Ancient tuna fishery of Scopello and Faraglioni

Sharp cliffs and two stacks, now symbols of the place, dive into the clear waters of the Scopello sea, just a few kilometres from the southern entrance to the Riserva dello Zingaro, amidst the bright Mediterranean vegetation and a blue sky almost all year round.
The small bay of Scopello is unique in its beauty. This gulf is overlooked by the Tonnara of Scopello, a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Framed by the sea, it is still one of the best preserved tuna fisheries in Sicily.

The complex dates back to the 13th century and is embellished by two watchtowers, one dating back to 1200, the other built by the Florentine engineer Camillo Camilliani in the second half of the 16th century. At the end of the 1400s, it was extended by the Sicilian noble family of Sanclemente, with new rooms used as warehouses, the carpentry shop, the ovens and the loggia where tuna fish were hung while awaiting processing. In the 16th century, ownership passed to the Jesuits, who further expanded the complex with the boat harbour area and the small church. 

The tuna fishery experienced a period of splendour once it was purchased in 1874 by a number of important entrepreneurs, including Ignazio Florio, who immediately favoured modernisation, such as administrative premises and a mansion. Under the Florio family, the tuna catch increased considerably thanks to the introduction of new techniques. The last slaughter took place in 1984. Today, the tonnara houses a diving centre, with the possibility of diving and rubber dinghy excursions. 

It is possible to visit the tonnara, a unique opportunity to learn about the history of this place, observing boats, ropes, anchors, nets and tools used for tuna fishing.