Palermo to Scopello: Private day trip

Main attractions

• The tonnara di Scopello — a historic tuna fishery of whitewashed buildings, ancient watchtowers and rusted winches arranged around a private cove of turquoise water; one of the most photographed coastal scenes in Sicily
• The village baglio (fortified courtyard) sits above the cove with a handful of houses, a small café and a fountain — the entire settlement barely larger than a single city block, which is precisely its appeal
• The northern entrance to the Zingaro Nature Reserve begins here — Sicily's first protected coastal reserve, 7km of limestone cliffs, hidden coves and Mediterranean maquis with no roads and no development

What to eat

• Fresh tuna preparations — tonno alla stemperata or simply grilled — at the small restaurants in the baglio; the season runs through summer

Take note

• The tonnara cove is privately managed and charges a small entry fee for beach access — bring swimming gear, water and sun protection; the Zingaro coastal path is exposed and requires sturdy footwear