The Riserva dello Zingaro, or Zingaro Nature Reserve, is Sicily’s very first nature reserve and one of the most beautiful hikes for anyone visiting the island. A 7 km scenic coastal path leading along the cliffs between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo. A hike with incredible views over the landscape and the clear blue water. And most importantly: Hidden bays in between inviting you for a refreshing swim on hot days. This full guide to the Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve in Sicily shares all the information you need to plan your hike and see Sicily from an exceptionally beautiful point of view.
The entry to the Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve
There are two different ways to do the hike through the Reserve. Because you have two entries. One is located near the village of Scopello and the other one near San Vito Lo Capo. Both are popular places for travellers to stay during their visit, so you’ll for sure find a way to plan the hike.
There is no better or worse entry, I have done the hike both ways and if you intend to hike the full 7 km, just pick whatever fits best in your itinerary. And even if you only plan to hike half of the trail, both options offer a scenic view and beautiful bays close to the starting point where you can relax during or after the hike.
Important: You have to pay an entry fee for the Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve. As an adult it’s €5 per person and €3 for children from 11 to 14 and free for those younger.
Also please note, that the entire area could be closed during the winter months. They sometimes are open from October to March, but this does vary. Therefore, always check first when you’re travelling in the off-season. From April to September however, the park is open from 7 am until 7 pm.
The trail is well-maintained and there is absolutely no chance in getting lost. Therefore you can easily do it on your own, no guide needed. As it is quite a popular route, you will meet other people along the way. It can be quite crowded during the high season, but it always depends on the day. There are very few places where you can sit in the shade, making it not the ideal route for a hot day in Sicily. Please mind that if you are travelling with older family members or struggle with heat yourself.
How do I prepare for the hike?
The hike is around 7 km one way. You can quickly spot the other end after walking a few hundred meters after the entrance. The photo shows the end of the path near San Vito Lo Capo in the distance.
If you walk steady but not super fast and stop for breaks in between, you should expect to walk for around 2.5 hours to the other side. But keep in mind, this is one way and you need to return. For the full hike, plan around 4-5 hours (excluding a beach break). Of course, you do not need to walk until the official entrance on the opposite site, but if you want to check out all the beautiful beaches, it will still take around that time as you need to hike down to the water from the trail.
Most important: Bring LOTS OF WATER. Sicily is incredibly hot during the summer time and even when I visited (end of September), it was still around 30 degrees. There is no chance to buy water or food on the way, therefore be prepared.
The trail is pretty safe and the difficulty level is around medium. You do not have to climb, but good fitness and solid shoes are a must. Make sure to wear sneakers or hiking shoes and do not try to do this in flip flops (not a rare sight on the path, you’ll see).
Keep in mind that the Reserve closes at 7 pm (from April to September). Plan your hike accordingly and start early enough to be able to still enjoy some sun at the beautiful bays.
How to get to the entrance of the trail
The best (and almost only) way to get to Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve is by car. Renting a car in Sicily is almost unavoidable and allows you to explore freely.
On both entrances, you will find a huge parking lot. The side of San Vito Lo Capo allows you to park along the road and Scopello has a little more space and different parking options. Parking itself is free.
From the parking lot, the way to the official entrance is obvious. Just follow the signs. Sometimes, there is a small food truck just in front of the ticket office where you can buy a breakfast or snack.
Afterwards, get your ticket and you’re all set up for a stunning hike in Sicily!
The most beautiful spots in Riserva dello Zingaro
The Riserva dello Zingaro has many beautiful view points and even different small museums along the way, where you can not only get a break from the sun but also dive deeper into the history of the area (definitely recommending that).
When hiking the trail, it is a must to also bring your swim suit and take a break in one (or multiple) of the beautiful bays along the way. There are paths leading down to the beaches from the main trail. Most of them are quite steep, but it won’t take you long until you find yourself in an incredibly beautiful place. The water is crystal clear (personally, the prettiest water I have seen in all of Sicily) and you can go snorkeling or just relax at the beach.
In my opinion Cala dell’Uzzo (close to San Vito Lo Capo entrance) and Cala Capreria (close to Scopello entrance) are the exceptionally beautiful. We even came back to spend a whole day in one of the bays after we hiked the trail the other day.
The refreshment of the cold water feels like the biggest reward if you are hiking on a hot day. But even if you decide not to go down to the water, the views are immaculate. You can spot many boats along the coast line and see the mountains in the distance.
As I said: A must-do in Sicily and for sure a hike you will always remember when looking back to your Sicily trip (promise!).
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