The Riserva Naturale di Vendicari is one of the most accessible and diverse coastal reserves in Sicily, known for its mix of beaches, wetlands, and easy walking trails.
Unlike more rugged reserves such as Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, Vendicari is relatively flat and easy to explore, with several entry points leading to sandy beaches, lagoons, and historic ruins scattered throughout the area.
The reserve is also an important wetland habitat, attracting migratory birds throughout the year, and includes sites such as an old tuna fishery and ancient ruins along the coast.
Located near Noto and within easy reach of Siracusa (Syracuse), Vendicari works well as a relaxed half-day or full-day outing.
This guide covers how to plan your visit, including the different access points, what to expect from the trails and beaches, and how to make the most of your time in the reserve.
Vendicari Nature Reserve Guide – At a Glance
Highlights
– Coastal walks: Easy, flat scenic trails along a varied stretch of coastline
– Sandy beaches: Some of the best natural sandy beaches in southeastern Sicily
– Swimming spots: Calm, clear water with multiple access points
– Wetlands & wildlife: Lagoons and salt pans attracting migratory birds
– Historic landmarks: Coastal ruins, including an old tuna fishery and watchtower
Good to Know: Walking and Trails
– Walking routes: Multiple short interconnected trails from different entrances rather than a single continuous route (Green Trail, Blue Trail, Orange Trail)
– Our suggested/preferred trail: the Orange Trail
– Trail type (Orange Trail): Flat coastal walking path
– Difficulty (Orange Trail): Easy (minimal elevation gain)
– Distance (Orange Trail): 4.5 km one way (9 km round trip)
– Flexible visit: No need to complete the full trail system, spectacular scenery and secluded coves can be enjoyed by walking just half the trail, or less
Good to Know: Beaches, Lagoons & Swimming
– Beaches: Mostly sandy, with a few more natural or wilder stretches
– Water: Generally calm and clear, ideal for swimming
– Most scenic swimming spot: Calamosche beach (though it can get quite busy)
– Wildlife: Important birdwatching area, especially around the wetlands
Good to Know: Practicalities
– Time required: 2-3 hours for a quick visit; half a day to explore multiple areas or enjoy time on the beach
– Entrances: There are 5 different entrances to Vendicari
– Our suggested entrance: Central Entrance (Ingresso Vendicari), which allows you to hit most of the highlights of the reserve without having to walk its entire length
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Vendicari Nature Reserve: Location & Map
Vendicari Nature Reserve (link to Google Maps) is located near Sicily’s southeastern tip, north of the beautiful coastal hamlet of Marzamemi and south of the Baroque town of Noto and the historic Siracusa (Syracuse).
The Different Vendicari Entrances
The Vendicari Nature Reserve has 5 entrances/access points, each with its own small car park:
– South Entrance (Ingresso Cittadella – near San Lorenzo) – (Link to Google Maps)
– Central Entrance (Ingresso Vendicari) – (Link to Google Maps)
– Calamoshe Entrance (Ingresso Calamosche) – (Link to Google Maps)
– Marinella Entrance – (Link to Google Maps)
– Eloro Entrance (Ingresso Eloro – near Lido di Noto)
Which is the Best Vendicari Entrance to use?
The short answer is that it really depends on what you want to see and do during your time in Vendicari Nature Reserve.
1) If you just want to hang out at the best beach, Calamosche (more on the beach further below), you can head directly to the Calamosche Entrance.
2) If you want to hike the entire length of the reserve, parking in the South Entrance makes the most sense, from which you can make a straightforward out-and-back hike along the coast. The South Entrance is also ideally located to visit the Byzantine archeological site and necropolis (Link to Google Maps).
3) Our favorite: the Central Entrance (Ingresso Vendicari). It allows you to hit most of the highlights of the reserve without having to walk its entire length, including its two best beaches (Vendicari and Calamosche), the salt marshes (where various migratory birds can be seen), Torre Sveva (the remnants of a medieval fortification), and the Tonnara di Vendicari (centuries-old tuna fishery processing plant).
