In western Sicily there is an unforgettable village, overlooking the stacks that guard the Tyrrhenian Sea, an incredibly fascinating place that contains historical evidence, traditions, dialects and different cultures. Welcome to Scopello, a small hamlet of the Municipality of Castellammare del Golfo, in the province of Trapani The breathtaking view from the ancient village ranges from the oldest Sicilian tuna, to the sea beyond the stacks. All just a few steps from the dream beaches and the magnificent Zingaro nature reserve.
The pristine nature of the area attracts many travelers every year in fact despite Scopello has just a hundred inhabitants during the year, its old town and its beaches become simply irresistible in summer, when its streets are full of tourists.
As we will see in this article Scopello is a great starting point to visit some of the most interesting places in Sicily. From the Selinunte Archaeological Park, to the historic center of Trapani, Erice and Segesta, to the nearby Egadi islands there are many reasons to fall in love with this area, including the formidable cuisine of the province of Trapani.
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A bit of history of Scopello
The name Scopello comes from the Greek “Scopelos”, that is rocks; the country, in fact, is characterized by the presence of two beautiful and majestic stacks that emerge from the crystal clear waters of the bay.
The first findings that ascertain the presence of man on its territory were found in the Grotta dell’Uzzo, inside the Zingaro Reserve; during the excavations of the seventies, Then came to light some of the most interesting necropolis dating back to the Mesolithic in Italy.
Its origins, therefore, are very ancient: the first inhabitants, the Elimi, came from Asia Minor around 1000 B.C. and founded Erice and Segesta, transforming the river Guidaloca in the port of the city of Elima. Later Scopello welcomed several ancient civilizations, whose passage is testified by the numerous archaeological finds found in the bay of Guidaloca and in the ancient Tonnara; here, in particular, it seems that the mythological city of Cetaria so called because of the abundant presence of tuna in its waters. There are no reliable sources on the disappearance of the city, so it is assumed that it was destroyed by the Arabs or razed to the ground by an earthquake.
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A bit of history of Scopello
The name Scopello comes from the Greek “Scopelos”, that is rocks; the country, in fact, is characterized by the presence of two beautiful and majestic stacks that emerge from the crystal clear waters of the bay.
The first findings that ascertain the presence of man on its territory were found in the Grotta dell’Uzzo, inside the Zingaro Reserve; during the excavations of the seventies, Then came to light some of the most interesting necropolis dating back to the Mesolithic in Italy.
Its origins, therefore, are very ancient: the first inhabitants, the Elimi, came from Asia Minor around 1000 B.C. and founded Erice and Segesta, transforming the river Guidaloca in the port of the city of Elima. Later Scopello welcomed several ancient civilizations, whose passage is testified by the numerous archaeological finds found in the bay of Guidaloca and in the ancient Tonnara; here, in particular, it seems that the mythological city of Cetaria so called because of the abundant presence of tuna in its waters. There are no reliable sources on the disappearance of the city, so it is assumed that it was destroyed by the Arabs or razed to the ground by an earthquake.
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La Tonnara
The main attraction of Scopello is undoubtedly its sea, contested by the wonderful Tonnara located at the foot of the village. This is the oldest trap in Sicily, in fact dates back to the fifteenth century. Inside the Monumental Complex of Scopello Tonnara there are about 14 houses, including the carpentry, the salt warehouse, the guardian oven and other small realities of ancient origins.
Currently the trap is used only and exclusively for biological research but, for those who want, you can contact a special diving center to take a dip in its beautiful waters.
The Museum of the Tonnara
Wonderfully intact, the Scopello Trap is a real open-air museum, as well as evidence of an economy that, in the past, was based exclusively on tuna fishing. Its museum holds, not surprisingly, all the tools used for fishing and, through guided tours, you can reconstruct the history.
And from the crystal clear waters of Scopello Trap emerge the famous stacks, entirely covered by a thick spontaneous vegetation and protagonists of the uncontested images published on social networks by all travelers who pass by.
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The beaches
Deciding where to swim in Scopello involves an embarrassment of choice: visitors, in fact, there are many bays and coves with clear and pristine waters, with breathtaking beaches and perfect places to relax and enjoy a few hours of privacy.
You can choose between a dream sea, like the one proposed by the Faraglioni Beach, and a more wild and unspoiled landscape like Cala Mazzo di Sciacca or, again, between the tranquility of the Guidaloca Beach and the adventure of the Zingaro Reserve.
