My complete Scopello travel guide with the best things to do, top restaurants, hotels, and travel tips for Sicily’s most charming seaside village.

When I first visited Scopello, Sicily, I didn’t expect to be so charmed by such a tiny fishing village. But the moment I walked into the baglio (the old stone courtyard) and saw the faraglioni (sea stacks) glowing in the distance, I realized this is one of Sicily’s hidden treasures. Scopello is where rugged nature meets Sicilian history and food culture—and it’s one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.

Here’s my complete guide to the best things to do in Scopello, plus my top picks for restaurants, hotels, and practical tips to plan your trip.

9 Best Things to Do in Scopello

1. Visit the Tonnara di Scopello

The heart of Scopello is its historic tonnara, a 13th-century tuna fishery turned postcard-perfect swimming spot. Floating between the sea stacks here was one of the highlights of my trip.

2. Hike the Zingaro Nature Reserve

Scopello is the gateway to Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, a stretch of wild coastline with trails leading to coves like Cala Capreria and Cala della Disa. I spent hours hiking and swimming—it’s paradise if you love nature.

3. Swim at Cala Mosca

For a quieter experience, I hiked down to Cala Mosca. It’s small, free, and a bit rugged, but the turquoise water made it worth every step.

4. Watch the Sunset from the Belvedere

One of my favorite memories was watching the sun set over the sea stacks from the Belvedere viewpoint. The light turning golden over the cliffs is unforgettable.

5. Shop for Sicilian Ceramics

I couldn’t leave Scopello without browsing the artisan ceramics shops. I took home a hand-painted plate that still reminds me of this trip.

6. Enjoy Aperitivo in the Baglio

Evenings in the Baglio are magical. I sat under fairy lights with a glass of Sicilian wine, listening to locals chatting—it felt like pure Sicilian life.

7. Hike to the Bennistra Tower

A short trail takes you up to this old watchtower above the village. The panoramic views over Scopello and Zingaro are breathtaking.

8. Take a Boat Trip from Castellammare del Golfo

Just 15 minutes away, Castellammare is the starting point for boat trips to hidden coves, caves, and the coastline—you can even see Scopello’s faraglioni from the water.

9. Day Trips Around Scopello

From Scopello, I explored:

• Castellammare del Golfo (seafood & nightlife)
• Erice (a medieval town on a hilltop)
• Segesta (Greek ruins surrounded by countryside)
• Palermo (for street food and culture)

7 Best Restaurants in Scopello

Food is always one of the best parts of Sicily, and Scopello has some incredible spots:

• Ristorante Bar Nettuno – A classic baglio restaurant, great for busiate pasta.
• Ristorante La Terrazza – Best for seafood with sea views.
• Made ’n Sicilia il Baglio – Cozy and authentic Sicilian comfort food.
• Ristorante Pizzeria Il Baglio – Perfect if you’re craving pizza.
• Ristorante Tenute Plaia Agriturismo – Farm-to-table, outside the center.
• Ristorante Lo Zingaro – Great post-hike pasta near the reserve entrance.
• Panificio di Stabile & Anselmo – Famous bakery for pane cunzato.

3 Best Hotels in Scopello

Based on Booking.com reviews, these are my top stays:

• Hotel Antica Cascina del Golfo – Cliffside views, peaceful and stunning.
• Casale La Macina – Restored olive press with rustic-modern charm.
• Hotel Grotticelli – Family-run, welcoming, and perfect for relaxing.

Practical Tips for Visiting Scopello

• Parking in Scopello: In summer, park outside the center and walk in. For Zingaro, use the official lots.
• Transport: Scopello doesn’t have a train station. Closest is in Castellammare del Golfo—renting a car is the best option.
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring and early fall are ideal (May–June or September–October). July and August are beautiful but crowded.
• Safety: Scopello is very safe—I walked around comfortably even at night.
• Cost: Restaurants and B&Bs are reasonable. The Tonnara and some villas are pricier, especially in summer.

Final Thoughts – Is Scopello Worth Visiting?

For me, Scopello is one of the most magical places in Sicily. It may be small, but it has everything: wild hiking trails, turquoise coves, rustic food, and a timeless atmosphere. If you’re planning a trip through Sicily, my advice is simple—don’t skip Scopello. It’s worth every moment.