Lo Zingaro (The Gypsy)

Before its establishment as a Natural Reserve in 1981, the 7km stretch of coastline known today as “Lo Zingaro,” (the Gypsy), the Italian government had plans to build a road from San Vito Lo Capo, a popular beach destination, to Scopello, another such location. It’s a 44km ride and naturally, they wanted to make it easier to get there. The people, however, had other plans. They organized a demonstration and effectively stopped the construction!

Today, this area is hugely popular to avid hikers, outdoors people, as well as regular walkers. This area is completely unspoiled and is only accessible by foot. On one side you have the Tyrrhenian Sea and on the other it is backed by steep cliffs.  It is home to some 600 species of plants and over 40 species of birds nest and mate there.  It is also of great archeological interest with evidence of prehistoric settlements.

The access to the trail is from both San Vito Lo Capo (North entrance) and Scopello (South entrance). Along the trail, there are beautiful coves and small beaches that are accessible. The trail is also dotted here and there with mini museums where docents demonstrate and talk about the traditional ways of fishing, crafts, farm life, and manna harvest.
It truly is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

 You can view the complete story and video about “Lo Zingaro” on The Revelate.