The beach of the Faraglioni
Those who visit the Tonnara di Scopello cannot, therefore, do without passing through the Faraglioni Beach, the most evocative of the whole area. Its landscape is extraordinary, the shades of its waters leave you breathless and its backdrops welcome many species of plants and fish.
Here diving is simply mandatory, because it allows you to live an exciting and indescribable experience.
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The beach of Guidaloca
Another really wonderful stretch of coast is that of Guidaloca beach, a bay with crystal clear water and fine gravel. The place is also ideal for families with children, who can play in total freedom and safety while parents sunbathe and enjoy a few moments of relaxation.
The beach is partly free and partly occupied by several bathing establishments, which give the opportunity to rent sunbeds and umbrellas.
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Cala Mazzo di Sciacca
In the middle of nature there is Cala Mazzo di Sciacca, a small enchanting and totally uncontaminated bay. To reach it, therefore, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes, since from the parking lot the road is not only long, but also cobbled.
Once you arrive you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas and take advantage of the services offered by a kiosk, and then immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters and heavenly atmosphere.
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The Zingaro Reserve
A last must is the Zingaro Reserve, a completely uncontaminated stretch of coast that extends for 7 kilometers. From Castellamare del Golfo to San Vito lo Capo, the paths and paths that wind are numerous and each leads to coves of extraordinary beauty.
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Archaeological Park of Segesta
Lovers of art and architecture will be delighted by the visit to the Archaeological Park of Segesta, not far from Scopello. According to legend, Segesta was founded by Aeneas (the same who founded Rome); according to what is reported in the Aeneas of Virgil, Enea founded Segesta together with Aceste to make it available to families tired of traveling to Rome.
The monuments to admire inside are many and all beautiful, but the most important are certainly the following:
The Temple
The Temple of Segesta is of Greek origin; it dates back to the 5th century and is surrounded by an irresistible charm and a mysterious history. Majestic and imposing, it is surrounded by hills and valleys and proudly displays the two Doric columns perfectly intact.
The reason why the Elymians built the temple is still discussed today: some believe it was a simple place of worship, others that it was dedicated to a Greek cult whose divinity remains unknown. Either way, it’s a show you can’t give up.
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The Greek theater
Dating from the third century BC, the Greek Theatre is located north of the 400-meter-high Acropolis. In summer it became the seat of important national and international representations, first of all the “Dionisiache Segestiane”, who preferred mythological works.
In turn, the Acropolis is divided into two parts: the south, the residential area, with private houses; the north, the oldest, which houses the theater, the castle, the medieval quarter and the mosque.
Things to do in Scopello
Scopello is a tourist destination that allows, in itself, to spend whole days in total relaxation, walking through its historic center and discovering beaches, monuments and archaeological evidence. But there is more, especially for athletes and for those who just can not stand still (not even on vacation):
Immersion
The beautiful waters of Scopello, clear and crystal clear, are perfect for those who love diving; the bottom welcomes several species of fish and vegetables, as well as hidden remains of the ancient city of Cetaria.
The opportunity to dive is given both in the waters of the Tonnara, both along the coast between Castellammare del Golfo and San Vito lo Capo, with particular attention to the main points of interest: wreck Capua and wreck Kent.
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Trekking
Another activity that you can do in Scopello is undoubtedly trekking, favored by the presence of unspoilt landscapes and all to discover, starting from the Zingaro Reserve. Inside you can choose different routes:
- the Coastal Path: starts from Scopello and ends in San Vito lo Capo;
- the Sentiero Mezza Costa: allows you to see rural villages such as Borgo Cusenza and Contrada Sughero;
- the Coastal Path: starts from Scopello and ends in San Vito lo Capo;
- the Sentiero Mezza Costa: allows you to see rural villages such as Borgo Cusenza and Contrada Sughero;
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Visit the museums
If you want to dedicate a few hours to art and culture, the area of the seaside village of Scopello is ideal: rich in museums and exhibition places, it allows visitors to learn about the evolution of ancient local crafts.
The main ones are:
- the Museum of Marine Activities: it is built inside an ancient “marfaraggiu”, or a structure dedicated to the processing of tuna and fish, and traces traditions and tools related to fishing for bluefin tuna;
the Museum of Rural Life: collects the testimonies of Sicilian peasant art, exposing the main tools of the trade;
the Museum of Interweaving: it is dedicated to the traditional plot of the “Giummara”, or dwarf straw, typical local vegetation.
