Scopello and Erice
Rent one of the most beautiful villas of Scopello and Erice and be ready for an amazing experience.
Alongside with beautiful seaside resorts, elegant baroque cities and outstanding archaeological parks.
Western Sicily houses at least two enchanting hamlets with a very peculiar and fascinating atmosphere. Scopello and Erice, both within the province of Trapani, are located at the opposite sides of the north-westernmost cape of Sicily. Separated by the typical verdant hills of this area.
The first rises at 106 meters above sea level and overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea, while the latter rises at 751 meters above sea level and provides an astonishing panorama over both the Tyrrhenian and the Mediterranean Sea.
These two beautiful destinations are just 36 kilometers away from each other. Their differences are just as much as their similarities.Hhowever, both villages really deserve a visit for their uniqueness and charm.
Let’s see how you can visit both in just one day.
If you are staying in one of our Scopello villas, you may start your day with a visit to this tiny village: first founded by the Greeks. Scopello has just 80 inhabitants and is all structured around a typical Arabic courtyard (“baglio”) that was probably established during the Norman domination.
A few low houses and plenty of restaurants and pretty hotels, and a very fascinating atmosphere provided by the beautiful panorama. The hamlet overlooks a lovely bay with huge picturesque “faraglioni” (giant rocks, “skopelos” in Greek – hence the name) creating a really unique environment that has been chosen as a setting for world-famous film productions.
Once you’ve reached this idyllic bay, we recommend you take a bath in its crystal-clear water and visit the ancient “tonnara” that was once used for tuna storage and is nowadays a little “museum of the sea”. Hit one of the local restaurants or bars located within the little picturesque baglio for lunch: a taste of local “pani cunzato” (bread stuffed with anchovies, olive oil, tomatoes and cheese) is not to be missed.
Temperatures get pretty high here in summer, but lucky for you Erice is the best destination if you’re looking for some chilly air to get fresh!
It’s a 45-minute drive from Scopello to Erice.
As you approach the city of Trapani, start looking carefully at the top of the mountains and hills: you’ll see the typical outline of a medieval hamlet in the distance, little houses and a castle.
Welcome to Erice, one of the most picturesque and beautiful destinations in Sicily!
The panorama is utterly breath-taking.
Look west and you’ll find the beautiful city of Trapani with its salt pans, the Aegadian Islands in the background and the seashore until Marsala and more further.
Look north-east and you’ll enjoy an overlook of the beautiful cape of San Vito as well as of the countryside up until the hills of the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Erice is also famous for its typical medieval character.
Tiny lovely houses side the narrow streets of the village, with their flowering balconies, little boutiques and pretty squares.
Take your time to get lost in this maze of winding alleys, and then visit the most interesting landmarks.
Erice houses two beautiful castles – the Castle of Venere (built during the 13th Century AD on a former Roman temple dedicated to the “Venere ericina” goddess).
The Castello del Balio, with its beautiful gardens where you can enjoy some fresh air under the shade of trees.Taste the most delicious delight of the town, “Genovesi alla crema” pastry stuffed with custard.
As the day reaches the end, we recommend you enjoy the fascinating night atmosphere of this little medieval village.
Local restaurants have plenty of outdoor space and tables are set right next to picturesque charming squares or alleys.
Local delights include pizza and typical “busiate” pasta with seafood.
Firstly relaxing walk towards the castle will turn into a sensational romantic experience: the view of the coastline of Trapani at night is just unforgettable.