Vendicari Nature Reserve

Pink flamingos in the lagoons, an old tuna fishery by the sea and some of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily: the Vendicari nature reserve packs all of this into a few kilometres of coast between Noto and Marzamemi. You explore it on foot, on almost entirely flat paths, and you can easily spend a whole day here.

What to see in Vendicari

Vendicari is first and foremost a haven for birds. In the lagoons near the sea you can see pink flamingos, often in large numbers, especially in autumn and spring. Right by the main entrance are the remains of the old tonnara (tuna fishery) and the Torre Sveva, a stone's throw from Vendicari beach. And then there are the beaches, all sandy: Calamosche, once voted the most beautiful beach in Italy, but also Marianelli, Eloro and San Lorenzo.

Which entrance to choose

The reserve stretches along the coast and has five entrances, all on the SP19 road between Noto and Pachino. Pick the right one for what you want to see, or you'll be walking several kilometres: between Calamosche and the tonnara, for example, it's quite a distance. The main entrance, Vendicari, is the easiest for the tonnara, the Torre Sveva and birdwatching. Calamosche has its own entrance, Eloro in the north leads to the beach and the archaeological site, and Cittadella in the south to San Lorenzo beach.

The ticket costs €3.50 per person and is valid all day at every entrance: you can leave, drive to the next gate and go back in without paying again. Parking at the main entrance is free.

Our tip

At the main entrance there's a kiosk where you can get drinks and a granita: make the most of it, because there's nothing else inside the reserve. Bring enough water, especially in summer, and check the opening times before you go, as they change with the seasons.

See also

The most beautiful beaches near Marzamemi