Riserva dello Zingaro – untouched landscape

It is conveniently located between San Vito Lo Capo and Scopello - nature reserve Riserva dello Zingaro with its rich flora and fauna as well as solitary bays and spectacular panoramic vistas.

Its Mediterranean vegetation is defined by olive and carob trees as well as dwarf fan palms.

Ornithologists get their money’s worth at the reserve, as there are about 40 different species of birds. Falcons, vultures, tawny owls as well as eagles feel at home there. Other animal species too are found at Zingaro, amongst others, weasels, Sicilian salamanders, whip snakes, porcupines, bats and green lizards.

Our tip: Should you plan on a tour through Riserva dello Zingaro, take along enough water and supplies, because there are no drop-ins for refreshment. Swimwear might also come in handy.
As the nature reserve can be explored only on foot, park your car at Scopello or San Vito Lo Capo. 

Skillful architecture at Monreale

In 1172, Sicily’s King William II started on a true masterwork of architecture on Monte Caputi, 7 km southwest of Palermo.

His reason for doing so is said to have been the apparition of the Virgin Mary he experienced one night in a place high above Palermo.

Back then, it was a really huge building site, which included a cathedral, a fortress-style complex of buildings, an archiepiscopal palace, a royal palace and a Benedictine monastery.

What has remained is the Arab-Norman cathedral with its cloister, which fascinates thousands of tourists every year.

Ancient Segesta

Segesta, about 70 km from Palermo, is a highlight for lovers of antiquity.

The Elymians founded the town in the 5th century BC on Monte Barbaro, at 305 m a.s.l., for protective purposes, because from there they were able to overlook the whole area. According to Vergil’s Aeneid, the Elymians were among those Trojans who, after fleeing from Troy, settled in Sicily while the others moved on to Italy. 

In 430 BC, the Elymians built the majestic Doric-style temple of Segesta. The Greek theater was built a little later. From its tiers of seats, you are granted a fantastic view of the Gulf of Castellammare del Golfo. In summer, you can enjoy the performances taking place in the theater. 

Nature reserve Monte Cofano

Should you be spending your holidays at holiday apartment Il Giuccu, then you are only a stone’s throw from nature reserve Monte Cofano. The reserve's special feature is its unique rock flora, which is found only in this part of Sicily.

There are various tours you can undertake. The somewhat lesser trained hiker and mountain biker might explore the area by following the trail along the sea.

If you are more ambitious and more trained, climb up to the peak and enjoy the breathtaking 360° panoramic view, which your efforts are rewarded with.

Our tip: In summer, you are well-advised to visit/explore the reserve in the early morning or late evening hours, because there is little shade along the trails.  

Erice  – Medieval times up close between heaven and earth

In ancient times, Erice was one of the three centers of the Elymians, besides Segesta and Entella. The town served as an important base during the First Punic War.   

The triangular layout of many buildings is evidence of the Elymians’ fertility cult linked to goddess Aphrodite.

During Norman times, the town was renamed Monte S. Giuliano, a fortress and town gates were erected.

When visiting Erice today, you feel more like being taken back to prosperous medieval times, because there are numerous remains from those times, for example the impressive town wall as well as several churches and monasteries. Chiesa Madre, the main church built in 1312 by order of Frederick II, is particularly worth a closer look.

Erice, which is located on a plateau above the sea and offers fantastic views, is best reached by cable car or on foot from one of the parking lots outside of town.