The South Entrance can be connected on foot to the Central Entrance via Vendicari’s Green Trail, which runs for 5 km (10 km including return). The Central Entrance can be connected on foot to the Calamosche Entrance via Vendicari’s Orange Trail, which runs for 4.5 km (9 km including return). And finally, the Calamosche Entrance can be connected on foot to the Eloro Entrance via Vendicari’s Blue Trail, which runs for 3 km (6 km including return).
Below, we will focus on the sites and attractions of the Orange Trail.
How to get to Vendicari Nature Reserve
By Car: By far the easiest way to reach the nature reserve is by driving there.
Central Entrance (Ingresso Vendicari) – (Link to Google Maps)
From Noto: 12 km (22 minutes)
From Marzamemi: 15 km (25 minutes)
From Avola: 18 km (30 minutes)
From Siracusa: 40 km (40 minutes)
From Modica: 55 km (45 minutes)
From Catania: 100 km (1h15)
If you need to book a rental vehicle for your travels, we highly recommend using Discover Cars to get the best rates on your rental in Sicily.
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By Public Transit: It’s quite difficult to get to Vendicari Nature Reserve by public transit, and you will mostly be required to make several connections just to get close, so we don’t particularly recommend this approach.
If you don’t have your own car, your best bet is probably to take a taxi from Noto.
Vendicari Nature Reserve – Ticket Price and Operating Hours
Entrance Fee
Entrance to the Vendicari Nature Reserve costs €3.50 per day pass per person (2026). Family passes are available for €7.00.
Parking costs an additional €5.00 per vehicle. Note that there have been reports of car break-ins in the Vendicari car parks, so please don’t leave any valuables in your vehicle.
Also note that dogs are not allowed to enter the Reserve.
Opening Hours
Vendicari Nature Reserve’s opening hours are 7:30 AM to 7 PM from April to October 31st
and 9:30 AM to 4 PM from November to March 31st.
Facilities
There are a few portable toilets on site, but they are few and far between.
While there are no food vendors within the nature reserve, there are several small restaurants located near some of the car parks, particularly near the main Central Entrance (Ingresso Vendicari).
There are no trash or recycling bins within the reserve, so please make sure you take everything back out with you.
What to Bring and What to Wear
– Though the trails aren’t particularly difficult, we still recommend wearing proper footwear due to their length and occasional uneven surfaces.
– Bring (or wear) a bathing suit if you want to swim in some of the beaches and coves (we highly recommend it). A towel would also be handy.
– Note that there is very little shade to be found, so applying sunscreen and/or wearing a hat is a good idea. Bringing LOTS of water (or some other form of hydration) with you is also a good idea, as there are no vendors within the reserve.
About the Vendicari Nature Reserve: a Brief History
The same year (1981) that Sicily’s first nature reserve was established, Zingaro Nature Reserve, plans were already in the works to create another natural reserve at Vendicari’s location. However, after several administrative delays, the reserve wasn’t officially established until 1984, and wasn’t opened to the public until 1989.
In addition to the reserve’s pristine natural beauty, Vendicari has a very rich history and archaeological heritage spanning several millennia. Near the northern end of the reserve lie some old stone quarries dating back to the 5th century BC, which were used to construct various temples and monuments in the ancient Greek city of Eloro.
The southern end of the reserve is home to a Byzantine complex that includes a church and a necropolis, dating from the 6th century AD.
Near the center of the reserve lies the Sveva Tower, dating from the 15th century, which was a fortification built to report and repel attacks from Saracen pirates. The tower was still in use until the 19th century. A short hop from the tower is the Tonnara of Vendicari (old tuna fishery), which was built in the 18th century, but ceased operations during the Second World War (and never resumed afterwards).
Today, the reserve includes lagoons and salt pans, beaches and sand dunes, making it an important wetland area and a vital stopover for migratory birds. It is estimated that more than 180 species of birds visit the reserve each year, including pink flamingos.
Vendicari Nature Reserve – The Hiking Trails
The nature has one long trail that runs through it from north to south, hugging the coastline at many points. But since the full length of the trail is over 12 km and few would want to hike 24 km (including the return), the reserve divided the trail into sections: the Green Trail (southern portion – 5 km), the Orange Trail (middle portion – 4.5 km), and the Blue Trail (northern section – 3km).
Our favorite, which is also the most popular, is the Orange Trail, so we will focus on this section of Vendicari below.
