Funcia

Scopello, Sicily

44 Photos

Shady terraces and crystal waters

6 Guests

5 Bedrooms

4 Bathrooms

A stunning position on one of Sicily’s most spectacular stretches of coastline... With its large grounds, spectacular views, private sea access and walking distance to restaurants and shops, Funcia offers the perfect balance for many of our clients. Steps lead down to the crystal clear waters below while the coves and bays of the nearby Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve are invitingly close at hand.

Speak to our experts

For expert advice on this villa, things to do in the area, or to discuss how we can make your stay truly bespoke, call our Villa Specialists today. We are open every day of the week, weekends included.

Keyholder highlights

  • IncludedGarden gate sea access
  • IncludedSpectacular sea and coastal views
  • IncludedEasy walk to restaurants and shops

Gallery

A view of the stunning coastline to the west.

The sea-view living room opens out onto the the main terrace.

The main terrace has spectacular sea views!

The steps down to the sea.

Funcia's delightful sea access.

Take a proper look

View all photos

View Funcia on Map

The Area

Set on the edge of the Golfo di Castellammare, Funcia occupies a very private spot on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Sicily.

The small village of Scopello just up the hill has a good selection of restaurants and bars, and can be reached on foot in about 20 minutes. There is also a mini-market (with an excellent deli, butcher's and wine selection), a good bar and an organic farm shop selling superb fruit and vegetables about 10 minutes walk away.

The old tuna fishery (tonnara) of Scopello, a few hundred metres along the coast from the villa, occupies a very suggestive setting, and Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve offers a range of spectacular walks and some beautiful crystal clear bays for swimming. There is a diving centre in Scopello for scuba lovers and a pebbly beach with equipped lidos just a 5-minute drive away at Guidaloca.

The town of Castellammare del Golfo, a few kilometres east, has several seafront bars and restaurants and a daily fish market.

The spectacular Elymian/Greek site of Segesta is about 20 minutes drive away and Erice, Palermo, Trapani and Selinunte can all be reached in under an hour.

Palermo airport:

50km-31miles-45mins

Trapani Airport:

65km-40miles-1hr

Catania airport:

283km-176miles-3hr20

Comiso airport:

306km-190miles-4hr

Pebble beach at Guidaloca:

5mins drive

Nearest shops:

10mins walk (2mins drive) along the road approaching the villa or 5mins drive in Scopello

Castellammare del Golfo (shops and beach):

15-20mins drive

Zingaro Nature Reserve:

5mins drive

Segesta:

30km-18miles-30mins

Erice:

35km-22miles-45mins

Selinunte:

70km-44miles-55mins

Palermo/Monreale:

75km-47miles-1hr15

Local Experiences

Culinary experiences in Western Sicily

Culinary experiences in Western Sicily

Every civilisation that dominated Sicily was inspired by the produce this fertile land offers. In western Sicily it was the Arabs, French and Spanish who shaped the roots of the local culinary tradition, that went on to develop throughout the centuries into the unique, rich and eclectic specialities we find there today.

Discover
Private boat charters in West Sicily

Private boat charters in West Sicily

Transparent waters lap dramatic, time-scarred sea stacks and weather-beaten cliffs, home to tumbling prickly pear trees and 16th and 17th-century watch towers. The old tonnara (a tuna fishing hub) is set evocatively between the cliffs, and a little time spent snorkelling here will be time well spent indeed. Then it’s off again, sweeping through the limpid waters of Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve, whose towering mountains rise majestically from the sea. Idyllic pebbly coves break up the sheer rocky masses, and before you know it you’ll be rounding the headland and sailing west to Sicily’s most northwesterly town, the fishing village and seaside resort of San Vito Lo Capo, renowned for its golden sands, electric blue waters, and delicious fish couscous.

