
The charming little maritime village of Scopello, just 40 km from Trapani, is one of the most beloved destinations in western Sicily for both Italian and international tourists.
With its enchanting colours and an atmosphere reminiscent of ancient times, this delightful hamlet in the municipality of Castellammare del Golfo is a postcard-perfect corner of Sicily: a reddish rocky cliff overlooks a gulf bathed by stunningly transparent azure waters, from which two towering sea stacks emerge to dominate the landscape.
The remains of the ancient tuna fishery stand as testament to the deep connection with the sea that has defined the history of this village, and indeed much of Sicily itself.
Interesting fact: the name Scopello derives from the Greek Skopelòs, meaning rock or reef. Perhaps these two iconic sea stacks of Scopello impressed the ancients with their monumental beauty as well!

The magnificent Faraglioni Beach, also known as Scopello beach, is the most famous spot in the area, immortalised in postcards and souvenir photos that instantly inspire envy in anyone lucky enough to have witnessed such a marvel in person!
The sea is a breathtakingly brilliant blue, and from these crystal-clear waters the celebrated sea stacks of Scopello rise majestically: swimming here will wash away every thought, stress and worry, leaving you in a state of pure bliss.
The area is particularly suited to diving thanks to the beauty of its seabed and the richness of its marine life: you can contact a local operator to arrange a dive suited to your level.
Note: the Faraglioni Beach is very small and, being so famous, it attracts many visitors. There is an entrance fee: during the summer months it’s advisable to arrive early in the morning to avoid queues at the ticket office and secure a sunbed.

Access to this small but evocative cove is through the ancient tuna fishery, another famous attraction of Scopello. The Scopello tuna fishery is one of the oldest in all of Sicily; closed in 1984, it is now privately owned but it’s possible to visit the old warehouses and a small museum on a guided tour.
The former fishermen’s cottages have been converted into holiday apartments, with features designed to preserve the historic character of these buildings.
Don’t expect to find air conditioning, televisions or telephone lines: after all, what use is a TV when opening your balcony door reveals one of the most beautiful seas in the world?
Once you’ve visited the iconic Faraglioni Beach, head up through the village for a stroll around the central piazza and take a look at historic buildings such as Baglio Isonzo3 or Torre Bennistra4, a 16th-century tower perched on the cliff built for defensive purposes and offering stunning views.

The delightful village of Scopello is one of two access points to the Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve, a splendid natural oasis stretching 7 km to be explored on foot.
The Reserve, a natural paradise where brilliant azure waters meet mountains rich in vegetation, is one of the main tourist attractions in western Sicily.
There are various walking trails suitable for everyone, from beginners to experienced hikers, and if you choose the coastal route you can descend to one of the enchanting little beaches in the reserve for a refreshing swim or a full day by the sea.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
Scopello is in a splendid location from which you can reach some of the most fascinating attractions in western Sicily, including:
We offer a selection of hotels at Scopello to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Scopello, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Scopello. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Scopello are in high demand.
If you have a private or rental car, reaching Scopello will be straightforward: from the A29 motorway Palermo-Mazara del Vallo, exit at Castellammare del Golfo and continue on the SS187, heading towards Trapani, until you reach the junction for Scopello.
If coming from Palermo, allow approximately one hour and fifteen minutes for the journey. It is not possible to reach Scopello from Palermo by public transport.
If coming from Trapani, you’ll be there in around 40 minutes.
What's the weather at Scopello? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Scopello for the next few days.
The village of Scopello lies 35 km from Trapani and roughly 80 km from Palermo. It serves as the southern gateway to the renowned Zingaro Nature Reserve.