Are you looking for a peaceful sanctuary? Well you have just found it! The Riserva Naturale Orientata del Lo Zingaro is the oldest nature reserve in Sicily and was created by local people and ecological activists in May 1981 in order to preserve this unique place. Zingaro is situated between the towns of Scopello and San Vito lo Capo in the province of Trapani. Zingaro is one of the most beautiful and natural places in Sicily. Let’s not forget to mention that it can only be accessed on foot, cars are banned from this serene and idyllic place. Although you can drive up to the entrances and there is plenty space to park up.

There are two entrances (direzione) located 7 km from each other and here you’ll be able to obtain maps and souvenirs. From there you can venture forth and marvel at the beauty of this untouched land, with cliffs dropping in to the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean sea and adjacent, steep mountains reaching as high as 900 meters above sea level. Zingaro is an ideal spot for bird watching as there are around 30 different types of bird, including the peregrine falcon, buzzards, kestrels, as well as owls and sea birds. The reserve is also gifted with exotic flora and fauna and gives you the opportunity to discover some of the 700 different species of plants.

Of course, very importantly, do not forget your swimming suit as swimming in any of the small bays of this park is an amazing experience and it would be a shame not to immerse yourself in the azure coloured sea. It is also a great opportunity for snorkelling. There are in fact a total of seven hot pebbled beaches cut into the cliffs and in different sizes and shapes. The closest is beach "numero" 7, which is also the busiest. The further you walk the more deserted and more impressive beaches you’ll find. The walking trails are marked well and are lined with palms, various trees and exotic flowers.

Something else that is worth seeing is the cave "Grota Grande" which is the biggest of all in the reserve and where you can uncover historical remains of Zingaro. There is also a tale about the legendary Sicilian bandit Salvatore Giuliano who was supposed to have hidden in one of the caves in Zingaro.

Ah, nearly forgot, there are no shops or cafés, just pure nature, so don't forget to pack a picnic bag, or stop off on your way in one of those wonderful pasticerias to get something yummy :-). Also take plenty of drinks, as it can be very hot and you’ll be glad of a drink once you have made the trek down to the beach, which will take you quite some time depending on which beach you intend to stop.

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