The Orange Trail – Details
Distance: 9.2 km (including return)
Route Type: Out and Back
Elevation gain: 15 m (cumulative elevation gain: 60 m)
Start point: Car park
All Trails rating: (4.5, 137 ratings (2025))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in about 1h45 – 2h (not including beach stops)
Trail difficulty: Easy
Not an AllTrails member yet? We highly recommend signing up for either their free or paid membership plans. The free plan allows you to find new trails and plan routes but it can only be used while hiking if you have access to mobile data. The paid membership plan (AllTrails+) allows you to download trail maps for offline use and provides live progress updates and off-route notifications.
If you are still uncertain – you should know that the All Trails mobile application was voted the 2023 iPhone App of the Year by Apple.
We find that AllTrails is a great tool to have when hiking, particularly for assisting with navigation when the trail is hard to locate and to help monitor your progress along the trail, which helps estimate how much time you’ll need to complete the trail.
Other Orange Trail Details
– Canine companions: Dogs are NOT permitted.
– Summit: The highest point of the trail is at 15 m above sea level
– Trail environment: Short coastal vegetation, shrublands, and marshes, all of which offer very little opportunity for shade.
– Number of viewpoints: Infinite… you essentially have unobstructed views of the coastline the entire trail.
– Trail Surface / Technical trail: The trail is well-marked, well-maintained, and very easy to navigate.
– Average trail slope grade: 1% (on average, the trail is almost perfectly flat).
The Orange Trail – The Scenery
Here, we will let the pictures do most of the talking. Vendicari is just such a beautiful coastal paradise, with a rocky coast surrounded by turquoise waters on one side, and a wetland area filled with brackish marshes on the other side, and various shrubs and cacti in between. You’ll also notice a wide variety of succulent plants and cacti along the trail.
The Orange Trail – The Historic and Natural Sights
1) The salt marshes
Vendicari encompasses one of the last coastal wetlands of south-eastern Sicily, one that many migratory birds use as a first or last stop, before or after crossing the Mediterranean. During the winter and spring, you are likely to see Royal Swans, Wild Geese, and Mallards. In the summer, Gray Herons, Little Egrets, Terns, and large flocks of Gulls make their way here. Finally, at the beginning of autumn, Flamingos are regulars here.
2) Torre Sveva
The tower was originally built as a fortification against Saracen and Barbary pirates. It is believed to have been constructed in the 15th century, but the exact date of completion remains unknown, and it was last restored in 2007. Regarding the original structure, estimates state that it is roughly half the size that it was originally. Military activity continued officially at the Sveva Tower until 1867, when the Italian government declared it among the military buildings to be dismissed.
3) Tonnara di Vendicari
This tuna fishery has very ancient origins, as evidenced by engravings and rock paintings, which date back to prehistoric times. It was one of the many tonnare scattered along the Sicilian coast, where fishermen used a complex system of nets and boats to catch tunas that migrated through the area every spring and summer. The fish were then processed and preserved in the tonnara, a large building that housed salting and drying facilities, warehouses, workshops, and the living quarters for fishermen and their families. This current tuna fishery complex dates from the early 17th century, and fishing operations stopped following WWII.
The Orange Trail – The Beaches
The orange trails allow you to pass by two of the best Vendicari beaches.
1) Vendicari Beach: This is the first beach you will cross, just before reaching the Tonnara di Vendicari (tuna fishery). It’s not the best beach for swimming due to the large quantities of algae and seaweed, but it’s a great place to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the scenery.
2) Calamosche Beach: This marks the turning point for the return leg of the Orange Trail. The beach occupies a small strip of sand surrounded by two rocky promontories. It was awarded by the Blue Guide as the most beautiful beach in Italy in 2005. Although the beach is quite picturesque, one negative is that it can get quite crowded as it’s the most popular beach of the reserve.
Vendicari Nature Reserve – Other Things to See
If you venture beyond the Orange trail, there are several additional spots worth considering, especially if you have extra time or want to explore a quieter part of the reserve.
– Marianelli Beach (Blue Trail) – A more natural and less-developed stretch of coastline, typically quieter than the main beaches and popular with those looking for a more relaxed setting.
