Riserva dello Zingaro, Mezza Costa trail and return from Coastal Path
Riserva dello Zingaro, Mezza Costa trail and return from Coastal Path
4.9
(106)
595
hikers
Riserva dello Zingaro, Mezza Costa trail and return from Coastal Path
05:31
16.0km
690m
Hiking
Embark on a challenging hike through Sicily's Riserva dello Zingaro, combining the Mezza Costa trail with a return along the Coastal Path. This difficult route covers 10.0 miles (16.0 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2271 feet (692 metres), typically taking around 5 hours and 31 minutes to complete. You will ascend into the mountains on the Mezza Costa trail, offering panoramic views of the dramatic coastline and lush Mediterranean vegetation, before descending to follow the sea. The terrain is rugged in places, requiring sure-footedness, but rewards you with a pristine natural environment free of cars and noise. You will pass by secluded coves like Cala Capreria and Cala dell'Uzzo, perfect for a refreshing swim.
This combined route is generally rated as difficult, so you should have very good fitness for the 5-and-a-half-hour journey. While the Coastal Path is easier, the Mezza Costa trail involves a substantial uphill climb. Be prepared for paths that can be rugged, especially if you visit during the hot summer months when shade is limited. Sturdy shoes are essential for navigating the varied terrain, which includes limestone and dolomite cliffs.
Riserva dello Zingaro holds historical significance as Sicily's first protected natural area, established in 1981 after local protests prevented a coastal road. This preservation effort means you will experience an authentic natural environment, home to over 650 plant species and around 40 species of nesting birds. Along the Mezza Costa path, you can also spot well-preserved rural buildings, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
621 m
Cala Tonnarella dell'Uzzo
Highlight • Beach
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.71 km
Grotta di Mastro Peppe Siino
Highlight • Cave
The path there is adventurous and leads through a rough but beautiful landscape. From the cave entrance you have an impressive view of the sea, which beautifully sets off the contrast between the rough rocky landscape and the calm, blue waters of the Mediterranean.
As you explore the caves you will discover the traces of times gone by that are carved in stone here. A real highlight for hikers who are equally enthusiastic about history and nature.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.95 km
Borgo Cusenza
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7.94 km
View of the Zingaro Nature Reserve
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
11.3 km
Punta Capreria Coastal Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
11.6 km
Punta Leone Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
12.8 km
Cala Berretta
Highlight • Beach
Translated by Google •
Tip by
16.0 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
11.5 km
2.75 km
1.72 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
12.1 km
2.29 km
806 m
803 m
< 100 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (460 m)
Lowest point (30 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 7 May
21°C
17°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
This route was planned by komoot.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
https://www.bergwelten.com/t/w/11249 Own rating: 7 / 7⭐ Start / finish: Parking lot in front of the south entrance to the nature park (€5 park entry per person) Zingaro was created as a nature reserve in 1981 and is the first protected area in Sicily. In the past, farmers lived here in the villages as well as smugglers and traders who used the many caves to store their goods. Today the reserve is one of the most popular places in Sicily to enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the sea and alternate hiking and bathing holidays in beautiful bays.
A real gem! Hope the quality stays that high! A stroke of luck for Sicily that in 1980 activists successfully fought against tourist development. Otherwise this would have become one of the typical concrete castles today....
This fantastically beautiful circular hike leads through the Lo Zingaro nature reserve in north-western Sicily. It is the first nature reserve to be set up in Sicily and was the result of a citizens' initiative. In terms of landscape, the Lo Zingaro Nature Park is characterized by sandy bays, rough limestone cliffs and an approximately 7 km long coastline. Unfortunately, a fire in 2012 damaged much of the reserve, but that wasn't as obvious on our hike. But this nature tour not only fascinated us in terms of the landscape, this nature reserve also has wonderful flowers to offer; In addition, numerous bird species can be found in this bird paradise, including hawks, vultures and eagles, so it is said, which, however, have not shown themselves to us. Instead, we hike through wonderful coastal and barren rocky landscapes, past abandoned shepherd and farmer settlements. There is wonderful vegetation to admire everywhere and there is always a fantastic view of turquoise sea bays - when the weather is great, what more could you want?! Pictures say more than words, so this time I would like to refer to the beautiful photos instead of the text, which I have also labeled as far as possible. Have fun looking through! PS If you would like to visit the visitor center at the end of the hike, you can see a small exhibition there about the former rural production in this region. With the wonderful weather, we were lured more into the sea.