Scopello

Scopello is a coastal village in northwestern Sicily built around an ancient tuna fishing station nestled against limestone cliffs. Stone buildings and traditional fishing structures dot the area along the Mediterranean shoreline.

The tuna fishing tradition here stretches back to the 13th century when the Tonnara became an economic center for the community. For centuries, this fishing practice remained the foundation of local life and continues to shape the village today.

The village's name comes from the Tonnara, a traditional tuna fishing station that shapes its appearance and character. This facility remains visible and central to daily life, showing how locals have organized their relationship with the sea.

The village sits next to the Zingaro Nature Reserve with parking available near the main entrance to the protected area. Wear sturdy shoes as paths to cliffs and beaches are steep and uneven in places.

The central baglio, an 18th-century fortified courtyard, has been converted into restaurants and shops while keeping its original stone walls intact. This demonstrates how traditional structures adapt to modern use without losing their historical character.