Between Noto and Marzamemi, the Vendicari Wildlife Oasis Natural Reserve is a paradise of beaches, lagoons and magnificent views, like the one you can enjoy from its ancient tuna fishery nestled on the sea.

One of the most beautiful oases in Europe, it is definitely worth a walk, immersed in its sandy colors among glassworts, junipers, tamarisks, and the blue of 13 km of pristine coast.

From the main entrance of the Reserve, Vendicari Centro, you can take a route of about an hour and a half, which passes through its main panoramic points.

An open-air art gallery entirely shaped by nature.

After the beautiful wooden walkway that opens onto the sea, taking the road to the right you reach the first marshes, suggestive lakes parallel to the coast where, especially between January and February, you can see one of the main attractions of the oasis: the flocks of pink flamingos that gather here during migration.

Going back and continuing the path to the left, you reach the Torre Sveva di Vendicari, dating back to the 15th century, a fortified tower built by Pietro d’Aragona to defend himself from pirate attacks, also the protagonist of an episode in the famous TV series of the inspector Montalbano.

A little further on, there is the “temple” of the Reserve, the Tonnara di Vendicari, of which we find written traces already in the 17th century and which, with its majestic columns, has the charm of a Greek temple that stands out against the sea.

Tuna fishing was introduced to Sicily by the Arabs around the year 1000 and then continued until its maximum expansion in the 19th century, also thanks to the activities of the Florio family who came to own dozens of tuna fisheries, including those of Favignana and Scopello, today become beautiful museums and hospitality centers.

The Vendicari one was managed from the second half of the 17th century by the family of Corrado Nicolaci, who later became the prince of Villadorata, who also owned the nearby and more famous Tonnara di Marzememi and practically all those of eastern Sicily, until 1914 when it passed into the ownership of Antonino Modica of San Giovanni Munafò and then ceased its activities following the two world wars.

On the way back, you can pass along another of the characteristic marshes, the Pantano Grande, where the ruin of an ancient house has become one of the most picturesque points of the Reserve thanks to the many birds that land along the roof beams.

At the end of the walk, remaining within the Vendicari Reserve, you can take a break at the Agriturismo Marianeddi, to taste local products immersed in the quiet and beauty of nature.

Alternatively, you can continue towards the nearby fishing village of Marzamemi and stop in its charming central square where you can choose between various restaurants, such as Taverna La Cialoma and Liccamuciula Cucina, Libri e Bottega, for a traditional cuisine rooted in the history of one of the most evocative corners of Sicily.

The Secret

During the First World War, some bombings damaged the tuna fishery, while in the Second World War it suffered various lootings, so much so that in 1944 it ceased all activities. Memorabilia and equipment of the factory were transferred to Villa Casale Modica in San Giovanni where today the heirs of Antonino Modica have created the Historical Museum of the Tonnara of Vendicari.

Useful Info

Riserva di Vendicari
Contrada Vendicari
96017 Noto, Siracusa
Entrance from 8 to 19: 3,5 euro