Scopello - untouched corner of the world

The picturesque fishing village of Scopello is an ideal holiday destination for those who value being in the midst of untouched nature, but also close to the seaside and 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, which in former times was a walled country estate built around a courtyard and resembled a small fortress.

Today, these 'architectural ensembles' have often been changed into small Bed & Breakfasts with restaurants and souvenir shops in the inner courtyards.

In July and August, it may be quite lively. During the remaining months you rather see couples and families strolling through the town, maybe stopping at a café or restaurant to fortify 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. Owner Antonella '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 may sound like a rich evening meal, it is in fact light Mediterranean cuisine. After dinner take a leisurely stroll along the harbor.