Riserva naturale dello Zingaro

The Zingaro Nature Reserve (Italian Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro Orientata ) is a regional nature reserve in the province of Trapani in northwestern Sicily.

As in the 1980s, the construction of a highway along one of the most scenic stretches of coast from Castellammare del Golfo to San Vito lo Capo was planned, there were significant civil protests. The government relented and then built Zingaro Nature Reserve in Sicily as the first. The reserve covers 1600 ha and about 7 km of coastline, with sandy coves, and rugged limestone cliffs. The highest point is Monte Speziale with 914m. The karst area is crossed by rugged limestone cliffs and washed by water channels. The Mediterranean flora is dominated by olive and locust trees and dwarf palm ( Chaemerops humile ) and offers about 40 different species of bird habitat. Falcons, vultures and eagles perfect habitat here.

On August 5, 2012, a huge conflagration destroyed 80 percent of the reserve. The reserve was like after the day-long fires a lunar landscape. Until the vegetation has recovered, years are likely to pass away.

Special Interest

• Uzzo Grotto, a vertically open magma bubble of approximately 20 meters clear height (a few hundred meters inland from Tonnara del Uzzo ), which is used as a shelter and stabling the goatherds since time immemorial.