Sicily is an island that conquers and amazes you with places of timeless charm to visit at least once in your life. There are so many itineraries to discover the beauties of the area but there is a small paradise on the south-eastern coast where relaxation, uncontaminated sea and history intertwine to give visitors unique sensations.
What are we talking about? Of the Vendicari Oasis , a natural reserve oriented between Noto and Marzamemi . A short guide to discover how to reach and what to do in one of the most beautiful oases on our island.
HOW TO GET TO VENDICARI
To reach the crystalline sea of the Vendicari Reserve it is necessary to take the A18 Messina - Catania - Siracusa motorway or, for those arriving from Palermo , the A19 motorway, exiting at the crossroads for Cassibile and continuing on the SS115. It is necessary to continue along the SP Pachino - Noto following the road signs for Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari . If you don't have a car but don't want to miss out on the spectacle of the pink flamingos that live there
Riserva can be reached by "Interbus" bus departing from Syracuse . Once you reach the Vendicari Reserve, prepare to admire, strictly on foot, the uncontaminated and at times wild nature, with its unique and spectacular colours.
There are four entrances, all free:
- Main entrance or Vendicari beach
- Calamosche entrance
- Eloro entrance (north entrance)
- Citadel entrance (southern entrance)
The marked paths and signs will guide you inside the Oasis to discover approximately 7 km of coastline. You can choose between three itineraries:
- blue itinerary to visit the northern area of the Vendicari Reserve. It starts from Eloro and arrives in Calamosche.
- orange itinerary to visit the Tonnara, the Sveva tower and the Vendicari beach.
- green itinerary to visit the Citadel, the Trigona, the Byzantine Necropolis until reaching the Vendicari beach.
WHAT TO SEE IN VENDICARI
The Vendicari Reserve was established in 1982 by the Sicily Region which thus recognized its historical and environmental importance. By visiting the Oasis you will, in fact, have the opportunity to enjoy not only the wonderful beaches and a crystal clear sea but various archaeological and architectural finds dating back to the Greek era:
- The Swabian Tower also known as "Bafutu" with its structure of Arab origin, symbol of Vendicari located in the center overlooking the entire Reserve and its beaches. Next to it you will find the tanks used for tuna processing, and a recently brought to light necropolis.
- Latomie from the 5th century, south of Eloro , used for the construction of temples and monuments.
- In the southern part of Vendicari you will discover the Trigona , a small church dating back to the Byzantine age next to which there are some catacombs and remains of houses.
If you are a nature lover, your visit to the Vendicari Oasis will not disappoint you. The area is home to different varieties of plants and between one birdwatching observation hut and another you can photograph flamingos , herons, cormorants, storks and waders.
WHAT TO EAT IN VENDICARI
Vendicari is an extraordinary natural paradise in the South of Sicily and with its clear sea, the fine sandy beaches of Vendicari, Calamosche or San Lorenzo and the history of its routes it is among the most recommended destinations for a self-respecting Sicilian summer. To complete your visit along the paths of the Vendicari Oasis we recommend combining the beauty of the places with the taste of the true flavors of the island. A few meters from the main entrance, the Dalla Terra Bistrot awaits you, the only one with the Oasis around it , where you can taste 100% Sicilian products grown with respect for the environment and the territory, in harmony with the DOC and DOP regulations . A simple and genuine cuisine open from breakfast to aperitif.
All you have to do is put on your swimsuit, put your camera in your backpack and start your adventure in the Vendicari Wildlife Oasis Nature Reserve.
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