LO ZINGARO NATURE RESERVE
Riserva naturale dello Zingaro, Sicily Map
The Zingaro coast is one of the very few stretches of the Sicilian coast not contaminated by the presence of a coastal road. The Reserve extends in the western part of the Gulf of Castellammare, stretches along 7 km of coast and almost 1,700 hectares of unspoiled nature.
The Zingaro Reserve has a network of hiking paths of various lengths and degrees of difficulty. It is a gorgeous maritime destination, with its steep cliffs overlooking the turquoise and deep blue waters, and cozy coves where to relax and take a swim after your hike. Often referred to as "paradise with the sea view," the Reserve offers visitors a spectacle made of imposing mountains, deep recesses, broad valleys on the sea. There are many species of birds and rich vegetation inside the Reserve. Between March and May, there is the path of the orchid path that allows you to see all 27 species scattered around the Reserve. The Reserve is visited only on foot, so as not to disturb the various species of birds that nest there.
It is possible to visit the Reserve with three routes, which allow you to experience it to the end. The first route is the one most traveled by tourists and winds along the coasts of the Reserve for about 7 km. The second route, called "Mezza Costa" is the most panoramic and has a journey of about 8.5 km. The final path, called "Sentiero Alto," is the most challenging and winds through almost all the Reserve, and it is approximately 17.5 km long. You can see museums, nature, caves and combine the walking with sitting on the beaches and swimming in the amazing blue waters. You need a day though for it, and it is a good idea to bring water and food with you since there are no places to stop and eat there. Also, we recommend wearing special shoes because the beaches are rocky; there is no sand. Visit the official website for hours of operations, guides and more information about trails or guided tours.
Where it is: 91010 San Vito Lo Capo, Province of Trapani, Italy
How to get there: 11km/7 miles. About 20 minutes from Palazzo del Golfo.
Riserva dello Zingaro, Ph: Flickr, sikeliakali
Belvedere di Castellammare
Located on your way from Castellammare del Golfo to Scopello, you should stop for a few minutes, best in the late part of the morning to take in the beautiful view of Castellammare, its harbor and points beyond of course you can see Palazzo del Golfo too:). With a breathtaking view is the perfect place for those who like to take some pictures with a fantastic view above Castellammare del Golfo area.
Where it is: Località Belvedere, 53, 91014 Castellammare del Golfo TP, Italy
How to get there: 1.7km/1 mile from Palazzo del Golfo. About a 5 minute drive.
Tonnara di Scopello & Spiaggia dei Faraglioni
Frequently a location used in commercials and films, Spiaggia dei Faraglioni in Scopello is arguably one of the most famous seaside destinations in the area. Scopello is a small picturesque village in the territory of Castellammare del Golfo and located on the edge of the Zingaro Nature reserve. It is known for its famous rock formations the Faraglioni or 'The Stacks' as well as the XIII century building known as 'La Tonnara' once owned by the famous Florio Family, a prominent entrepreneurial Sicilian family. There is not much of a 'beach' however, but a concrete slab once during its days as a Tonnara. This beautiful bay with its crystal clear water and wealth of sea life is not to be missed, however, and can be thoroughly enjoyed by boat. Bring some bread with you on the boat and watch the fish start jumping!
Where it is: Tonnara di Scopello, Largo Tonnara, 91014 Scopello TP, Italy
How to get there: 10 km/6.2 miles from Palazzo del Golfo. About 15-20 minutes by car along a major state road or by bus that leaves from several locations in Castellammare del Golfo. Recommend renting a boat or booking a sea excursion.
Monte Inici
Experience hiking and trekking immersed in nature. Take part in one of the many guided tours organized by the CAI Speleological Group of Castellammare del Golfo, one of which will take you to the Abyss of the Shards-Branch of the Lakes. It is truly a breathtaking visual experience inside this cave with its spectacular array of stalagmites and stalactites. Caving is the perfect combination of outdoor sports, action, and exploration, especially in the summer heat. Caving brings the unique experience of exploration, the excitement of new discoveries, and the beauty and mystery of the caves.
The forest of Lisciandrini, with its breathtaking gorge and the views on Mount Inici and the sea of Castellammare del Golfo, offers ideas for unique nature walks. Monte Inici is a peak located within the protected lands of Castellammare del Golfo. It is located in the province of Trapani and has a height of 1,065 m. On its slopes, on the north side, is the town of Castellammare del Golfo.
On its south side, stands the Castle of Inici and the sanctuary of the Madonna della Mendola. In the 16th century, Inici was a vast barony which included nine fiefs inside and belonged to the House of Sanclemente, a noble family from Trapani. During the journey, you will pass through thick forests of holm oak and conifers, meadows rich in wild orchids, with views of Castellammare, the gulf and the surrounding countryside.
Mount Inici, Castellammare del Golfo
Check out more information about hiking routes in Castellammare del Golfo by visiting wikiloc.
Where it is: Monte Inici, 91014 Castellammare del Golfo, Province of Trapani, Italy
How to get there: 1.8km/1 mile. About a 5 minute drive to the Belvedere and start your hike or bike ride from there.
Riserva Naturale Orientata Monte Cofano, Custonaci
Riserva Naturale Orientata Monte Cofano
Monte Cofano is a monolithic, impressive mountain, rising almost 700m above sea level. It is located between Trapani and Monte Erice to the west and Capo San Vito and the mountain range of its more famous sister reserve, Riserva Naturale Orientata Zingaro.
At the Riserva Naturale Orientata Monte Cofano, there is modest rock climbing, trekking/hiking up the slopes of the mountain and long nature walks or horseback riding, all with breathtaking views of the pristine sea.
Where it is: 91015 Custonaci, Province of Trapani, Italy
How to get there: 29.2km/18 miles. About a 30 minute drive along a major state road.
Your Gateway to Unforgettable Experiences Awaits – Reserve Your Sicilian Escape Today!
This page uses material from the Wikipedia article "Monte Inici", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
