Itineraries: the Vendicari Nature Reserve

The Vendicari Nature Reserve is located about 30 minutes from Tenuta Olive Alive

The Vendicari Wildlife Oasis, a protected natural reserve, was established in 1984 by the Sicilian Regional Authority. It lies between Noto and Pachino, in the province of Siracusa, and covers an area of approximately 1,512 hectares.

Within the reserve, an entire ecosystem thrives undisturbed. Visitors are often greeted by breathtaking landscapes: dense Mediterranean vegetation that suddenly opens onto a crystal-clear sea, long stretches of golden sand that, within a few hundred metres, give way to cliffs overlooking deep blue waters. From the observation huts, it is possible to admire flamingos, herons and storks resting here before continuing on their migratory routes. We recommend bringing a very light backpack, a bottle of water and a hat. The paths are winding but suitable for everyone.

A glimpse into history

Hellenistic period: South of Eloro, not far from Marianelli beach, there are several latomiae (stone quarries) dating back to the 5th century BC, used by the ancient Greek city of Eloro for the construction of temples and monuments. Near the Swabian Tower, right by the sea, tuna-processing basins are still visible, alongside which a small necropolis has been discovered. Within the reserve, a stretch of the ancient Via Elorina can also be seen, the road that once connected the colony of Eloro to Syracuse.

Byzantine period: The Byzantine complex is located in the southern part of Vendicari, today known as the Cittadella dei Maccari. Here stands La Trigona, a Byzantine cuba: like other churches of the time, it has a square plan with three apses, a central dome and an opening facing east so that, according to tradition, the light of the full moon would enter the building to mark the beginning of Easter. A short distance from the Byzantine cuba are several catacombs from the same period, along with the remains of dwellings, evidence of an area that was once densely populated.

Medieval period: The most impressive and visited structure of the reserve dates back to this era: the Swabian Tower, probably built by Pietro d’Aragona, Count of Alburquerque and Duke of Noto (1406–1438). This fortification was erected to signal and repel attacks by Saracen and Barbary pirates, whose raids regularly plundered towns and countryside across the island. Over the centuries, the structure was reinforced and modified until it reached its present form. The tower remained in use until the 19th century, when the invention of the telegraph made such defensive systems obsolete.

Notes on local wildlife

Vendicari is one of the last remaining coastal wetlands in south-eastern Sicily and represents a true natural treasure: a haven for wading birds and waterfowl, which find here their first resting place after spring migration across the Mediterranean, and their final stop before autumn overwintering. Birdwatching enthusiasts are truly spoilt for choice.

Depending on the seasons, rainfall and temperatures, bird sightings at Vendicari are always significant, though the species observed change from month to month.

December, along with the spring season, is among the most interesting periods. During these months, the waters of the marshes host large numbers of coots, mute swans, wild geese, wigeons, teals and mallards. Particularly notable is the shelduck, which has become one of the symbols of the reserve and returns every year to overwinter at Vendicari.

In summer, grey herons, little egrets, terns and large flocks of yellow-legged gulls can be spotted, while at the beginning of autumn flamingos arrive, their numbers increasing year after year. Among the nesting species are the little grebe, the little bittern and the black-winged stilt.

After more than twenty years since the last recorded nesting, Caretta caretta sea turtles have also returned to lay their eggs here. This is an important sign, confirming Vendicari as a protected area, safeguarded from human disturbance — an essential condition for the reproduction of these protected species.

Among mammals, the reserve is home to foxes, hedgehogs, porcupines and wild rabbits.