Scopello Cove

Below the tiny Sicilian village of Scopello a photogenic cove holds a unique cluster of old stone fishing buildings and a pair of tall rock stacks rising from the sea right behind them. The Tonnara di Scopello was originally a tuna fishery that had been used for centuries, now its home to a small museum and hotel. The seastacks stand dramatically just offshore surrounded by water so clear it turns pale turquoise near the shore. Going down into the cove itself has an access fee, but there are free lookouts along the road and hillside just south of the site that give you an amazing elevated view over the entire cove for free. Plan to shoot this area early in the day. Sunrise and the morning light are soft on the stacks, plus the crowds of the day haven't arrived yet. After exploring the local area be sure to come back near the end of the day to see how sunset changes the cove and seas stacks with its colourful light. The village itself is small and quiet, just a square and a few streets, good for a slow wander and a bakery stop. Getting here is relatively straightforward but it does require driving in roughly an hour from Palermo. There is paid parking at the top of the hill, but it usually fills up fast in summer. If you are able to time it for a calm morning out of season, you will have this corner of Sicily nearly to yourself. (Scopello, Sicily, Italy)