The picturesque cave of Santa Ninfa gives its name to a vast nature reserve in the heart of western Sicily
This treasure trove for nature and geology lovers can be discovered with excursions and guided tours The Santa Ninfa Cave Nature Reserve is located in a large green area between the Sicilian municipalities of Santa Ninfa and Gibellina. The karstic plateau on which it stands is considered of such geological and landscape interest that the entire area was declared a protected nature reserve in 1995.
Amidst water springs, pine forests and panoramic views, the reserve features two environments: the Grotto of Santa Ninfa, a karstic cavity about 1.5 km long, and its drainage basin, extending for 140 hectares in the valley of the Biviere river. Along the cave’s drainage basin, in the more superficial chalk layer and deeper down, geological and natural phenomena occur which are tirelessly and endlessly shaping the landscape.
The Castle of Rampinzeri, which hosts the headquarters of the reserve, also houses an environmental education space dedicated to the area's magnificent natural heritage: the Environment Exploration Centre, offering visitors thematic exhibitions, reconstructions, models, interactive software, videos and educational activities, encouraging them to discover the natural history of the area.
Quick overview
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Opening days
Open daily
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How to reach
By car:
From Palermo, Trapani and Mazara del Vallo: take A29 Palermo/Mazara del Vallo motorway, exiting at the Salemi or Santa Ninfa exits. Once in the town follow the signs to the reserve and the Castle
From the way of the Palermo-Sciacca main road (SS624): exiting at Salaparuta and continuing in the direction of the ruins of Salaparuta, the Cretto di Burri and then Santa Ninfa - Web
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Reservation & Price
A guide can be booked at least 15 days before the excursion
Services
- Visits Available in Italian, English
Additional Info
Excursions along the trails are free and allowed for no more than 50 people; in the case of large groups, the date of the excursion must be agreed with the management, in order to avoid overlapping with other groups
Excursions into caves are not currently permitted for study and safety reasons
The cave can only be visited by speleologists registered with a speleological group and with insurance cover and by researchers for study purposes, subject to authorisation by the nature reserve management authority
Suggested periods
- Autumn
- Spring
- Weekend
Visiting Rules
Basic rules:
All visitors are invited to observe the basic rules of respect for the preservation of monuments and 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
