Our holidays are located in the small historic village of Scopello in the North West region of Sicily on the Gulf of Castellammare, half an hour’s drive from Palermo. This area, which features the island’s most breathtaking beaches and coutryside, is famed for its fascinating history, extraordinary beauty and exquisite cuisine.
Scopello is perfectly located for visiting the famous salt marshes and windmills of Trapani, the historic hilltop town of Erice and the Tonnara of Scopello situated in a cove beneath the village.
The beach at Scopello with the grandeur of the Tonnara is one of the most important historic estates in Sicily. The ancient fishermans’ lodgings enclosed by perimeter walls are located around a small bay beneath the town of Scopello.
Painting in this environment is a magical experience. The clarity of light, colours of the sea, and historic architecture are paintings waiting to be celebrated. We are adding the Tonnara Scopello to ‘The Seven Wonders of the World’.
The Trapani coast, one of the most impressive in Italy, juts out on the west side of Sicily between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Canal of Sicily. This enchanted land, which still retains its authentic traditions as part of every day life, is composed of marvellous coasts that alternate with steep cliffs, endless beaches and the famous salt marshes that look across to the mysterious Egadi Islands. It’s capital, Castellammare, once the main centre of Mafia activity, is a small harbour where fishermen mend their nets on board their blue and white boats, and sell their morning catch at the quayside on rickety tables.
The historic hilltop town of Erice is perched on the top of Mount Eryx about 750 metres above sea level. It has retained much of its medieval character including part of the original city wall, a Norman Castle, and stone paved streets.
Non-painters are most welcome. There are many activities available from walking, cycling, water sports, fishing and of course visiting archeological sites. Just let us know what you would like to do and we will try to arrange it for you.
On your free day you may wish to take a boat trip along the Zingaro Nature Reserve, or visit the Greek temple at Segesta, or even venture to Palermo.
Christopher Bell and Tony Philips will be tutoring these courses.
Christopher Bell and Tony Philips will be tutoring these courses.
Please see Art Toscana in Tuscany for tutor profiles.
Art-Toscana ‘on vacation’ in Sicily was great – a friendly, well designed, comfortable family hotel with views of sea and olive trees, superb fish, easy happy companions, colourful, fascinating and varied painting locations, and, above all, first-class guidance and welcome from Chris and Krysia.
Judy
A fantastic holiday.Lovely people.Sicily is beautiful.
Christine