Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 388 101 07 72; Via Diaz 13; pastries from €1)
This tempting
pasticceria
sells a huge range of Si-
cilian sweet treats and is the town's social epicentre. Claim one of its outdoor tables and
settle back for a session of people-watching fuelled by coffee and cake or a refreshing
fruit-based
gelato
or
granita
(crushed-ice drink).
Getting There & Around
BUS
Autoservizi Russo buses run between Castellammare del Golfo and Scopello (€2.50, 30
minutes, four daily).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Around Scopello
Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
Saved from development by local protests, the tranquil
Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
( 092 43
51 08;
www.riservazingaro.it
;
adult €3, child 8-14 €2, under 8 or 65+ free; 7am-7.30pm Apr-Sep, 8am-4pm Oct-
Mar)
was established in 1981 as Sicily's first nature preserve. It has become the star attrac-
tion on the gulf, drawing an ever-growing number of nature-lovers and outdoors enthusi-
asts, both Italian and foreign.
Zingaro's wild coastline is a haven for the rare Bonelli eagle, along with 40 other bird
species and 700 plant varieties, some unique to this stretch of coast. Mediterranean flora
dusts the hillsides with wild carob and bright yellow euphorbia, and hidden coves provide
excellent swimming spots.
Cetaria Diving Centre
( 092 454 11 77;
www.cetaria.com
;
Via Marco Polo 3)
in Scopello organises guided dives in the waters off the nature reserve between April and
October, visiting underwater caves and two shipwrecks; it also offers boat excursions with
snorkelling.
The main entrance to the park is 2km from Scopello. The 7km walk up the coast
between the Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo entrances will take about two hours each
way, not counting stops. The route follows a clearly marked track, passing several fine
beaches along the way. Note that the San Vito entrance is 10km from the town of San Vito
Lo Capo and there is no public transport, so backtracking to Scopello is the most practical
option for hikers. There are also several trails inland, which are detailed on the free maps
