Places near us

The small village of Scopellois set on a rock overlooking the stunning sea, the majestic stacks and an old tonnara (tuna warehouse). The main building is the baglio,a typical rural construction with a large internal courtyard situated on the site of an Arab hamlet.In front of the square is the baglio with its ancient drinking troughwhere visitors can avail of the clear cool water.

The village name originates from the Greek Skopelòs (the rocks) or from the Arab Iscubul which describes the majestic and picturesque stackswhich are covered in the Mediterranean vegetation that emerges from the sea.

There are two towers near the tonnara, one situated on a small headland and the other embedded in a rugged cliff. They ensure the surveillance of the area and its protection from danger emanating from the sea.

A real delicacy is the pane cunzato of Scopello. It is a local bread, dressed by fresh tomatos, salted sardines, olive oil, local cheese, oregano.

In Scopello a diving centre offers guided immersions, including nighttime excursions to the most interesting areas of the coast where shipwrecks and mysterious caves can be found.

The Zingaro National Park is a stretch of coastline along 7 km. It overlooks the Gulf of Castellammare and Speziale Mount is the highest mountain in the area ( 913 meters). The reserve is about 1600 hectares wide.

The park is interesting in every season for its turquoise sea, beautiful crystal clear bays for swimming, beaches of pebbles and sand, the caves and tunnels, cliffs overhanging the sea, houses rural.

It is possible to discover the endogenous Mediterranean vegetation by accessing its paths either from the South-East entrance near Scopello village or from the North entrance near San Vito Lo Capo. There is a third access on the upper part of the park. The natural reserve contains many kinds of plants and tree-like palms, carob trees, prickly pear, caper, fennel, agave.

Various species of birds live in the park such as peregrine falcons, eagles, wild gulls and pigeons, hooded crows, magpies, goldfinches. Among mammals, you can meet rabbits, foxes. Among the reptiles, there are vipers and two species of lizards.

Aproximately 5 kilometers from Villa Playa is the Fiume Caldo and thermal springs (this name means Warm River). The water is hypothermal alkaline, sulphurous mineral and is often used for therapeutic purposes; mud baths are also good for the spirit. Baths in the river or in the thermalsource; which is sorrounded by luxuriant mediterranean vegetation; are free. Close by there are also two thermal stations or spas.

One of these thermal springs is in Gorga districtwhere the water has a temperature of 51 C. and a canal which brings the water and mud to the thermal stationsituated in an ancient restructured mill where there is an outdoor swimming pool, saunas and mud baths area..

Further up the Fiume Caldo visitors can reach the free baths area in Ponte Bagni district where they will see the historic springs of Segesta adjacent to a very small lake surrounded by tamarisk, olive trees and reeds. The temperature isusually around 44 ° C in summer. Relaxing in a bath in thermal water surrounded by natural habitat is an exhilarating experience all the year round. Nearby the river leads to a small canyon with rock blocks and some small waterfalls. The riversubsequently flows into the canyon where in the summer season itis again possible to have free bathing... As visitors traverse the banks of the river it is possible to observe high vertical walls with colors from ivory white and pink. Near here is the second thermal station which also has an outdoor swimming pool , jacuzzi and the Regina cave (with a Roman vault), which is a natural sauna in a cavern on the river's bank.

For potholing lovers the caves of Mount Inici (1064m) are very interesting with deep ravines and underwater lakes which reflect the lights of the cavers resulting in extremely interesting images.

The formations are of particular beauty, delicacy and variety, hanging stalactites, stalagmites, high columns and spectacularly brilliant casts of calcite crystals. It's a magical view and a very rare natural spectacle.

The visit to these beautiful but fragile environments will only be allowed in small groups to ensure they are not damaged by the negligence of its users.

The subsection CAI of Castellammare del Golfo organizes speleological trips to the Abisso dei Cocci – Ramo dei Laghi into Monte Inici. http://www.caidelgolfo.it/