Tonnara di Scopello
Largo Tonnara, Scopello, TP, 91014
Among Sicily’s restored and repurposed tuna fisheries, the Tonnara di Scopello is the prettiest, anchored by the pastel-pink Palazzina Florio (with bookable apartments and a museum) and a medieval tower overlooking a perfect stone bay and dazzling blue waters. A functioning fishery for about 700 years, the tonnara is now an idyllic tourist attraction—the stuff of Sicilian dreams.
The basics
The tonnara is a short walk from the center of diminutive Scopello and roughly en route to the Zingaro Nature Reserve—with beautiful (small) beaches and protected coves—making it a convenient “beach day” destination. Arrive early to nab a spot near the water and spend your morning swimming and snorkeling; visit the on-site museum to see vintage boats and fishing tools; and consider spending the night in the seaside apartments, which require booking well ahead of time.
Things to know before you go
- The cove facing the tonnara has calm, translucent waters—bring your snorkeling gear.
- There is an admission fee, which provides a deckchair rental and museum entrance; check the Tonnara di Scopello website and book ahead, since spaces fill up.
- The fishery has easy water access from a stone bay—but no public beach access.
- Fishery apartments are relatively pricey, but have lovely rooms and private beach access.
- Facilities include restrooms, an on-site café, and paid parking.
How to get there
The tonnara is a 15-minute walk from the center of Scopello, a little village about 40 miles (60 kilometers) west of Palermo. While there is a public bus route via Castellammare del Golfo, driving is much faster (about 1 hour) and highly recommended. Some private transfer services ferry travelers from Palermo to Scopello—and even right to the fishery.
When to get there
The tonnara is relatively compact and increasingly popular, so book your visit ahead on the website, and plan an early arrival. Seasonally, the best time to visit Sicily is from May to July or late September to October, when you can avoid the unbearable heat of August and spend time enjoying the outdoors.
The best beaches near Scopello
The Tonnara di Scopello is a dreamy swimming destination, but doesn’t offer an actual beach. If it’s sand or rocks you’re after, veer off the main hiking trails of the enchanting Zingaro Nature Reserve nearby to the protected beaches and coves, or drive up the peninsula to San Vito lo Capo Beach, much larger than those in the nature reserve.
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