West of Palermo, just after Castellammare del Golfo, the coastline becomes rugged, rocky and, in places, spectacular. That most natural of sculptors, the sea, has worked minor miracles, creating a myriad of coves, sea stacks and grottoes in the hard limestone cliffs. This is Scopello, one of the loveliest parts of Sicily, made even more beautiful by the presence of the delightful Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve. Several of thinkSicily's villas in the area have private access to the sea, others have pools. All are close to a wonderful selection of sandy and pebbly beaches.