If you are planning a visit to Syracuse and want to discover the most fascinating places in the area, you cannot miss the tours offered by My Syracuse. Experienced guides can take you on an unforgettable adventure to discover Syracuse, Vendicari, Noto, Marzamemi, Portopalo, and more…
Starting from Syracuse along the S.P. 19 Noto-Pachino, you will find yourself immersed in a succession of fascinating landscape, zoological, botanical and archaeological sites. Together, these places make up the Vendicari Wildlife Oasis, an Oriented Nature Reserve covering over 1235 hectares and formally established in 1984.
Imagine exploring a paradise of biodiversity, with bodies of water that were once salt marshes and are now oases of life. Here, Mediterranean scrub grows luxuriantly among marshes, dunes, and the sea, with plants such as pamper juniper, lentisk, myrtle, dwarf palms, and oleasters. During the tour, you will be able to spot many of the more than 200 species of birds that winter, nest or transit this area on their migratory routes to and from Africa or the Middle East. Numerous mammals, amphibians, reptiles and other aquatic wildlife species can also be encountered during the tour.
But that is not all: the coastal landscape connecting these sites is simply extraordinary. Golden beaches with crystal clear waters, hidden coves and breathtaking sunsets will make your tour an unforgettable experience. You can go on a coastal trek, or snorkel and even witness the spawning of the “caretta caretta” turtle, a unique and exciting moment.
Continuing along the coast, you will encounter beautiful beaches such as Calamosche, Marianelli and Eloro that are still unspoiled and perfect for a rejuvenating break. Along the way it is possible to see the coastal latomie, that is, the quarries from which stone blocks were extracted for the construction of the city’s buildings in the classical age.
If you are a keen birdwatcher, you can explore the wetlands of Pantano Piccolo and Pantano Grande, inhabited by numerous species of birds such as pink flamingo, shelduck, herons, black-winged stilts, storks, cormorants, and several species of anatidae. It will be possible to take evocative photographs and admire the iconic image of the “salt house” reflected in the marsh waters.
During the tour, you can’t miss the majestic Swabian-era coastal tower and the striking Tonnara Bafuto. The latter was an important center for tuna processing, and remains of the pillars and lodges used for salting and storing fish can still be seen today. The tonnara, purchased in 1655 by Simone Calascibetta, bears witness to the ancient tradition associated with tuna fishing that has characterized the Vendicari area for centuries.
If you are also interested in the archaeological aspects, you can visit the Cittadella dei MÃ ccari area. Here you can pass through the wetlands of Pantano Roveto, Pantano Sichilli and Pantano Scirbia and discover evidence of a Byzantine community that settled in this fortified port area. You will see the “Trigona” church, a structure with a dome composed of twelve concentric rings, and the remains of Christian and Jewish tombs and catacombs.
The tour with My Syracuse will also take guests south along the beautiful beaches of San Lorenzo, Marzamemi, Pachino and Portopalo di Capo Passero. Here you can admire breathtaking views and dive into the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
To access the Vendicari Reserve, an entrance fee is required. This measure aims to ensure the protection of this natural gem and its fragile ecosystems, preserving them for future generations.
If you want to explore Syracuse and its natural wonders in an authentic and engaging way, My Syracuse is the perfect choice. Get ready for a unique adventure that will take you through breathtaking landscapes, millennia-old history, and encounters with unspoiled wilderness. Book your tour today and have an unforgettable experience with My Syracuse…