Discover
Private guided tours in West Sicily

Private guided tours in West Sicily

From first glance, it would seem that the Saracen and Norman rulers of Sicily could have had very little in common. The former had arrived from North Africa and were part of the Golden Age of Arab civilisation that had made such huge strides in the fields of mathematics, economics, agriculture, science, poetry, and architecture. The latter were an offshoot of the Vikings from the frozen north of Europe, adventurers and hardened warriors.When the Normans ousted the Saracen forces in 1090, however, there was no obliteration of all things Arabic. Indeed, the men from the north were hugely impressed by what they found, and rather than destroying Arabic culture, they embraced it. Many institutions were retained, Islam was tolerated, and Saracen landowners were allowed to keep their estates. North African habits were adopted by many Normans as they acclimatised to life in the middle of the Mediterranean. Souks prospered, cool Arabic courtyards were de rigueur, and many Normans, including some of the sovereigns themselves, lived more like Emirs than knights. Where the fusion of cultures really stood out, however, was in the architecture.

Discover
Private Guided Tours in Southwest Sicily

Private Guided Tours in Southwest Sicily

Our private guides are tried and tested experts in their field, with many holding PhDs in their particular specialism. Book a tour or two with them and you'll come away with fascinating insights into your destination's towns, archaeological sites, food, wine, landscapes and geology.

Discover
Wine tastings in Southwest Sicily

Wine tastings in Southwest Sicily

The triangle of Menfi, Marsala and Sciacca is one of the oldest outpost for wine production in Sicily thanks to the versatile and mite climate created by the sea breeze coming from the coast. Some of the most important Sicilian indigenous grapes, such as Grillo and Inzolia were born here and throughout the centuries have been wisely combined to produce among the most popular wines of the region. If you want to start exploring Sicilian wine you should probably start here, and we would be pleased to help.

Discover
Bike rental

Bike rental

Menfi, that haven of vineyard-carpeted hills sloping down to crystalline-sea-lapped sandy beaches, has redefined the term “riding the rails”. Where a narrow gauge freight railway once ran, connecting Sciacca, Menfi and Porto Palo, there are now 20km of cycle paths, allowing locals and visitors alike to pedal (or run) through the area’s gorgeous landscapes without worrying about traffic. It’s an ideal way to discover the area and you can even stop off for a swim in the waters of the Mediterranean to cool off.

Discover
Culinary experiences in West Sicily

Culinary experiences in West Sicily

The west of Sicily is a great destination for food lovers. Inland, the scenery is dominated by vast expanses of vineyards and olive groves, and some of Sicily's best wines – for example those of the Alcamo, Trapani, Erice and Marsala areas - and olive oils are produced in this corner of the island. Restaurant menus offer a fabulous array of fresh fish and seafood dishes. Fish cous cous is one of the signature dishes, a tradition that is celebrated every September at San Vito’s international Cous Cous Fest. Other stand-out specialities include busiate al pesto trapanese - a homemade pasta served with a pesto of tomatoes, garlic, almonds and basil - and spaghetti alla bottarga - salt-cured tuna fish roe grated on steaming pasta.

Discover

From the Guest Book

Read the thoughtful reviews that travellers have left after their time with us.

An illustration of a guest book

Funcia was gorgeous and in a perfect location. We had the most wonderful trip in Sicily - stress-free, unique and perfect! Starting with my first conversation with The Thinking Traveller, all the stress of planning was removed. The people were. incredibly helpful, instantly understood all my family's needs, and were always responsive and pleasant. I'm already thinking of my next family trip with The Thinking Traveller!

KB June 2024

Funcia perfect escape from city life. The location is great, it has amazing views and private access to sea, and is large and spacious. The area is beautiful and peaceful. It was my first time ever renting a villa and not staying in a hotel. I didn’t regret it - it was great.

AA June 2024

We loved the views from Funcia's porch and the gardens were spectacular. The house too was lovely and easy to cook in and relax - the artwork was interesting and gave a welcoming feel. We would like to return to Funcia next spring.

AM May 2024

It was simply blissful. The view, the sea, the terrace, and the lovely walk down the rocks to swim were idyllic.

Anonymous September 2023

Amazing location both in terms of the views and the local village.

Anonymous July 2023

Funcia was a stunning property and everything was perfect. The cook was lovely and the food was delicious.

Anonymous, United States of America September 2022

Villas in Sicily