Zingaro Reserve: the rebellious paradise between Trapani and Palermo

The struggle of citizens and environmentalists gave one of the most beautiful and purest places in Sicily, an uncontaminated corner where nature is the absolute master, the opportunity to develop its most authentic heart. We are talking about the Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro (Zingaro Oriented Nature Reserve), located between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo, which is a nature reserve established in Sicily in 1981. The reserve extends for about 7 km and covers 1600 hectares.

There are no cars, hotels, or bars, only crystal-clear sea. There are dreamy coves that are reachable only on foot or by sea. Cala Capreria, Cala del Luzzo, and Cala Marinella are some of the most beautiful and pristine coves in all of Sicily. Each of them has different nuances—some are wider, others are made only of white pebbles, and others are tiny.

However, they all have one thing in common: walking there is a multi-sensory experience. The Zingaro reserve, in fact, offers an experience that is articulated on various levels, scents, beauties to look at, such as colorful butterflies, lizards, Bonelli's eagles, and transparent waters. All offer many different types of adventures. The reserve is not just sea; in fact, there are many karst caves, but not only that. You can also visit the small museum of peasant civilization (museo della civiltà contadina) which tells the life of the shepherds and farmers of the past, and another beautiful spot is the Grotta del Luzzo, which has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

The name "Zingaro" obviously has nothing to do with nomads; it is a name that derives from an ancient family who lived in the area, the Zingari, although other sources say it derives from an ancient Arabic denomination. The Zingaro today is therefore a symbol of the determination and strength of the citizens who prevented the construction of an asphalt road right there, a few steps from the reserve, which would certainly have contributed to making everything less uncontaminated.

It is advisable, however, to visit it with comfortable gear because you need a lot of desire for adventure, but above all a great desire for wonder, given that the place manages to offer everything.