Cala Tonnarella dell'Uzzo, Protected beach in Zingaro Nature Reserve, Sicily, Italy
Cala Tonnarella dell'Uzzo is a beach within the Zingaro Nature Reserve featuring white pebbles and stones spread along a narrow coastal strip between limestone cliffs. The shoreline is framed by dense Mediterranean vegetation that grows right down to the water's edge.
The beach sits within a nature reserve established in 1981 as Sicily's first protected natural area, created through efforts by the local community. This designation marked a turning point in safeguarding this coastal section from further development.
Local fishermen maintain traditional fishing practices in the waters near the beach, continuing methods passed down through generations.
Access takes about 15 minutes on foot from the reserve entrance, with stone steps descending and steep sections along the way. Water shoes help with the rocky bottom, and arriving early on hot days works well since space fills up quickly.
The water becomes quite deep just beyond the shore, allowing various fish species to swim close to the coastal edge where they are visible in the clear water. Snorkelers can spot species that typically inhabit deeper zones.
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