Sicily is full of many great beaches, but if you want a little more privacy and a stretch of sand you can temporarily call your own, head to Zingaro Natural Reserve. Hike through the bright floral hills and down to the coast of this protected area to find an isolated spot.
The further you are prepared to walk, the more likely you will find a beach to yourself. There are small pebbly coves as well as those with soft, white sand. As you lie back and relax, look up and you may see buzzards and Bonelli’s eagles circling overhead. The reserve is home to numerous bird species.
The waters around the park are calm, and a great place to view a range of sea life. Strap on a snorkel and mask and look out for squid and octopuses around the rocks. If you can swim approximately 3 feet (1 metre) below the surface of the water, you will see anemones and sea horses.
Save some time in your day to explore other parts of the reserve. There are several signposted walking trails that pass through a coastal habitat of rocks and shrubs. Wildlife enthusiasts will be pleased to know that in addition to the birds, there are many other animals here, including vipers, hedgehogs, foxes and the Sicilian lizard.
The Zingaro Natural Reserve covers an area of 4,077 acres (1,650 hectares) and is a short drive from Castellammare de Golfo. At the entrance, staff will be able to provide you with maps and offer advice on the safest beaches for swimming.
Even if you are planning on spending most of the day with your feet in the sand, it’s best to wear a good pair of shoes, because many paths are fairly rugged. There are no shops or cafés here, so bring food and plenty of water with you.
There is a small admission fee to enter the reserve with reduced prices for children up to 14 years. Children under 10 years get in free.
