Scopello - untouched corner of the world

Those who spend their holidays at the picturesque fishing village of Scopello attach importance to spending them not only in the midst of untouched nature, but also at the seaside and close to Sicily’s well-known sights.

It is, for example, only a one-hour drive by car to Monreale, a town rich in history, with its royal palace, Benedictine monastery and fascinating Norman cathedral.

Scopello has preserved its ‘sleepy’ authenticity, particularly during low season. The town with its partly shingle, partly sandy bathing bays belongs to the municipal area of Castellammare del Golfo and is located on the route to nature reserve "Riserva dello Zingaro".

The tonnara, the former tuna harbor, which you pass on your way to Scopello, used to be a small village of its own with a small chapel and living quarters for the fishermen.

Scopello is not a village in the ordinary sense, but a so-called "baglio".

On Sicily, that is what you call former estates which in architectural respect resemble small fortresses.

Today, these estates have been changed into small bed & breakfasts; in the inner courtyards you find restaurants and souvenir shops.

In July and August, it may be quite lively, but during the other months, you rather see couples and families strolling through the town and fortifying themselves for their hiking tours in "Riserva dello Zingaro".

Scopello is conveniently located, only a few kilometers from Castellammare del Golfo, which attracts visitors with its beautiful fishing harbor as well as a large number of restaurants and shops.

Our tip

Restaurant N’Tonia at the main piazza of Castellammare del Golfo. Antonella, the owner, ‘creates’ delicious dishes for you, for example an antipasti creation of sardines, a main dish of orata (gilthead seabream) baked in tasty lemon sauce and, finally, a dessert of home-made, typically Sicilian cannolo (pastry filled with ricotta).

Although this sounds like a rich evening meal, you will be surprised at the light Mediterranean cuisine; after your evening meal you can still take a relaxed walk along the harbor.