Between Marinella di Selinunte and the promontory of Porto Palo, an enchanting protected reserve amazes with the variety of its natural environments
Along the mouth of the river Belice discovering the ancient coastal landscape of Sicily A short stretch of coastline, about five kilometres long, on the border between the municipalities of Castelvetrano and Menfi, is occupied by the nature reserve of the river Belice and neighbouring dunes. Bounded towards the interior by the former Castelvetrano-Sciacca railway line, now converted into a cycle path, the reserve extends inland for about 130 hectares in the intense green of the Mediterranean maquis.
The river Belice crosses the reserve and gives it its name. Once upon a time, and for many centuries, the Belice was an important communication route between the interior and the coast, as testified by the numerous prehistoric and medieval settlements found on its banks.
The river mouth and surrounding coastal dunes are one of the last remaining stretches of the natural landscape that once characterised Sicily's Mediterranean coastline and feature a rich marsh vegetation that has become very rare. The reserve was established to encourage the conservation and regeneration of this ecosystem, with its dunes and typical flora and fauna. The Caretta caretta turtle still lays its eggs in some areas of this extraordinary protected environment.
Quick overview
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Opening days
Open daily
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Opening times
All day
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How to reach
By car:
From Palermo take the ss624 to Belice River Mouth Reserve and dunes
Services
- Cycling
- Visits Available in Italian, English
Suggested periods
- Autumn
- Spring
- Weekend
Visiting Rules
Basic rules:
All visitors are invited to observe the basic rules of respect for the preservation of nature
Covid 19 rules:
Visitors are requested to wear a mask in enclosed or heavily crowded areas and to maintain the safety distance indicated by the regulations in force