Vendicari wildlife oasis nature reserve: history and what to see

Natural paths, remains of ancient civilizations, enchanting flamingos resting after a long flight: this is just a small part of what you can find in the Vendicari wildlife oasis oriented nature reservea protected area in the heart of Sicilya place where you can spend hours and hours surrounded by the most authentic nature.

The Vendicari nature reserve is located within the free municipal consortium of Syracuse, between Noto and Marzamemiand was established as a protected area in 1984, thanks to the determination of environmentalists and nature loverswho fought to protect this precious piece of the world.

Among pristine beaches, remains of ancient civilizations and exceptional flora and fauna biodiversity, Vendicari is a paradise to visit at least once in your life (or even a thousand times, if you have the chance)!

Let’s discover the history together, what to see and when to visit the Vendicari reserve.

Vendicari wildlife oasis nature reserve: history and origins

A source of pride for the Sicily Region, the Vendicari wildlife oasis nature reserve has a very ancient story: think that in these places there are archaeological evidence dating back to the Greek era.

Here you can admire the remains of a small necropolis, you can come across numerous traces of the Byzantine era, churches, catacombs and houses of the time.

Also in Vendicari stands the famous “tuna fishery” (or “Bafutu”), one of the symbols of the reserve, built in the eighteenth century and remained active until 1943.

Among the numerous traces of the past, also stands out Swabian Towerone of the most beautiful treasures of the reserve, commissioned by Peter of Trastámara, Duke of Noto, brother of the King of Spain and Sicily (1416-1458) Alfonso V of Aragon.

Originally, the Tower served as a surveillance point, to monitor the arrival of pirates and enemies. Today it is considered one of the most evocative sites in the reserve.

Vendicari Reserve: what to see?

In addition to its long and fascinating history, Vendicari is also famous, or above all, for its natural beauty. The Reserve, which covers a territory of approximately 1512 hectaresrepresents a coastal wetland extremely precious, characterized by rocky stretches that alternate with large sandy stretches.

In these lands you can admire the enormous quagmireswhose high salinity has helped shape the biodiversity of the place as we see it today.

This ecosystem is in fact home and refuge for numerous species of migratory birds from Africa and other parts of the world. It is here that thousands of creatures find refreshment, before setting off again to reach the areas of northern Europe.

The beaches of the Vendicari wildlife oasis nature reserve

For lovers of the sea and the sun, the Vendicari reserve holds a large number of beaches of unique beauty.

The beach is exemplary Calamoscheconsidered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Vendicari, ideal for snorkelling lovers).

The beaches of Eloro, Marianelli, San Lorenzo and, of course, the beach of Vendicari are also worth a visit.

The flora and fauna of the reserve

Given the high salinity of the territory, this ecosystem hosts a large number of plants capable of adapting to the soils of this particular habitat, such as plant alofitenumerous succulentplants of junipersamphire and tamarisk, and many rock plants, which grow in rocky terrain.

In addition to the flora, it is undoubtedly also the flora that conquers the hearts of hikers and visitors rich animal biodiversity.

Vendicari is one of the places of greatest interest for lovers of birdwatching. Among the bird species you will encounter in these places we remember the Volpoca (one of the symbols of the reserve), waders, gray herons, egrets, storks, flamingos, the black-winged stilt, the mallard, the cormorants, the herring gull.

These and the many other winged guests of the reserve come from various parts of the world, such as Africa, Russia, Poland, Sweden and numerous other places.

But birds are not the only animals in the reserve: here you can also meet them up close toadssnakes and turtlesincluding Caretta Caretta, and several mammalslike the fox, the hedgehog and the wild rabbits.

Birdwatching, excursions and much more: here’s what to do in Vendicari

As we have just seen, the Vendicari wildlife oasis nature reserve is considered one of the most appreciated destinations by birdwatchers.

In Primavera and in the month of Decemberwalking among bushes and natural paths, you may see flamingos, mute swans and other creatures up close, who have come to find refreshment among the waters of the marshes.

But birdwatching is not the only activity you could do in the reserve.

Hello friend walks in the open airhere you can explore the different routes, also admiring the remains of ancient civilisations. But I recommend: if you intend to go on an excursion, wear suitable shoes, a good hat to protect you from the sun and bring a bottle of fresh water with you.

Finally, lovers of relaxation will find a true paradise on Earth in one of the many beaches of the reservestarting from the splendid Calamosche beach.

How long does it take to visit the Vendicari Reserve?

The answer to this question it depends on you: you can visit the reserve within an hour, or you could choose to spend the day on the beach or take a walk to the Tonnara.

Or again, you could bring a good pair of binoculars with you, and dedicate an afternoon to discovering the birds of the reserve. The choice is yours!

Vendicari wildlife oasis oriented nature reserve: cost, times and entrance

But let’s get to the organizational part: how do you access the Vendicari Reserve, and how much do you pay to enter? The reserve is located in via Contrada Vendicari (Known). You can log in through one of the four entrances (Eloro, Calamosche, the entrance to Torre Sveva and that of Cittadella dei Maccari).

Il ticket cost it is €3.50 per person. The reserve is open all year round, from 7.00 to 19.30.

For further information, in order to better organize your trip to Vendicari, we recommend you visit the official website of the reserve www.riserva-vendicari.it or contact the telephone number 0931 468879.

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