Vendicari Nature Reserve

The natural oasis of Vendicari. Sea, beaches, archeology and nature

The Vendicari Nature Reserve covers an area of 1,500 hectares and is located in the Province of Syracuse between Noto and Marzamemi. The marshes in the reserve form an important staging post for migratory birds during the migration season. The reserve also contains a number of archeological remains which include traces of storage jars from an old fishery and, nearby, the remains of a small necropolis. The reserve has a humid, coastal climate and is of great biological importance due to the presence of different biotopes: rocky and sandy coastlines, Mediterranean scrub, marshes (both salt water and fresh water), salt pans, moorland and cultivated areas. In the past the salt pans were of particular economic importance and undoubtedly supplied a large tuna fishery inside the reserve which dates back to the 15th Century and whose remains are still visible today. There are four access points to the reserve: one in the area of Eloro; one near Cava delle Mosche where the famous Cala Mosche beach is located; the main entrance is located at the Torre Sveva where the main beach in the reserve is located; another entrance is located at Cittadella dei Maccari, the location of an ancient Byzantine settlement where a small temple and a necropolis are still visible today. Numerous species of birds stop over at Vendicari: waders, grey herons, flamingoes, wild ducks, seagulls, cormorants and black-winged stilts rest here on their journey from the Sahara desert to their nesting grounds in the north of Europe. December is the best month for bird watching.
There are 5 beaches within the Reserve, for a closer look read HERE.



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