The point of Capo Vaticano (3.6 hectares) represents the first safe landing for the migratory birds which cross the dangerous straits of Messsina during the month of May. 40 species of nesting birds and birds of passage have been counted.  It has also been noticed that Capo Vaticano is privileged for the study the “solitary sparrow”, as sheer rocks and the surrounding Mediterranean maquis constitute its ideal nesting habitat.

The popular tale of Donna Canfora – the rich and lovely noblewoman who was captured by the Saracens - has its origins on the beautiful beach of Torre Ruffa. When she found herself on the Moslem ship, after having said goodbye to her shores, her homeland and her friends, who were waving their arms wildly in desperation, she threw herself resolutely into the sea crying: “The women of this land would rather face death than dishonour”. Donna Canfora disappeared beneath the waves, but from then on the waters at that point turned into an ever-changing azure like the nuances of the veil which this woman from Ricadi wore.  When the echo of the waves breaking against the shore can be heard from the nearby countryside, the peasants tell their children the legend of Donna Canfora and claim that the roar is none other than the sorrowful mourning of the beautiful, kidnapped woman bidding farewell to her house and her native land.