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Travels are always personal. There are many travelers that feel the need to express the emotions that journeys raise. So, they either write about it, sing about it, paint about it or even turn to pottery. The key that connects all of these is that they all reflect personal impressions. It can be therefore concluded that it takes personal experience to actually discover the unknown. And it all becomes even more glorious when the unknown reveals the sonorous energy of nature.

An odyssey to Castellammare del Golfo is the right choice if you wish to observe how nature takes over. All the hill slopes that mark the way between Castellammare del Golfo and San Vito Lo Capo announce the arrival to a natural heaven, the Zingaro Nature Reserve. This paradise is situated on the eastern side of the Gulf of Castellammare covering a generous and beautiful section of the coast. The Zingaro is with no doubt the protected area of natural majesty.

This corner of beauty and tranquility is the optimum path to follow if what you are looking for is to generously pamper your senses. This famous nature reserve houses an extraordinary aquatic life that offers rare outlooks to all sea lovers out there. It hosts a spectacular seabed that permanently attracts professional and amateur divers into witnessing the colored sponges, anemones and madrepores that smother the underwater ground.

The submerged rocks form the habitat of white grouper and white bream while tunny and pelagic prefer the rocky peaks. Communities of dolphins gather around during spring and autumn. And the truth is that the more one delves into the core of this paradise, the more one becomes entangled in the fascination web of this natural complex, because the reserve continues with a wide offer of sandy beaches, grottoes, tunnels and sunny valleys that host the cribs of various birds. The pilgrim falcon, the Bonelli eagle, wind havers, buzzards and many endangered species enjoy the freedom and protection of the reserve. The Zingaro is the first nature reserve of Sicily, which is one of the reasons why an abundance of endemic species found comfort in this place.

The area doesn’t bear major notoriety only for its diverse flora and fauna, but also for its archaeological legacy. For example, the Uzzo Grotto used to be one of the primary human dwellings of the area. Even more information on the local history can be reached at the museums that mark the ends of the reserve.

As far as organization is concerned, the matter received close attention. Such a large space required a strict structure which is why there is no way one can lose orientation. Many guiding signs are sprinkled all over the surface. An even greater feature is that cars are not allowed. It is a very good thing that in certain areas Sicily disables the use of cars, this way offering the opportunity of smelling the fresh air and admiring the scenery while doing some exercise.

But do not worry! The reserve is endowed with a large car park and also a generous picnic area in case you wish an afternoon snack. And do not forget to take your camera with you. This place allows some unique snapshots that are definitely worth adding to the travel album.