Vendicari  Nature  Reserve​

Latest page update: 13 March 2025
By: Dion Protani
​The Vendicari Nature Reserve is situated within the Province of Syracuse and belongs to the Comune of Noto which is 13 kilometres away. The reserve is a coastal area, popular with hikers and punctuated with beaches such as the famous Cala Mosche.

Also on the reserve is Vendicari Beach while places of interest nearby include the beach resort of Fontane Bianche.
Related links
Vendicari Nature Reserve • Sicily • Noto
Vendicari Nature Reserve is a protected area located along the southeastern coast of Sicily, near the town of Noto. The reserve is known for its diverse ecosystems, including salt marshes, sandy beaches, and dense wetlands. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, offering a variety of habitats that support a wide range of wildlife, including migratory birds and other species. The reserve is easily accessible, with several walking trails that allow visitors to explore its natural beauty.

Within Vendicari Nature Reserve, visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and relaxing on its quiet beaches. The area’s clear waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkelling, while the surrounding landscapes provide opportunities for photography and outdoor exploration. The reserve is home to several ancient ruins, including a former tuna fishery, adding a historical element to the natural surroundings.
​
The nearby town of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a range of services such as restaurants, accommodations, and shops. The reserve is also close to other attractions, including the baroque architecture of Noto and the nearby beaches of Calamosche and San Lorenzo. Visitors to Vendicari Nature Reserve can easily combine a day in nature with a visit to the cultural and historical sites of the surrounding area.
Key features and nearby attractions
  • Biodiversity: Vendicari Nature Reserve is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The reserve is a vital stopover for migratory birds during their journey between Africa and Europe. Over 200 bird species have been recorded in Vendicari, including pink flamingos, herons, egrets, and various species of waterfowl. The reserve is also home to numerous reptiles, mammals, and plant species.
  • Beaches: Vendicari offers some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in Sicily. Cala Mosche and Vendicari Beach are particularly popular among visitors for their clear waters and natural beauty. The beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
  • Hiking and Nature Trails: The reserve features several well-marked hiking trails that allow visitors to explore its diverse landscapes. The trails lead through coastal dunes, wetlands, and salt pans, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and observing the local flora and fauna.
  • Archaeological Sites: While Vendicari is primarily a nature reserve, it also boasts archaeological sites, such as the ancient Byzantine necropolis and the Tonnara di Vendicari, a historic tuna fishing complex.
  • Visitor Centre: The reserve has a visitor centre that provides information about the local flora and fauna, as well as the history and conservation efforts of Vendicari. The centre is a great starting point for exploring the reserve and gaining insights into its ecological significance.
  • Conservation Efforts: Vendicari Nature Reserve plays a vital role in the conservation of Sicily's natural heritage. The reserve's protected status ensures the preservation of its diverse ecosystems and provides a sanctuary for migratory birds and other wildlife.
Riserva di Vendicari
Comune: Noto

Province: Syracuse​

Region: Sicily

Close by: Calamosche Beach, Vendicari Beach, Fontane Bianche

Fly to: ​​Catania Airport - 1 hour 15 minutes by car (97 km)​

Recommended stay: Quattro Cuori Boutique Hotel & Spa (19 km)

Vendicari  Nature  Reserve  Gallery

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via  my Facebook and Instagram pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone.