EAT IN SCOPELLO
Best for…
A local sandwich: Try the local Pane Cunzatu from a 19th century bakery
A restaurant with a view: La Tavernetta and La Terrazza
A vibey italian piazza: Restaurante Bar Nettuno (the courtyard it’s situated in has several other options including a Pizzeria)
BEACHES IN SCOPELLO AND NEARBY
NATURE RESERVE: RISERVA DELLO ZINGARO
A pristine nature reserve offering scenic coastal trails, secluded beaches, and diverse flora and fauna. Expect a not completely chill, somewhat dusty, very sunny hike for as long or short as you’d like until you reach the pebble beach of your choosing (there are several at a range of distances). If you are into snorkeling, definitely bring a scuba mask as there is so much to see! Zero amenities at the beaches, they are completely natural & untouched by commerce: pack water, food, extra sunscreen, wear a hat, etc if you want to make a day of it. If you are unable to do the walk, ask your hotel about a boat tour, there are plenty in the area! For access info and the best beaches in the reserve, we’ve linked a handy guide here
LOCAL BEACH: CALA MAZZO DI SCIACCA
A nearby, accessible little cove ideal for sunbathing and relaxing. Walkable from the town and accessible by car. Note, this is a pebble beach. In and around Scopello and Zingaro, there are lots of other lovely little coves that can be accessed by foot (just have a look on google maps!). Guidaloca beach is a longer stretch of pebble beach and can be accessed within 10 mins drive of the town.
NEAREST TOWN
CASTELLAMMARE DEL GOLFO
Just 15-20 min drive from Scopello, Castellammare del Golfo is the nearest town to Scopello. Visitors spend their time either on the harbour-front promenade below the castle, where there is a little beach, a marina, and a good choice of seafront restaurants serving up freshly caught seafood, or on one of the town's two beaches: Cala Petrolo, a sandy bay just around the headland from the castle, and La Plaja, a 10km-stretch of sand running east along base of the gulf. The latter is populated with a good selection of lidos renting out sun loungers, parasols and watersports facilities, and a number of seafront cafés and restaurants. From here, you can book boat day excursions and diving immersions to explore the surrounding sea and coastline (note there is also a diving center in Scopello!)
FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS
RUINS OF SEGESTA (WITHIN 30 MINS OF SCOPELLO)
Sat atop a small hill overlooking the Gulf of Castellammare and isolated from the modern world is one the finest - and best preserved - examples of Doric architecture in the world. A temple that for more than 2,500 years has sat unfinished. Best way to reach it is by car.
WITHIN 90 MINS DRIVE OF SCOPELLO
BEACHES: SAN VITO LO CAPO
San Vito lo Capo is on the other side of the Zingaro nature reserve and is around an hour from Scopello. A nice option if you fancy a change of scene for a few days. It’s a popular beach town, so it will be more touristy than Scopello and beaches along the Zingaro reserve (it might not be for everyone!)
HISTORY: ERICE
Precariously perched atop Monte San Giuliano, the wonderfully preserved medieval walled town of Erice allows an opportunity to step back in time at 751 metres above sea-level.
Accessible via an edge-of-your-seat ascent up a narrow hair pinned mountain road (or a relatively more sedate cable car ride), Erice is steeped in the myth and conquest of long gone powers, offers breathtaking vistas over Trapani, the coast, and the Mediterranean from a fairytale castle carved into rock, and the chance to indulge in too sweet treats at the island's most famous patisserie.
CITY LIFE, ARCHITECTURE AND FOOD: PALERMO
Palermo is one of the first places we went to in Sicily, and we absolutely loved it. If you can get past its mob-run history and gritty atmosphere, you will find wonderful food, culture, lively markets and art. If you’re expecting a picturesque, romantic city like Florence or Venice, this won’t be for you. We’ve linked a helpful guide here and here
WITHIN 2 HOURS OF SCOPELLO (NORTH + EASTERN SICILY)
CEFALU
Cefalu is a little gem on the northern coast. A charming seaside town only an hour from Palermo airport, if you fancy a slow few days after the wedding and exploring another side of the island, this could be a good alternative to going down to the South of the island (which is a further drive, and much more touristy!)
FAVIGNANA ISLAND
Aegadian island known for its beautiful bays, caves, and historical sites. Explore Cala Rossa, Grotta Azzurra, and the old tuna factory.
AGRIGENTO AND ON TO THE TURKISH STAIRS (SCALA DEI TURCHI)
Discover the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive ancient Greek ruins, and then take another 20 min drive to Scala dei Turchi (the Turkish Stairs).
EASTERN SICILY (2-2.5hr drive from Scopello)
If you fancy more of a White Lotus experience, these are the must see places within the Catania region. Word of warning: these tend to be the more touristy places on the Island, but still nonetheless beautiful.
TAORMINA (40min north of Catania)
Explore the ancient theater, enjoy panoramic views of the coast, and wander the elegant streets of this beautiful town. Great for those that are interested in coming a few days before or after the wedding and seeking a stay at a fancy hotel. Also really nice to just spend a day at a beach club, high end shopping here as well, but in general more mass-touristy vibes, so we personally wouldn’t recommend more than a day or two here.
ORTIGA (Syracuse – 1hr south of Catania)
Explore the historical island of Ortigia with its ancient ruins, stunning cathedral, and charming streets
NOTO
Baroque town famous for its architectural beauty, including Noto Cathedral and Palazzo Ducezio.
MOUNT ETNA
Europe's highest active volcano, offering opportunities for hiking, exploring craters and experiencing unique landscapes – guide very much needed! Mount Etna also is home to several picturesque vineyards.
