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Nature Reserve of Vendicari

Hi I’m Maria, an adventurous travel blogger.

I’ve always loved to wander around by car to discover uncontaminated places.

In these days I am in Sicily, I rented a 500X with Sicily Rent Car at Comiso airport and I left to discover the wonderful coast of Ragusa.

Even if we are in October, in Sicily the weather is still mild and ideal to visit places where you normally suffer a little bit from the heat. Today I am taking you with me to Vendicari, are you ready to fall in love? Go!

The Vendicari Nature Reserve was declared a protected oasis in 1981; its origins, however, are much older in time and date back to the Hellenistic civilization.

Archaeological finds have been discovered just south of the town of Eloro, not far from Marianelli beach. There some latomie (stone quarries) dating back to the V century A. C. used in Greek times for the construction of temples and monuments have been found.

In the southern part of Vendicari, today called „Cittadella dei Maccari“, some Byzantine traces have been found; among these we can admire La Trigona, vulgarly called cuba bizantina, ancient church of that period.

Even in the Middle Ages, the Vendicari Nature Reserve did not go unnoticed and left us what, in my opinion, is the most beautiful and visited construction of the Reserve: the Sveva Tower.

It was built, almost with certainty, by Peter of Aragon, Duke of Noto around 1400, to signal and repel the attacks of Saracen pirates, who used to plunder the inhabited centres of the island.

Around the eighteenth century, instead, the Tonnara di Vendicari was built.

Tuna fishing has very ancient origins, dating back to prehistoric times. Fishing techniques were refined over time by the Arabs, who spread the system of fixed nets divided into catch tanks. It is the same fishing system that we find in the Tonnara di Vendicari which has, therefore, entirely Arab origin.

The following terms are also Arabic: RAIS (head of the tuna trap), MUCIARA (small work boat), MARFARAGGHIU (correct term to indicate the structure of fish processing and storage of gear).

In 1655 Vendicari was bought together with Marzamemi, Fiume di Noto and Santa Panagia by Simone Calascibetta, judge of the Royal Court of Palermo, who became Baron after the acquisition of the tuna traps.

Today, the Tonnara has become one of the symbols of Vendicari, a structure of great charm that dominates the central area of the Reserve.

How to get to the Tonnara of Vendicari

To reach the Tonnara di Vendicari, you have to enter the main entrance of the Reserve. Passing along the wooden walkway, through the observation huts for birdwatching, you will arrive at the Vendicari beach: immediately on the right, you will notice the old tuna-fishing trap with the complex of fishermen’s houses and the Swabian Tower.

Vendicari offers one of the most beautiful beaches of the Ionian Coast: an uncontaminated and crystal clear sea with which I have fallen madly in love.

There are seven kilometres of sunshine and adventures in search of corners of sea, fine sand and rocky inlets all to be discovered.

You just have to choose which one to reach, I have visited them all!

Eloro beach

Crystal clear water with fine, light sand, ideal for a relaxing day lying in the sun.

Marianelli Beach

An isolated, wild and uncontaminated beach, suitable for the wildest adventurers.

Calamosche Beach

The most famous beach of the Vendicari Reserve, a typical tourist site. If you love the countryside it is perfect for a group of friends who want to spend a day at the beach.

Vendicari Beach

A very long coastline dominated by the Tonnara di Vendicari; the most poetic beach that takes you back in time.

Beach of San Lorenzo

Large beaches and small coves in the southern part of the Reserve, particular and not at all monotonous.

My advice is to dedicate three days to this wonderful area, one dedicated to the sea, another to the discovery of its historical beauties and the last one for the many activities that you can do such as snorkelling, birdwatching and hiking.

If your visit is in the summer, move during the less hot hours of the day and equip yourself with sneakers or rock shoes, lots of sunscreen, hat, plenty of water and snacks!

The nature reserve of Vendicari is a real uncontaminated place, you won’t find any facilities, lidos or bars inside.

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