SCOPELLO, SICILY: TRAVEL GUIDE TO ITALY’S SEASIDE GEM
If you’re in search of the most spectacular coastline in Sicily, look no further than Scopello. This charming village sits over some of the most beautiful coves and inlets on the island and serves up an ideal home base for day trips around the region. Whether you visit Scopello for one day, or one week, it’s an essential stop on a Sicily roadtrip. Below is my complete guide to Scopello (and the surrounding region) including the best beaches, viewpoints, day trips, hotels, restaurants and more.
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Soaking in the most gnarly views at Tonnara di Scopello.
WHEN TO VISIT SCOPELLO
JUNE THROUGH SEPTEMBER. This is the busiest (and most expensive!) time of the year to visit Sicily, but the trade off is sunny weather, long days and good summer energy. The hotel prices peak during this season, especially in July and August, so it’s best to book lodging months in advance before selection drops and prices skyrocket. September specifically is my favorite time of the year to visit Sicily – it’s the best balance of weather, crowds and prices.
Blooms in the tiny village of Scopello.
HOW MANY DAYS IN SCOPELLO
THREE TO FOUR DAYS. Scopello itself can be experienced in a mere day, but there are loads of beaches and day trip opportunities around this part of Sicily. Three to four full days in Scopello is enough time to fully enjoy Tonnara di Scopello, dine in the village, drive to a couple of beaches and take a day trip to Erice.
This stretch of coast is a summer dream.
SCOPELLO QUICK TIPS
- CURRENCY – The official currency of Italy is the Euro. Most places accept credit card, but it’s always handy to have some cash for smaller purchases.
- ROAD TRIP – If Scopello is a stop on a Sicily road trip, it works best before or after Cefalu, Palermo, Favignana or Trapani.
- ROCKY BEACHES – Most of the beaches in this part of Sicily are rocky. Pack water shoes to make sea access less painful.
If you’re lucky enough to secure one of the rooms, you can actually stay at Tonnara di Scopello and have access to this water 24/7.
And if you can’t get a room, then you can visit with a day pass.
EXPLORE SCOPELLO & SURROUNDS
CALA BERRETTA
Cala Berretta is located inside the Zingaro Nature Reserve. It’s a 30-minute exposed walk to reach the little inlet, but hikers are rewarded with spectacular scenes once they reach Cala Berretta. The protected cove is an intense shade of blue, and the setting is completely stunning. Note that the beach is entirely pebble – bring water shoes.
CALA CAPRERIA
Another stunning beach located inside the Zingaro Nature Reserve. The water here is calm and clear, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and cliff jumping on a calm day. The hike down to reach Cala Capreria from the parking area is approximately 20 minutes.
CALA DELLA DISA
Yet another incredible cala inside the Zingaro Nature Reserve. This one is a 40-minute exposed walk from the parking area, but it’s worth the trek to spend a few hours at this beach. The water is ultra clear, and sparkles the prettiest shades of turquoise.
CALA DELL’UZZO
Similar to most beaches inside the Zingaro Nature Reserve, it’s a 30-minute walk to get to Cala dell’Uzzo. The cala is pretty dreamy on a warm sunny day, but be weary of jellyfish, even in the shallows.
CALA DEL VARO
Absolutely beautiful beach. It’s a 40-minute hike to reach Cala del Varo with stretches of trail that are a bit tricky. The shallow water at Cala del Varo is the prettiest shade of light turquoise, and the deeper water an intense shade of blue.
CALA MARINELLA
Arrive early during high season to secure a spot at Cala Marinella. The water here looks like Koolaide bursting intense shades of neon turquoise. This is one of the prettiest coves inside the reserve.
CALA MAZZO DI SCIACCA
Cala Mazzo de Sciacca offers up a stunning stretch of coast, along with facilities including sun beds, showers and a cafe. The beach is easy to access with a paid parking lot just steps away. No hiking required.
CASTELLAMMARE DEL GOLFO
A lovely seaside town that sits 15-minutes south of Scopello. The close proximity makes Castellammare del Golfo a wonderful alternative for drinks and dinner in the evenings. Hihglights in town include the castle, churches, the Belvedere and the harbour.
CERAMICA BARBERA
This is a charming little shop in Scopello village. The Cermica Barbera facade is adorned in colorful ceramic pieces – very photogenic.
