09.05.2023 Castellammare del Golfo

This morning the day starts gray and cold. We don't let that stop us and pack our hiking gear and backpack. We're heading to the nearby Zingaro Nature Reserve near Scolpello. There we'll complete an 11 km circular route with 540 meters of elevation. It's a good thing we have warm clothing with us, because a cold wind accompanies us during the ascent. We are accompanied by a rich flora - the reserve is an Eldorado for all kinds of orchids. Numerous species of palm trees also grow on the barren ground. It is noticeable that the trunks of the palm trees are deep black. On closer inspection, we can see that the trunks of all the palm trees are charred. A later research reveals that the entire reserve burned down in 2017 due to an intentionally set fire. The return path leads us along the cliffs, where we have breathtaking views of rock formations, bays, and small picturesque beaches. The sky has cleared up and the temperatures are now in a range that we actually expected for Sicily but rarely encounter. We head back to our accommodation, where the daily but beloved menu preparation awaits us.