What to see
The village of Scopello is located in the province of Trapani, a province that contains all the characteristics peculiar to all of Sicily; for this reason it is advisable to rent a car and discover the surrounding areas, where you can find unique and exciting attractions!
Erice
In Erice you can reach it by cable car, so you can enjoy a spectacular view of the valley.
Crossing the walls of the village, visitors are immediately captured by its narrow streets full of shops and monuments belonging to different historical periods and, in some periods of the year, you can also meet some truly suggestive medieval themed events.
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Salt pans of Trapani and Marsala
A characteristic place of Trapani is that of the salt pans where salt extraction is still practiced. Here the windmills and places of production have become real tourist attractions.
The salt pans extend up to Marsala, where you can admire the Stagnone, the island of Mozia and the inland streets rich in history and tradition.
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The Archaeological Park of Selinunte
Selinunte, near Castelvetrano, is the largest archaeological park in Europe. Inside are the remains of an entire Greek colony, including places of worship, the immense acropolis and other truly interesting epic finds.
A few steps away, then, there is Triscina with its crystal clear sea and its golden sandy beaches; its shallow waters, ideal for families with children, are simply irresistible!
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The Museum of the Dancing Satyr
In Mazara del Vallo there is the Museum of the Dancing Satyr, a taste of very particular history; inside you can admire, in addition to the statue recovered from the bottom of the sea that portrays a satyr intent on performing an orgiastic ritual dance, numerous archaeological finds belonging to the different peoples who lived in Sicily.
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The historic center of Trapani
Even the fun wants its part and, in this, the historic center of Trapani is an excellent solution: restaurants, bars, entertainment venues dot the internal streets, alternating with churches, monuments and buildings of different historical periods. Of course, all with a breathtaking view of the sea.
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The island of Motya
From the waters of the lagoon of the Stagnone of Marsala emerges the small island of Motya, a former Phoenician colony and currently a treasure trove of history and culture. Its beauty is not only artistic, but also natural: the landscapes are wonderful and its shallow and crystal clear waters reveal real natural pools.
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The Egadi Islands
The Egadi Islands are now, for several years, among the favorite tourist destinations. Their inhabitants are about 4 thousand souls, but each island is so beautiful and particular to deserve due attention. The sea is crystal clear and the Mediterranean vegetation is absolutely fascinating.
Inside you can take long walks or bike rides, dive into a spectacular sea and enjoy delicious dishes.
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What to eat in Scopello
From an excellent fraction of Trapani, Scopello fully respects the culinary tradition of the city that draws from the cultures of the various populations that have passed through Sicily.
A must try are:
- the arancine: they are found everywhere in Sicily and, despite the diatribe on their true name (for the eastern Sicily they are called “arancini), on their goodness they are all in agreement;
- the caponata of aubergines: it is a dish deeply linked to tradition, based on eggplant strictly purple and long cut into cubes and seasoned in sweet and sour;
- the busiate with pesto trapanese: traditional pasta of the kitchen of Trapani, homemade to give an impeccable flavor and texture, topped with the classic basil pesto and crunchy almonds;
- la Panelle: the typical street food, the slices of chickpea flour, fried and served inside a sandwich, are nothing short of sublime;
- the vastedda of the Belice Valley: the only Italian cheese made of spun sheep, to be eaten fresh to taste the best;
- the black bread of Castelvetrano: a dark bread dough, obtained by mixing Sicilian blond wheat and Tumminia wheat, with an ancient and overwhelming taste;
- the cannolo di Dattilo: the cannolo is the Sicilian dessert par excellence and, in the province of Trapani, the record belongs to Dattilo, an excellent producer and known for its goodness and size;
- cous cous alla trapanese: of Arab origin, the cous cous of Scopello becomes Cùscusu and is served with the flavors of fresh Sicilian fish;
- ricotta cassatelle: ricotta is a must in Sicilian pastry and is also found in cassatelle, crisp outside and soft inside;
- granita: the typical meal of the hottest summer days, famous for its lemon taste but available in many variations to create an embarrassment of choice;
- the red shrimp of Mazara del Vallo: maximum exponent of Trapani cuisine, is the main ingredient of many traditional dishes; expensive, but excellent;
- babbaluci: it is snails, a dish traditionally poor but rich in flavor served with tomatoes, garlic and oil;
- Marsala: to top it off, a glass of Marsala is what you need; perfect to accompany aperitifs, first and second courses and desserts, we recommend you enjoy it in company!
That said, it is easy to understand who, on his return to Sicily, claims to be happily fattened!
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