Scopello is a small village on the northwestern coast of Sicily, about halfway between Trapani and Palermo. I first discovered this sun-soaked gem thanks to a hotel I had saved on my wishlist for years, the now-famous Tonnara di Scopello.
The coastline around Scopello is among the most pristine and unspoiled in Sicily. You’re just minuted from the Zingaro Nature Reserve, a protected area known for its bright, clear water, small white-pebble beaches, and scenic hiking trails.
The village is only a few blocks wide, and with limited accommodations, it feels calm and intimate, especially in the evenings, after the day trippers have gone.
We spent two full days here: one day at the beach and another walking the trails of the Zingaro Reserve. In this short guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Scopello, Sicily, including where to stay and eat, and practical info for making the most of your visit.
Things to do in Scopello, Sicily
Tonnara di Scopello
Once an old tuna fishing factory and village, Tonnara di Scopello has been transformed into one of the most sought after boutique hotels in Sicily. It offers everything you might imagine for a Sicilian escape: Italian charm, direct beach access, a stunning waterfront setting, and rustic, Pinterest-worthy rooms complete with red striped curtains and Mediterranean views.
I had my heart set on staying here, but by the time I looked, it was completely booked for my dates, and I realized it was far beyond my nightly budget.
For those of us who want to experience Tonnara without the steep price tag, you can book a day pass for €15. This includes a beach chair, access to the private beach, and a visit to the small museum inside the hotel. They also have an on-site café where you can pick up sandwiches, drinks, and light snacks for lunch.
Depending on the day, the day pass is available from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM, or until 3:30 PM if they’re hosting an event that evening. Tickets go on sale 15 days in advance. Make sure to book ahead – passes do sell out, and they were turning away visitors without tickets at the gate.
You can purchase your day pass here.
Zingaro Nature Reserve
Just a five-minute drive from Scopello, Zingaro Nature Reserve is a long stretch of protected coastline known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and scenic hiking trails. We spent a little over half a day here, though I wish we had planned to stay the entire day to enjoy the beaches more fully.
From Scopello, park at the lot at the Ingresso Sud, or south entrance. Tickets to enter the reserve cost €5 per person.
There are three main trails to choose from. We picked the easiest, the Sentiero Costiero, a 7 km coastal trail that gives you access to different beaches along the way. We hiked all the way to Cala dell’Uzzo, about 6 km from the parking lot. It took us around two hours to get there because we stopped often to take in the views.
The trail is quite rocky, so make sure to wear closed-toe shoes and bring a walking stick if you need extra support. I thought Cala dell’Uzzo was the most beautiful of the beaches – it’s definitely worth the hike if you can make it.
A few things to note:
- Bring sunscreen. There are a few shaded spots along the trail but not many.
- Start early. During summer, the reserve opens at 7:00 AM. We started around 9:00 AM, which helped us beat the rush and avoid the worst of the heat. We were lucky to have a cloudy day, but it can get very hot.
- Pack water and food. We picked up sandwiches in town and brought our own lunch. There are no facilities along the trail, so you’ll need to carry everything you need.
- Toilets. There are toilets at the entrance, but none along the trail. You’ll have to get creative – either swim in the sea or find a discreet spot, as we did.
From April to September, the reserve is open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. From October to March, it’s open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
If you want easier and quicker access to Cala dell’Uzzo, you can also enter the nature reserve from the north entrance near San Vito Lo Capo.
Guidaloca Beach
Just a 10-minute drive from Scopello, this pebbly beach has clear water and wide, open views of the coast. We drove past it several times during our stay and stopped to enjoy it for a few moments, but ultimately chose to spend our main beach day elsewhere.
If you aren’t able to get into Tonnara di Scopello for the day, Guidaloca is a great alternative.
Explore Scopello Village
Scopello is small but full of charm, with stone buildings, cobblestone streets, and a handful of restaurants, cafés, and shops to explore. In the afternoons, we’d wander back into town, grab a coffee or an aperitivo before dinner, and browse the little shops.
Just down the street from our hotel, I found a small ceramic shop that I loved. I stopped in and chatted with the owner for nearly an hour, learning about her passion for ceramics and crocheting. I ended up buying a beautiful crocheted top from her – one of my favorite souvenirs from the trip.
Where to Stay in Scopello
Hotel Torre Bennistra: Located in the center of Scopello village, this is where we stayed for a couple of nights. It has that old Italian vibe, but it was clean, and the breakfast was fantastic. If you book early enough, try to get a room with a sea view. You’ll look down over the Tonnara, and the sunsets from the rooms are spectacular.
Tonnara di Scopello: The famous seaside hotel, clad in pink and decorated with red striped curtains. You’ll need to book months in advance, six months or more for high season, as it fills up quickly.
Where to Eat in Scopello
- Ristorante La Tavernetta: We enjoyed their pasta and fish dishes and loved dining on the outdoor patio.
- Hotel Ristorante Torre Bennistra: We ate here on our first night and were pleasantly surprised by the food. The views from the terrace are stunning.
- La Bottega di Beppe: A small deli in town that makes delicious sandwiches. We picked up a few to take with us before heading to the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
- Ristorante Bar Nettuno: Set in a magical square with a large tree at its center and surrounded by stone buildings, this is a great spot for pasta or drinks.
- Bar Pasticceria Scopello: Located in Scopello’s main square with outdoor seating, we stopped here for gelato during the day and for drinks in the evening.
How to Get to Scopello
The best way to get to Scopello is by car. We rented a car for our 2.5-week road trip through Sicily, and I drove the entire time. It was a bit stressful driving in the big cities (like Palermo), but otherwise the roads are pretty calm.
Most hotels in Scopello have their own designated parking lots, so make sure to reach out to them before arriving for instructions on where to leave your car.
If you’re visiting for the day, there are several parking lots just outside of town (like this one or this one), which are closer to the center. There isn’t any designated parking for the Tonnara unless you’re staying there. We ended up finding a spot along the SP63 road.
When to Visit Scopello
We stayed in Scopello at the end of September, and I think it’s one of the best times to visit. The summer rush has slowed down, and the weather is still beautiful – warm but not unbearably hot.
Anytime from the end of April to mid-October is generally a great time to visit. Just keep in mind that during the peak summer months, the crowds can be overwhelming and prices are high.
How Many Days in Scopello, Sicily?
I recommend spending two days in Scopello. We stayed for two days and two nights, with one day at Tonnara di Scopello and another exploring the Zingaro Nature Reserve. I could have easily added an extra day to relax at another beach, but two days was enough to explore the area at an enjoyable, unhurried pace.
Day Trips from Scopello
Erice: An enchanting hilltop town, worth spending a day exploring its narrow streets and visiting its beautiful churches. It’s about a 50-minute drive from Scopello.
Favignana: Drive to Trapani and then take a ferry or join a boat tour around Favignana for the day. This island, part of the Egadi Islands off Sicily’s western coast, is known for its clear blue waters. We booked a boat tour from Trapani and spent the day swimming at various beaches around the islands.
San Vito Lo Capo: One of the most famous and picturesque beaches in Sicily, about a 55-minute drive from Scopello. I tried to fit it into our schedule but didn’t have enough time to visit.
Castellammare del Golfo: A pretty Mediterranean coastal town with sandy-hued buildings and golden beaches nearby. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Scopello.