Circuit around the Zingaro Nature Reserve: Sentiero di Mezza Costa.
A walk without real difficulty around a circuit, with beautiful scenery and beautiful coves for swimming in the Zingaro Nature Reserve, situated between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo in Sicily.
Description
From the car park of the south entrance (S) of the reserve (on the Scopello side), after the toll, pass through a tunnel and then head slightly downhill, to arrive at the Centro Visitatori.
(1) From here there is a good climb up the left brings us closer to the southern boundary of the reserve and then leads to a vehicle track to which public entry is prohibited.
(2) There is an entrance gate allowing entry to persons authorised. Follow this path to the right for about 300 m to a house (parhaps part of the park?), that was closed during our visit in late May 2015.
(3) The track stops and continues along a path.
(4) Soon after at an intersection of paths we take the right branch and then pass by a trail on the left to continue, slightly uphill, to follow the clear path.
This leads to Pizzo del Corvo and Pizzo del Lupo, continue to reach some houses (restored), this is the uninhabited hamlet of Sughero (270 m altitude). There are signposts.
(5) Head downhill to the right and reach the coastal path. There is a good path here that passes near some uninhabited houses (some can be rented, I believe).
(6) It quickly meets the coastal path where it immediately becomes busier. Follow it to the right. We go down to the left in the Cala Beretta (7) where there is the opportunity to enjoy a dip in the water of a number of streams, but they are far from deserted.
Head back to the coastal path and take it up to the left. The trail is excellent, it is visibly busy!
We soon come to Centro Visitatori (1) and then the tunnel and car park.
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 81 m
- 1 : km 0.49 - alt. 65 m - Centro Visitatori
- 2 : km 1.41 - alt. 244 m - Track
- 3 : km 1.78 - alt. 275 m - House
- 4 : km 1.96 - alt. 302 m - Intersection
- 5 : km 4.98 - alt. 261 m - Sughero
- 6 : km 6.32 - alt. 73 m - Coastal path
- 7 : km 7.11 - alt. 14 m - Cala Beretta
- S/E : km 10.64 - alt. 79 m
Useful Information
Fee to access the reserve: € 5 per person. Access permitted from 07:00, exit before 19:00.
The car park near the entrance is not very large, we recommend arriving early.
In case of problems Scopello can be accessed from (2) following the track to the south.
In summer, I have read that options for hikes may be more limited (fire hazard).
This route does not present any difficulty.
There is the option to extend the hike by continuing after Sughero, at a medium altitude, as far as the area around Borgo Cosenza, and then down to the sea.
Remember to bring a good supply of water, sunglasses, hat, etc (and your swimsuit!) etc. It can be very hot, there is almost no shade.
No drinking water anywhere in the reserve; there is water at a fountain up in in the hamlet of Sughero but it is iffy and should be filtered at the very least.
The coastal path is busy, even during the week of the end of May, but the upper path is much less frequented due to the uphill climb and lack of shelter from the sun.
In my view, avoid hiking here on weekends and in high season, the streams may be chock full of bathers.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
The reserve was created when residents refused to allow a road joining Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo to be built, explaining the unfinished tunnel at the start of the hike.
Centro Visitatori: small exhibition, availability of information.
On the coastal path, there is at least one other house with small exhibitions of local products, particularly basketry.
Beautiful panoramas between (2) and (5).
Pleasant swimming opportunities in the beautiful coves.
There are some flowers, especially some orchids but mostly acanthus.
Reviews and comments
Clarity of route description
5 / 5
Clarity of route map
5 / 5
Walk interest
5 / 5
Date of walk : 30/08/19
Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very scenic. It was a hot day so needed lots of water.
