Sicily: Walking Tour in the Nature Reserve of Vendicari

A nature reserve of incredible and unique beauty, which preserves both natural treasures and historical monuments on its territory, is located very close to the small and famous Sicilian fishing village of Marzamemi. The territory of Vendicari Natural Reserve is about 1512 hectares.

Several types of rare birds live here: flamingos, herons, royal gulls and several more types of amazing creatures of nature. It is also home to rare amphibians: for example, Sicilian marsh turtles. The reserve is protected and it is impossible to get to some places so as not to disturb the harmony of nature.

Walking here you will find yourself in front of breathtaking landscapes, dense vegetation that suddenly opens up to a crystal clear sea, to very long and golden beaches, which in a few hundred meters become rocks overlooking a deep sea. From the observation huts you can admire Flamingos, Herons, Storks that stop here before reaching the final migratory destinations.

In addition to the unique natural beauty, you will see here a dilapidated, but preserved church from the time of Byzantium. Which is actually rare, because almost all the Byzantine structures were destroyed and destroyed when the last Byzantine fortress on the island was destroyed. The Byzantine complex is located in the southern part of Vendicari, now called “Cittadella dei Maccari”. In this site you can admire the Trigona: a Byzantine Cuba, which like all the churches of the time, is square in plan with three apses, an upper dome and an opening to the east in such a way that, as tradition, the light of the full moon entered the building starting the Holy Easter. A short distance from Byzantine Cuba there are several catacombs dating back to the same period and some remains of dwellings, a sign of a densely populated area.

You will also find here the history of Medieval Age: The Swabian Tower, probably built by Peter of Aragon, Count of Alburquerque and Duke of Noto (1406-1438).

Then arriving to the modern period: Tonnara di Vendicari was built in the eighteenth century following the great increase that in Sicily had in the concession of tuna. The activity of the Tonnara was facilitated by the presence of salt pans, the first dating back to Greek times.

Inside the reserve is also visible a stretch of the ancient via Elorina, road connecting the colony of Eloro and Syracuse.

Plan your trip here in the early morning, and then visit Marzamemi and treat yourself to local seafood delicacies for dinner or an aperitif.