What to do in Scopello , what to see and where to sleep

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

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Borgo

The borgo of Scopello is surrounded by a natural landscape of exceptional beauty, surrounded by an intense blue sea and dominated by two distinctive stacks.

Address: Scopello
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Scopello

The borgo is located just 40 km from Trapani, is one of the most popular destinations for Italian and foreign tourists in the western part of Sicily.

With its colors and the evocative atmosphere of past eras, this charming hamlet of the town of Castellammare del Golfo is an authentic picturesque corner of Sicily, worthy of a postcard: A reddish cliff rises above a gulf bathed by an incredibly transparent sea, with two imposing emerging stacks that dominate the scene.

The remains of the ancient trap are a tangible sign of the deep link with the sea that has marked the history of this village, as well as part of the history of all Sicily.

Curiosity: the name “Scopello” originates from the Greek term “Skopelòs,” which means “rock.” It is possible that the ancients were fascinated by the majestic beauty of the two famous stacks, so much so as to give them this name!

What to see in Scopello

Faraglioni Beach

The beautiful Faraglioni Beach, also known as Scopello Beach, is the most famous corner of the town, immortalized on postcards and photographs that arouse instant envy in anyone who has had the privilege of admiring this wonder in person!

The sea takes on an incredible blue hue and from these crystal clear waters emerge the famous stacks of Scopello: swimming here makes you forget every thought, stress and worry, immersing yourself in a state of complete well-being.

The area is particularly suitable for diving thanks to the beauty of the seabed and the wealth of marine life: you can contact a local operator to organize a dive suitable for your level.

However, be careful: the Faraglioni Beach is small and, given its fame, attracts many tourists. Admission is subject to a fee: in the summer months it is advisable to arrive early in the morning to avoid queues at the ticket office and secure a seat.

The tonnara of Scopello

The access to this small and suggestive inlet takes place through the ancient tonnara, another famous attraction of Scopello. The tonnara of Scopello is one of the oldest in all of Sicily; despite being closed in 1984, it is still privately owned but you can visit the old warehouses and a small museum through a guided tour.

The old fishermen’s houses have been converted into holiday apartments, maintaining the characteristics aimed at preserving the historical aspect of these buildings.

Do not expect to find air conditioning, televisions or telephone lines: after all, what is the use of a TV when opening the balcony you can admire one of the most beautiful seas in the world?

Borgo of Scopello

After visiting the iconic Faraglioni Beach, take a walk in the village, concentrated around Piazza Nettuno, a central square.

Take a look at the historic buildings of the village, such as the Baglio Isonzo or the Torre Bennistra, a sixteenth-century tower overlooking the sea, built for defensive purposes and from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view.

Zingaro Reserve

The charming village of Scopello is one of the two entrances to the Zingaro Nature Reserve, a charming natural oasis 7 km long that you can walk.

The Reserve, a true paradise where an intense blue sea and mountains covered with vegetation merge, is one of the main tourist attractions of western Sicily.

There are several paths suitable for everyone, from beginners to experienced hikers, and if you choose the coastal route you can go down on one of the beautiful beaches of the reserve for a refreshing dip or to spend the whole day at the sea.

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What to see around Scopello

Scopello occupies a beautiful location that allows you to reach some of the most fascinating attractions of western Sicily, including:

Segesta

: one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe, immersed in a suggestive hilly landscape, where you can contemplate a Doric temple dating back to 400 B.C.
Erice: one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy, with an enchanting view of the sea. Her fame is linked to the cult of the goddess Venus and to a significant temple dedicated to her, on which the remains of a castle were later erected.

San Vito Lo Capo

: a charming fishing village nestled between the rocky Piana dell’Egitarso on one side and the iconic promontory of Monte Monaco on the other. Here you will have the opportunity to taste the most delicious cous cous in the world: it is not our judgment, but that of the judges of the World Championship of Cous Cous held annually in San Vito Lo Capo.

Alcamo

: a medieval town located on the slopes of Mount Bonifato and is characterized by its beautiful Renaissance and Baroque buildings; if you are interested in a dip in the sea, you can go to Alcamo Marina.

How to reach Scopello

If you have a private or rented vehicle, it will be extremely easy to reach the town: from the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo motorway, exit at Castellammare del Golfo and continue on the SS187 towards Trapani until the exit for Scopello.

If you start from Palermo, calculate about an hour and a quarter for the route. However, it is not possible to reach the village from Palermo by public transport.

However, if you are coming from Trapani, it takes about 40 minutes to get there.