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Zingaro Nature Reserve has to be one of the most beautiful places in Sicily. Admittedly a strong claim on an island this stunning, but one I back nonetheless.
Here’s everything you need to know about exploring and hiking Zingaro Nature Reserve, the stunning 7km stretch of coastline in North Western Sicily.
Hiking Zingaro Nature Reserve Contents:
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ABOUT ZINGARO NATURE RESERVE
Zingaro is Sicily’s first Nature Reserve, stretching 7km between San Vito Lo Capo and Castellammare del Golfo in North West Sicily.
The cliffs lead down to stunning beaches and rocky coves surrounded by crystal clear waters that are reached by steep paths down from the main hiking path.
The beautiful pebbly beaches can only be reached on foot or by boat, making Zingaro feel a world away from some of the busier places like Mondello or Taormina.
HOW TO GET TO ZINGARO NATURE RESERVE
You can enter Zingaro at either end of the reserve; the north entrance is closest to San Vito Lo Capo; a 25 minute drive from the town. The south entrance is nearby to Scopello (5 min drive) and Castellammare del Golfo, a 20 minute drive away.
The easiest way to get there is to drive to either end, and most will have hired a rental car for your time in Sicily so will be fine to do just this. Generally speaking, Sicily is much easier to navigate with a hire car; especially in the North and the West where public transport is minimal and there are no trains West of Palermo airport.
That said, I did it without a car! Admittedly it wasn’t the easiest, and you will need to visit in the popular summer months in order to do so, when coaches start up a few times a day between Zingaro and the nearest towns.
I based myself in Castellammare del Golfo to hike Zingaro Nature Reserve, from where the coaches ran every couple of hours. The journey isn’t long, but due to the infrequency of public transport, you do need to be organised. I used Rome2Rio to check schedules.
Another option of course is to take a taxi if you don’t have a hire car.
HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO HIKE ZINGARO NATURE RESERVE?
First off, I need to establish that I am not a hiker. I do not love hiking. But I will do most things for a unique travel experience, photography and/or beautiful beaches.
I was worried about hiking Zingaro predominantly because I was doing so in August, literally the hottest and stupidest possible time to do a hike in the Sicily. In addition, I was incredibly stressed about running out of water, so made the hike easier by carrying 3 litres of it with me.
The heat did make it hard at points, but the trail itself is totally doable assuming you have a decent level of fitness; you certainly don’t need to be working out 5 times a week to manage Zingaro. There are some big inclines on parts on the main trail, and the paths down to the secluded beaches are understandably steep.
You’ll be fine in running trainers, but I wouldn’t attempt hiking in flip flops or sea shoes – the ground can be uneven and has loose pebbles.
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU WHEN HIKING ZINGARO NATURE RESERVE
WATER
There is nowhere to buy water on the trail, so you must take enough for your hike. There is somewhere to fill up at the start of each end but I would take enough with you in case of any issues. You really don’t want to risk dehydration doing this hike, especially during the summer.
SNACKS/LUNCH
As mentioned there is nowhere to purchase food or drinks on the trail, so pack snacks or a lunch for the day.
TRAINERS
Running trainers are best for this hike. I don’t recommend attempting in flip flops or sandals but the terrain isn’t bad enough that you need hiking boots.
SEA SHOES
Much of Sicily has pebbly beaches and you will be able to enjoy the beautiful waters around Zingaro fully with sea shoes. I have sensitive feet and I struggled without them, so next time these would be a must for me when visiting Zingaro. Try these ones – I love the bright colours!
SWIMWEAR
You’re going to want to get in the sea, trust me! The water is beyond inviting, and that’s without taking into account the part where you’re hiking in the sunshine. Take swimmers.
TRAVEL TOWEL
Take a towel to sit off and dry off with; these travel towels are perfect and come in gorgeous bright colours.
ARE THERE TOILETS WHEN HIKING ZINGARO NATURE RESERVE?
There are only toilets at the entrances at either end of the 7km hiking trail, but none on the trail itself.
DO YOU HAVE TO PAY TO HIKE ZINGARO NATURE RESERVE?
There is a €5 entrance fee per person for Zingaro Nature Reserve.
THE SURROUNDING AREA
SCOPELLO
The small village of Scopello is beautiful and, being just a five minute drive from the south entrance, is well worth spending some time in after hiking Zingaro Nature Reserve. It’s a lovely place to wander around, and of course there are a good few spots to rehydrate with a spritz or two after your hike – try Bar Pasticceria Scopello.
Tonnara di Scopello is an old tuna factory that has been converted into an idyllic hotel, though you can pay to spend time at the beach there as a day guest, with access to sunbeds and the cafe. Tonnara di Scopello does fill up very quickly due to its popularity with Sicilians and tourists alike, so you may want to get here early and spend a whole day enjoying the surroundings, and do the Zingaro hike another day. It’s also a popular wedding venue, so may not be available to the public when you visit.
If you’re keen to stay in Scopello itself (and no one would blame you), check out Hotel Baglio Di Scopello, which has a gorgeous pool and is less than a kilometre from the Tonnara.
SAN VITO LO CAPO
25 minutes from the north entrance to Zingaro Nature Reserve is the town of San Vito Lo Capo, a popular holiday spot for Italians. San Vito Lo Capo boasts an incredible white sandy beach with turquoise waters in the shade of Mount Monaco.
It’s an excellent place for a beach day – especially for those with children given the shallow waters. For an extended stay, check out Mira Spiaggia – the hotel sits right on the beach and has rooms with sea view balconies.
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Updated July 2025.
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