with Teva, Reve, or other good walking sandals which you van use at one of the small but beautifull beaches with lost of other beachlovers....Ofcourse beter start early in summer beaches of the heat.We saw people fainting by the heat on the hot stoney paths.Parking cost you à 5euro, entrance of the park 5 euro, children till 14 free, from 14 to 18 3euro.Get there intime because the parkings get full in August around 10h!

p47rick

The others have said it. This is an amazing place; wild and wonderful.We went early - shortly after it opened and we walked for a bit over an hour and then went down to the sea and swam in a cove. And we had it all to ourselves - absolutely no one else was around. Heaven.We were at the cove for about an hour and then went back to the gate. Getting back took a bit longer because it was a lot hotter and because we had to keep passing increasing numbers of hot people going into the reserve much later.I bet the coves were pretty crowded by midday.

theresat742

This is a must visit. Yes a good trek down to the water but you will not find anywhere more beautiful. The water is crystal clear, warm and so so clean