– San Lorenzo Beach (Green Trail) – Located near the northern edge of the reserve, this is a longer, more open sandy beach with easier access compared to some of the more secluded coves.
– Eloro Beach (Blue Trail) – A wide beach near the southern entrance, close to the archaeological remains of the ancient city of Eloro, combining coastal scenery with a touch of history.
– Byzantine complex and a necropolis (Green Trail) – Inland ruins offering a different perspective on the reserve, with remains of early settlements and burial sites set within a quiet, natural landscape.
Is the Vendicari Nature Reserve Worth it?
Most definitely! The Riserva Naturale di Vendicari is one of the best coastal areas in southeastern Sicily for a relaxed mix of beaches, walking, and nature.
Why You Might Enjoy It:
– Easy, flat walking trails with minimal effort required
– Sandy beaches and calm, clear water suitable for swimming
– Diverse landscape including lagoons, salt pans, and coastal ruins
– Less crowded and more natural than many developed beach areas
Why It Might Not Be for You:
– Spread-out layout requires choosing specific access points
– Limited facilities in some areas
– Can feel more low-key compared to more dramatic coastal spots
Bottom line: Vendicari is well worth visiting if you’re looking for a relaxed and varied coastal experience. It works particularly well as a half-day stop or as a quieter alternative to more developed beach destinations.
How Long Do You Need at the Vendicari Nature Reserve
To fully appreciate how beautiful Vendicari Nature Reserve is and to see everything that the Orange trail has to offer, we recommend spending at least 2-3 hours. Add extra time if you’d like to spend some time on one of the beaches or explore areas beyond the Orange Trail.
Best Time to Visit the Vendicari Nature Reserve
Best Time of the Year
Overall, the best time to visit is anywhere between March and October. You can definitely visit Vendicari outside these months, but the weather is much more unpredictable, and the sea might be too cold to comfortably swim in.
Spring: (March-May): Typically has great weather with cooler temperatures and very few crowds at the beaches. The sea might be a bit chilly.
Peak Summer (June – August): If possible, we would avoid these months. It gets really hot, and the beaches can get overcrowded, particularly in August. If you plan on visiting during these months, try to visit as early as possible during the day and avoid weekends.
Early Fall (September-October): Generally warmer than in the spring, but with similarly fewer crowds. The sea is comfortably warm and great for swimming.
Regardless of when you visit, weekends tend to be more crowded as many local Sicilians come to spend some time at the beaches.
Best Time of Day
The best time to visit is definitely in the early morning when it’s cooler and when there are far fewer other visitors (ideally starting arriving somewhere between 9 am and 10 am). It can get very hot here in the reserve by midday, and there is no shade along the trails to hide from the sun.
You’ll probably be able to find some shade in some of the deeper coves by midday, but you will still be very exposed to the sun on the trails until the late afternoon.
Things to Do Near the Vendicari Nature Reserve
Visit Marzamemi
A small but historic fishing village in southeast Sicily. It’s quite easy to be charmed by this scenic seaside village, and you just might want to linger longer than you had planned. Everything is so colorful and beautifully decorated here, and you’ll find several great spots to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink. You’ll also find several artisan shops and pleasant alleyways to wander through.
Visit the Archaeological area of Cava d’Ispica
Cava d’Ispica is a nature reserve and archaeological site located between the towns of Modica and Ispica. Located within a verdant valley, here you’ll find an impressive number of caves that were long used as Neolithic burial sites, but were later transformed into cave dwellings in the Middle Ages.
Visit Ragusa
Our favourite of Sicily’s southern baroque towns was Ragusa, with its lovely pedestrian central street and impressive cathedral. The views of Ragusa Ibla (the old town) when climbing up the stairs to Ragusa Superiore (the new town) are just spectacular! Perhaps even more impressive, the town is home to eighteen UNESCO World Heritage monuments.
For more information, check out our guide on the Best Things to See and Do in Ragusa (coming soon).
Visit Modica
More baroque beauty combined with a delicious local chocolate scene. Here, the Baroque is not all condensed into a small area like it is in Ragusa; it is spread out across a tangle of beautiful, sloping streets and stairways.
Visit Noto
Designated the ‘Capital of Baroque Art’ by the Council of Europe, Noto is the most famous town of the Val di Noto. The art historian Cesare Brandi referred to Noto as the ‘garden of stone’. Here you will find a dazzling succession of palaces and churches.
