Zingaro nature reserve
San Vito Lo Capo, Italy
Sicily’s first nature reserve: seven kilometres of roadless coast with coves reached only on foot. Entrances at Scopello and San Vito; bring water and swimming things.
The Zingaro Nature Reserve was established on 6 May 1981 as the first nature reserve in Sicily. It covers about 1,600 hectares and some seven kilometres of coastline on the Gulf of Castellammare. There are no roads, and the reserve can be reached only on foot. Steep cliffs frame small coves with pebble beaches. At least 39 species of bird breed here, mainly birds of prey.
There are two entrances: in the south near Scopello and in the north near San Vito Lo Capo. The coastal path between them is about 7 km long and takes roughly two hours in each direction; other trails run higher up the slope. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and sun protection. The condition and opening of individual stretches of path can change, so ask the reserve authority in advance.
- Nearest town
- San Vito Lo Capo, Italy
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 38.0760, 12.8130
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Agricampeggio ScopelloCampsite1 km from Zingaro nature reserveTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking water
- Camping Lu BaruniCampsite4 km from Zingaro nature reserveTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToilets
- camping NausicaaCampsite9 km from Zingaro nature reserveTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- El BahiraCampsite11 km from Zingaro nature reserveTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- La PinetaCampsite12 km from Zingaro nature reserveTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- camping Lido ValdericeCampsite16 km from Zingaro nature reserveTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Zingaro nature reserve?
Zingaro nature reserve is in San Vito Lo Capo, Italy, at GPS 38.0760, 12.8130. It is about 20 km from Erice.
Can you camp near Zingaro nature reserve?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Agricampeggio Scopello, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Zingaro nature reserve?
Zingaro nature reserve is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Western Sicily: Segesta, Erice and the salt pans.
What is there to see near Zingaro nature reserve?
Places worth a stop nearby: Tonnara di Scopello (1 km), Segesta (15 km), Stagnone salt pans (37 km) and Monreale Cathedral (42 km).
When is the best time to visit Zingaro nature reserve?
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)