Faraglioni stacks

Immersed in front of an ancient tuna fishery, between the Zingaro Reserve and Castellammare del Golfo , the Faraglioni of Scopello represent one of the wonders of the Mediterranean.
These iconic rocks, imposing and suggestive, emerge from the crystalline waters that also overlook the small and charming village of Scopello. Certainly one of the most fascinating attractions of western Sicily.
The Faraglioni form the backdrop to an enchanting little beach, the perfect location for moments to remember.

The Faraglioni, a natural treasure of Sicily

Scopello Stacks
The bay of Scopello with its stacks

The Faraglioni di Scopello are composed of three imposing rock formations that rise majestically from the sea, creating a landscape of rare beauty. These limestone formations, shaped by erosion over the millennia, represent an ideal habitat for numerous marine species, making the area perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The turquoise waters that surround them offer an unforgettable spectacle, especially at sunset, when the colors of the sun paint the sea in golden hues.

The small beach of Tonnara di Scopello: sea, nature and glamour…

Scopello sea
Scopello Sea

In front of the Faraglioni there is a small private beach, accessible through the historic tonnara of Scopello. This bay, nestled between the rocks and bathed by clear and transparent waters, is a true hidden gem. Its sheltered position makes it perfect for enjoying the calm and pristine sea.

Scopello film set

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Claudio Gioè actor in Scopello

The enchantment of this location is undeniable, and those who live for art and cinema know it well. Directors, producers and actors have chosen Scopello over time, with its tuna fishery, the suggestive stacks and the ancient baglio on the hill, as the ideal setting for films and commercials.

Recently, a scene from the famous fiction Makari was filmed right here, transforming the Scopello tuna fishery into the restaurant where Suleima, played by Ester Pantano, works. This place has also been the set of advertising campaigns for prestigious brands such as Dolce&Gabbana and Wind, as well as being the protagonist of major film productions such as Ocean's Twelve , Inspector Montalbano and The New Life of Violetta by Walt Disney.

Between takes, movie stars such as George Clooney, Matt Damon, Vincent Cassel, Peter Fonda, Albert Finney and Robbie Coltrane have been enchanted by the beauty of these waters, making Scopello an authentic jewel of the big screen.

The Tonnara of Scopello, a history that dates back to the 13th century

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ph. Giorgio Comandè
San Vito Lo Capo tourist information: find hotels, B&Bs, holiday homes
ph. Giorgio Comandè

The Scopello tuna fishery is one of the oldest and best preserved in Sicily, its history dates back to 1200.
This ancient establishment, used for tuna fishing until the 1980s, today houses a museum that tells the story of traditional fishing and the life of tuna fishermen. The museum preserves ancient fishing tools, period photographs and testimonies of a period in which tuna fishing was one of the main economic activities in the area. Visiting the tonnara means immersing yourself in a fascinating past and discovering the maritime traditions that have marked Sicilian culture.

The Village of Scopello, a journey through time

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Scopello baglio

If you go to Tonnara you cannot miss a visit to the village of Scopello which is perched on the plateau above.
Cobbled streets and stone houses tell of a past tied to fishing and seafaring tradition. The center of the village is the large “baglio” or “courtyard” where the buildings are arranged around a central area. Access to the outside is through a single entrance, which not only guaranteed effective control of goods in transit, but also better defense possibilities.
We can say that the village of Scopello is also the gateway to the wonderful Riserva dello Zingaro, since the southern entrance to the reserve is located just a few minutes from here.
Don't miss a stop in one of the few places to taste the famous pane cunzato, a typical dish that is simple but has an authentic flavour.

Useful information

The Tonnara di Scopello is private and can be accessed by paying a €15 ticket that allows you to access the small beach, swim and visit the museum with a guide. Entrances are limited, so in high season it is advisable to buy the ticket online several days in advance. The monumental complex is open from 10:30 to 19:00.

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Scopello tuna factory

How to reach Scopello and the Faraglioni

The Scopello stacks can be reached both by land and by sea. Here are the main ways to get there:

By land

  • By car: From Palermo, take the A29 motorway towards Mazara del Vallo and exit at Castellammare del Golfo. From here, a panoramic road of about 10 km leads to the Tonnara di Scopello. Once there, you can park in one of the private paid spaces (on average €5 per day). You will also find private parking in Borgo di Scopello.

  • By bus: Several transport companies connect Palermo and Trapani to Castellammare del Golfo, from where you can continue by taxi or local bus to Scopello.

Useful links:

By sea: boat excursions or rental

A suggestive way to discover the Faraglioni of Scopello is to take a boat excursion. Several local companies offer daily tours departing from San Vito Lo Capo. During these excursions, you can admire not only the Faraglioni, but also other natural wonders such as the Zingaro Reserve and the sea caves.

Boat excursions from San Vito Lo Capo

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