Zingaro Nature Reserve: Trails, Coves and How to Get There

The Zingaro Nature Reserve is a natural paradise covering more than a thousand hectares, with cliffs dropping sheer into the sea, surrounded by Mediterranean scrub and dotted with beautiful coves of white pebbles.

The only way to discover it is on foot or from the sea, because in this stunning reserve there are no beach clubs or cafés waiting for you, and it is precisely this simplicity that makes it the perfect destination for those who love trekking and dream of swimming in crystal-clear water, as long as you plan ahead with a little care before setting off.

The Main Trails of the Zingaro Nature Reserve

The route most loved by visitors to the Zingaro Nature Reserve is without doubt the coastal trail, which runs for about seven kilometres and connects the southern entrance at Scopello with the northern one at San Vito Lo Capo.

The path follows the shoreline with constant ups and downs and scenic detours down to the beaches, and walking alone will take you about two hours one way, but between photo stops and a refreshing swim you could easily spend the whole day there.

Remember that the two entrances are connected only by this trail, so if you have not arranged for a second car to be waiting at the other end, you will have to set off again and walk back the way you came.

If you prefer a loop, you can combine the coast with the mid-slope trail, which climbs higher and crosses old rural hamlets such as Sughero and Cusenza, with their charming stone houses and ancient terraces. Starting from the south, you walk along the coast for about four kilometres, climb up towards Contrada Sughero and then return along the higher path, for a total of around ten kilometres, so you will need a good level of fitness and comfortable shoes.

The high trail, on the other hand, is a real challenge of about seventeen kilometres that crosses the inland peaks such as Monte Passo del Lupo and Monte Speziale, and it is a route reserved for experienced, well-equipped hikers.

Along the southern stretch we suggest stopping at the Visitor Centre and at the small exhibition spaces, such as the Nature Museum, the Manna Museum and the Weaving Museum, little gems that tell the story of the local flora, fauna and ancient traditions, like harvesting manna and the craft of weaving dwarf palm leaves.

The Most Beautiful Coves of the Zingaro Nature Reserve

Walking along the coast you will come across seven enchanting coves, almost all of them made of pale pebbles with seabeds that deepen quickly. None of the beaches has facilities, so pack water shoes, a snorkelling mask and a lightweight beach umbrella in your backpack if you plan to stop and sunbathe.

Entering from Scopello and passing through the first tunnel carved into the rock, you reach Cala Capreria in about twenty minutes on foot, and being the closest to the southern entrance it is often the busiest cove on this side.

Further on you will find Cala del Varo, with a slightly steeper access and very popular with those arriving by boat, and the stunning Cala della Disa, an intimate inlet where the sea bursts with colour on sunny days.

Right in the middle of the reserve lies Cala Berretta, which is usually quieter as it sits halfway between the two entrances, and just after it you come to Cala Marinella, which opens up just below the junction with the mid-slope trail.

Heading north, you will find Cala dell’Uzzo, fantastic for snorkelling thanks to its rocks teeming with marine life, and finally Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo, just ten minutes from the San Vito Lo Capo entrance and therefore extremely popular in the summer months.

Tickets, Opening Hours and Tips

The ticket to visit the Zingaro Nature Reserve costs 5 euros, reduced to 3 euros for young people up to fourteen years old, and entry is free for children under ten and for Italian citizens over 65. Since the reopening in 2026, the ticket offices accept card payments only, tickets cannot be bought online and you will have to purchase them on arrival.

From April to September the reserve is open from 7 am to 7 pm, while from October to March it opens from 8 am to 4 pm. A piece of advice: call ahead before heading to the reserve, because on days with strong sirocco winds it may be closed to the public for safety reasons.

What to Pack for Your Visit to the Zingaro Nature Reserve

If you are heading to the Zingaro Nature Reserve, prepare a backpack with everything you will need, starting with plenty of water, ideally in an insulated bottle in summer to keep it cool, and something to eat, since walking the whole route takes a long time. Bring a hat in both winter and summer, and if possible a light rain jacket in case of a sudden shower. If you are travelling with pets, remember that you cannot bring them on the hike, as animals are not allowed inside the reserve.

The Best Time to Visit the Zingaro Nature Reserve

The best months to enjoy the trails without suffering from the heat are spring and autumn, from April to June and from September to October. If you decide to go in the height of summer, our advice is to be at the gate at opening time, so you can walk the most exposed stretches before the heat builds up and enjoy the coves before the crowds arrive. If you are looking for a truly immersive experience, between mid-October and mid-May, after requesting permission from the reserve management, you can even book a night in the basic shelters along the mid-slope trail for ten euros per person, entrance ticket included.

Ciao Sono Iolanda, Nel 2010 ho deciso di ritornare nella mia magica isola, la Sicilia, affinchè l’esperienza acquisita negli anni precedenti prendesse forma lì dove ero nata.

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