Your Visit to Vendicari Nature Reserve

Vendicari is a stunning nature reserve that runs south of Noto along the coast near San Lorenzo. Its full name is Riserva Naturale Orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari.

Driving & Parking

Vendicari is a 20-minute drive from Noto. It has several entrances and places to park. I recommend entering ‘Casa Vendicari Boutique Hotel’ into your navigation. When you find yourself on this road, continue past the hotel until you reach a car parking field on the left. It will cost you a few euros to park in season and out of season, probably nothing.

Entrance

As you exit the car park, turn left. After a few minutes, you will see the entrance to the Vendicari nature reserve. A couple sitting in a hut will charge you a modest 3.5 euros per person to enter.

Wetlands & Birds

After a relatively short walk, you will reach a fork in the track. Before taking the right fork, look to the left. You can step into a viewing spot where you are hidden from the wildlife.

Vendicari is well known for its wetlands, where migratory birds stop over on their way between Europe and Africa. Many people, including me, love the pink flamingos.

Vendicari Beach

After looking at the wildlife, return to the track and take the right-hand fork towards the beach. Walk along the narrow, winding stone wetlands path to the beach.

Vendicari Beach is a beautiful, secluded bay with shallow waters. It is perfect for paddling aswell as swimming.

As you look to the left corner of the bay, you will see the remains of some old buildings and a chimney; these are the historic tuna works. Walk along the beach towards that end of the bay.

Shells

More than any other local beach, a beautiful array of small shells is on the sand along the waterline.

Vendicari Tuna Works

The Vendicari Tuna Fishery (Tonnara di Vendicari) is a historic centre for tuna fishing and processing dating back to the 18th century.

This industry thrived along Sicily’s coasts for centuries and was integral to the local economy, providing food and employment.

The blue building houses a tiny museum where you can learn more about the history of Vendicari.

Vendicari Coastal Path

Continue north along the coastal path, which gradually becomes a cliff path. To your left, enjoy the fields surrounded by stone walls and filled with flora and fauna.

When you reach the small building on the cliff top, you can look across the fields and see the city of Noto across the fields. From here, you can turn around and return the way you came towards your car.

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Enjoy your visit to Vendicari, the nature capital of Sicily!

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