Visit Siracusa
Inhabited for over 3,000 years and renowned for its Greek heritage, it is a UNESCO landmark for its “remarkable testimony of the Mediterranean cultures over the centuries”. It is a fascinating town with a beautiful historical center and is packed with things to see and do, including numerous historical sites from the Greek and Roman time periods.
For more information, check out our guide on the Best Things to See and Do in Siracuca.
Where to Stay Near the Vendicari Nature Reserve
The best base for visiting the Riserva Naturale di Vendicari is Siracusa (Syracuse), which offers the widest range of accommodation, dining, and easy access to multiple sites in southeastern Sicily.
Staying here allows you to combine a visit to Vendicari with other nearby highlights such as Noto and the surrounding coastline.
In Ortigia (Siracusa Old Town):
Hotel Posta – A well-located option near the waterfront, with easy access to Ortigia’s main sights.
Lanterne Magiche Ortigia Suites – A smaller, more character-filled stay with stylish interiors in the heart of the old town
Hotels just outside Ortigia (within walking distance):
Hotel Palazzo Cavalieri – A comfortable option slightly outside the historic center, offering good value and quieter surroundings.
Caportigia Boutique Hotel – A modern boutique stay with clean design and a convenient central location.
Mercure Siracusa Prometeo – A reliable mid-range hotel with more amenities, including a rooftop pool.
Hotel Centrale – A simple and budget-friendly option within walking distance of Ortigia.
Vendicari Nature Reserve Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Vendicari worth visiting?
Yes, Riserva Naturale di Vendicari is one of the best places in southeastern Sicily for a relaxed mix of beaches, walking, and nature.
How long do you need in Vendicari?
2-3 hours is enough for a short visit to one beach or area, while a half-day allows you to explore multiple sections of the reserve.
Do you need to hike a lot in Vendicari?
No. The reserve is mostly flat, and many of the main beaches can be reached with short, easy walks from the entrances.
Which is the best beach in Vendicari?
Calamosche Beach is often considered the most scenic, while Vendicari Beach is easier to access and closer to the historic tonnara.
Can you visit multiple areas in one trip?
Yes, but it’s usually better to focus on one or two access points rather than trying to see the entire reserve in one visit.
Do you need a car to visit Vendicari?
Yes. The reserve is spread out, and a car is the easiest way to reach the different entrances.
Is Vendicari good for swimming?
Yes, many of the beaches have calm, clear water and sandy entry points that make them suitable for swimming.
Photography Gear
If you like our photography, you might be interested in some of the gear we use to shoot our travel and hiking destinations.
Camera Body – Nikon Z 6ii Fx-series Mirrorless Body
Main Lens – NIKON 24-120mm F/4G ED VR AF-S
Zoom Lens – Sigma 745-306 150-600mm f/5-6.3
Polarizing filters – Urth Circular Polarizing (CPL)
Camera Tripod – K&F Concept 64-inch Camera Tripod
Mini-tripod – Lammcou Flexible Camera Tripod
Camera/hiking backpack – Vanguard Alta Rise 48 Backpack
Universal Travel Adapter – VYLEE Universal International Power Travel Plug
Other Travel Essentials
Travel Insurance
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e-Sim cards
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eSIMS are a sustainable alternative to single-use SIM cards – they are 100% digital, require less energy to produce and be re-used rather than disposed of.
Car Rentals
Discover Cars is our go-to website for car rentals. We almost always find our preferred rate there.
Transfer from Airport
Welcome Pickups is our favourite private transfer service, which you can pre-book at a fixed price. Currently available in 220 cities all over the world (mostly in Europe, but with several major cities in Asia, the Middle East and the US).
Kiwitaxi is another private transfer service – we haven’t tried it yet, but it’s currently available in a few more countries (102 as of 2024).
Hotels and Accommodations (coming soon)
Photography Prints
If you found this blog useful, you can help support our blog by purchasing low-cost digital prints. Printed physical prints are also available for purchase.
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Well, that wraps it up! We hope you enjoyed our travel guide on Sicily’s Zingaro Nature Reserve and that it will prove useful for planning your trip.
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