ERICE
Erice is one of the best day trips from Scopello. It’s a 45-minute drive up Monte San Giuliano to reach the medieval hilltop town where cobbled lanes weave through the loveliest labyrinth of little cafes, churches, a castle, shops and historic sites. The town is completely lovely, and feels like step back in time thanks to the stone archways, medieval lanterns, flower pots and mini balconies.
GROTTA MANGIAPANE
This massive cave is home to the remains of a now-deserted prehistoric village. It’s part of the Grotte di Scurati cave system, and Grotta Mangiapane is the largest of the nine caves. It’s an easy stop for a quick visit if you’re in the area.
SPIAGGIA SAN VITO LO CAPO
If you’re tired of small calas and want a large, deep sandy beach, then head up to Spiaggia San Vito Lo Capo. This is the sprawling beach that runs along the town’s stretch of coast below towering Monte Monaco. The beach spans nearly two miles with plenty of options for sun beds, umbrellas, food and drinks.
TONARA DI SCOPELLO
The former fishing village has been transformed into a stretch of coastline where visitors spend sunny days swimming and sunbathing. The views here are ridiculous. Limestone rocks and outcrops sprout from the sparkling emerald waters. Arrive early to avoid a long line, and to secure the best sun chair location on the water (included with the Tonnara di Scopello admission ticket). This is one of the pretties beaches in Italy – the perfect place to spend a warm summer day.
ZINGARO NATURE RESERVE
This seven-kilometer stretch of pristine coastline is home to many of the beaches mentioned above (and more!), as well as hiking trails and stunning landscapes. There are two entrances to the reserve (north and south), select the one closest to the adventures you have planned for the day.
The village is very tiny, only a few restaurants, shops and a gelateria.
STAY IN SCOPELLO
As beautiful as this part of Sicily is, quality lodging options are completely lacking. Tonnara di Scopello is the bucket list stay, but chances are it will be completely booked. Hotel La Tavernetta is probably the best alternative in the area. Rooms are dated, but clean and pretty quiet. And the hotel is a short walk to the restaurants in Scopello village.
Yes, the popular beach club is also a boutique hotel. And it’s actually one of the most sought after stays in Sicily. The former fishing village has converted 14 rooms into little “apartments” that overlook the property’s stretch of coast. 24/7 beach access is mere steps away – guests have access to the water 24 hours a day including the hours its closed off to the public. The Tonnara di Scopello apartments are all completely different with varying views, so carefully examine all your options before booking. I opted for the Franc apartment because I wanted the private twin balconies that overlook the water.
The balconies to my room at Tonnara di Scopello had the most amazing views. This is the Franc apartment.
Possibly the best balcony of my life.
EAT IN SCOPELLO
GELATERIA VERNACI
The closest decent gelato option to Scopello is in Castellammare del Golfo. Gelateria Vernaci serves a variety of tasty flavors, as well as smoothies and other sweet treats. Worth a stop if you’re here for dinner in the evening.
GUSTO – PIZZERIA SICULO NAPOLETANA
It’s a 15-minute drive down to Castellammare del Golfo, but this is a nice evening escape if you grow tired of the mere handful of restaurants in Scopello village. The menu offers a variety of Naples style pizzas – all fresh, homemade and wood fired.
MADE ‘N SICILIA
Made n’ Sicilia is one of the most popular restaurant options in Scopello village. The seafood is fresh, the dishes are flavorful and the al fresco dining is a vibe. Note that the menu options are pretty limited until dinner.
RISTORANTE BAR NETTUNO
This lively restaurant offers lovely outdoor courtyard dining in Scopello village. Ristorante Bar Nettuno serves a variety of linguine and busiate pasta dishes.
RISTORANTE LA MADRICE
Another restaurant option in Castellammare del Golfo. Ristorante La Madrice is a lovely spot with beautiful outdoor seating. Menu includes a variety of seafood pastas and local cuisine.
Dinner at Made ‘n Sicilia.
GET TO AND AROUND SCOPELLO
Most visitors make their way to Scopello as part of a road trip around Sicily. The island is massive, and you’ll need a car to get to Scopello and to explore the surrounding region. This particular part of Sicily is very easy to drive – lots of quiet coastal roads.
The closest airports to Scopello are Trapani (TPS) and Palermo (PMO).
Soaking the views of the limestone islands at Tonnara di Scopello.
