Ten Reasons to Fall in Love with Zingaro in Autumn

Autumn in Sicily offers cooler and more pleasant temperatures, ideal for long walks or outdoor activities.
The shades of the landscape, with golden, red and orange hues that mix with the green of the Mediterranean scrub, make the atmosphere magical. Compared to summer, the Reserve is much less crowded and this allows you to enjoy the beauty of this place in total relaxation.

2. Trekking

With more pleasant temperatures, excursions along the various paths of the reserve are definitely more recommendable. It is the best time to arm yourself with boots, poles and backpack.
In addition to the simple coastal path, in the Zingaro Reserve there is a half-coast path and a high path, excellent for the most trained. From the top of the Reserve a breathtaking view of the entire Gulf of Castellammare awaits you.
Enjoy every stretch of coast in total relaxation, perhaps taking a swim stop or visiting one of the five small Museums of the Reserve.
Compared to the summer period, you will find the reserve much less crowded and this will allow you to fully enjoy its beauty.

3. Uzzo Cave

The Uzzo Cave, one of the most important prehistoric archaeological sites on the island, can be reached more quickly by entering the reserve from the San Vito lo Capo side. Occupied since the Paleolithic, it has yielded numerous finds that testify to the evolution of human activities, such as hunting and agriculture. The cave has a wide opening that overlooks a spectacular coastal landscape. It was inhabited until the Bronze Age and contains traces of ceramics and tools. Today it is a highly appreciated naturalistic and historical destination.

4. Museum of Maritime Activities

It is the first of five small treasure chests that you will find in the Riserva dello Zingaro. A true jewel ready to reveal the secrets of the marine world to visitors.
The Museum of Maritime Activities was, in times gone by, the place where the important process of preparing tuna took place, the conservation of fishing tools and the seasonal refuge of fishermen who dedicated themselves to fixed nets.
The museum preserves the historical evidence of an extraordinary activity with ancient roots. Visitors can admire nets and traps used for tuna fishing. Without a doubt, it was the oldest fishing method developed in Sicily, involving the entire seafaring community in a mass fishing that marked their life at sea.
Inside, visitors can admire a faithful scale reproduction of a tuna fishery and learn more about local fish species. The Museum is open all year round.

5. Crystal clear sea still swimmable

There are seven coves in the Zingaro Reserve, seven natural jewels, each with different characteristics.
It is impossible to make a ranking to define the most beautiful: Cala Tonnarella dell'Uzzo,
Cala dell'Uzzo, Cala Marinella, Cala Berretta, Cala della Disa, Cala del Varo, Cala Capreria.
The clear sea waters are still warm enough for swimming, with the advantage of having almost deserted beaches, offering an almost private experience in a unique natural setting.

6. Discover the Zingaro Reserve from the sea

This is also an original solution: discover the reserve from the sea with a boat excursion.
If the weather and sea conditions allow it, you can contact one of the many operators that leave from the small port of San Vito Lo Capo. The view of the reserve from the sea will be a real surprise. If you are lucky, you can also admire the dolphins that playfully chase the boat.
You will be able to admire all seven coves and reach the famous Scopello stacks and swim in the most beautiful coastal corners of the Zingaro Reserve.

7. Breathtaking landscape photography

The autumn colors and the softer light of the sun at this time of year allow for special photographs. The blue of the sea contrasts with the warm tones of the mountains and creates a landscape of indescribable shades.

Photography lovers will be able to take advantage of the many ideas that nature offers, panoramic shots or close-ups of plants and flowers.
Whether you have a simple smartphone or a sophisticated camera, you will have no shortage of the right stimuli to capture magnificent images.

8. Museum of Weaving

It is the heart of artisan creativity. Here, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating world of weavers who have always worked, with mastery, the plant fibers of Giummarra (the leaves of the Dwarf Palm), Disa (the leaves of the Ampelodesma) and rush, creating objects still extraordinarily appreciated for their simple beauty.
The weaving of Giummarra, or the leaf of the dwarf palm, allows to give life to an extraordinary variety of objects, tangible testimonies of the peasant life of the past. You can admire hats, rings and necklaces, as well as the famous “coffe”, transformed today into elegant bags decorated with fabrics and other unique details.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit this enchanting place and discover the unique beauty of the art of weaving. The Museum of Weaving is only partially open during the year.
For information Tel. +39 0924.35093.

9. Picnic in equipped areas

In the wonderful Riserva dello Zingaro you can find two picnic areas, the result of the meticulous work of the reserve's forestry workers.
These two areas are equipped with comfortable benches and tables, and enjoy the refreshing shade of a charming "incannucciato", a canopy woven from reeds.
There is also a barbecue area, water (it is important to underline that it is not drinkable), waste bins and toilets.
All this in a natural setting that will make you appreciate this incredible place even more.
The two picnic areas of the Riserva dello Zingaro can be reached in a few minutes, as they are located near the two entrances. If you enter from the North (San Vito Lo Capo), you will find the equipped area immediately after Cala Tonnarella dell'Uzzo, while if you enter from the South entrance (Scopello – Castellammare del Golfo), you will find it very close to Cala Capreria.

10. Sleeping in a refuge

Sleeping in one of the refuges available within the Zingaro Reserve is an experience beyond compare.
Those looking for an authentic experience in nature cannot miss this opportunity.
Located along the half-coast path in Contrada Sughero, the shelters offer a bivouac experience, with wooden platforms to lie down on. There are no toilets, but there is a well with non-potable water nearby for washing.

It is important to note that the refuges do not have electricity and telephone and data connections may not always be available. In order to use this service, you must contact the Reserve management directly.

Contacts: info@riservazingaro.it - tel +39 0924.35108

Get ready for an authentic experience, uncontaminated and far from the frenzy of modern life. The refuges of the Riserva dello Zingaro are ready to offer you a unique experience in the wild nature.

So if you have chosen autumn to visit San Vito Lo Capo and the Zingaro Reserve, know that it is the perfect period.
You will feel deeply connected to nature and you will love one of the most iconic natural wonders of Sicily.