Places
Beach·Moderate·Scenic·Popular

Cala Marinella

Sicily

Reached only on foot along the coastal path within the Riserva dello Zingaro, Italy's first nature reserve, this cove offers strikingly clear water below dry Mediterranean scrub of dwarf palm and euphorbia. The reserve was created in the 1980s after a successful grassroots campaign blocked a coastal road, preserving seven kilometres of undeveloped shoreline. Peregrine falcons and Bonelli's eagles nest on the surrounding limestone cliffs.

Duration
3 hours
Distance
6 km
Elevation
+150 m
Best season
May – September

Highlights

  • Car-free protected coastline
  • Nesting Bonelli's eagles nearby
  • Clear, undeveloped swimming cove

With your dog

Coastal reserve trail to a pebble cove; dogs must stay leashed, reserve rules enforced.