The Egadi Islands are located off the coast of western Sicily, a few miles from Trapani and Marsala. The archipelago consists of three main islands: Favignana, Marettimo, and Levanzo, as well as some smaller islets like Formica and Maraone. To preserve the natural beauty of these islands, the Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area (AMP) was established in 1991, which is the largest marine reserve in Europe.

With their crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and untouched nature, the Egadi Islands are the perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation. They offer a wide range of activities for snorkeling enthusiasts, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as those seeking a relaxing holiday.

In this article, you will find a comprehensive guide to help you plan your vacation in the Egadi Islands.

What are the Egadi Islands

The Egadi Islands consist of three main islands:

• Favignana: The largest and most populated of the Egadi Islands, Favignana is famous for its butterfly-like shape that spreads its wings over the sea. It is located approximately 7 km off the coast and is named after the Favonio, a warm wind that blows from the west.
  The island has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, as evidenced by some ancient inhabited caves. It was a Phoenician settlement from the 8th century BC until 241 BC when it was conquered by the Romans after the Battle of the Egadi. Since ancient times, the two main economic activities in Favignana have been the extraction of tuff stone and tuna fishing. Tuna fishing reached its peak starting from the second half of the 19th century when the Egadi archipelago was purchased by the Florio family. Ignazio Florio founded the first tuna canning factory in Favignana, where the tuna caught in the adjacent tuna fishery was canned using state-of-the-art techniques for that time.
• Levanzo: With a surface area of only 5 square kilometers, Levanzo is the smallest of the Egadi archipelago. It has just over 200 inhabitants and only one road that crosses the tiny town. It has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, and some important prehistoric remains are still visible today.
• Marettimo: Marettimo separated from the mainland millennia before the other two islands, which is why its landscape is very different, with lush vegetation and various endemic plants. The ancient name of Marettimo was Hierà Nésos, meaning sacred island, and a sense of sacredness is still perceptible on the island, which is also the wildest and least accessible of the archipelago, as well as a paradise for hikers.

What to do and see in the Egadi Islands

Plan your visit to the Egadi Islands and immerse yourself in their natural beauty, rich history, and captivating atmosphere.

The Egadi Islands are a very popular tourist attraction for both Italians and foreigners, thanks to their natural, cultural, and scenic beauty. Here are some of the main attractions of the Egadi Islands (our advice is not to miss any of them!):

Favignana

• Cala Rossa: one of the most beautiful and famous beaches on the island, with white sand and crystal-clear waters surrounded by suggestive tuff caves.
• Cala Azzurra: composed of two small beaches separated by a rocky barrier and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.
• Cala Rotonda: facing Cala Rossa, you can admire this small rocky inlet famous for its natural stone arch sculpted by water and wind, known as the Arch of Ulysses, which is also one of the symbols of Favignana.
• Bue Marino: named after the monk seals that used to inhabit the island, it is a sea access surrounded by ancient tuff quarries. You can admire numerous caves that offer pleasant shady spots to escape the summer heat.
• The village of Favignana: it is worth taking a stroll through the town, getting lost in its narrow alleys and visiting local craft shops.
• Santa Caterina Castle: the remains of this small watchtower fortress located at an altitude of 810 meters offer a beautiful panorama of the entire island.

Levanzo

• Grotta del Genovese: discovered by chance by a hiker in 1949, it contains ancient engravings and rock paintings dating back to the Paleolithic era. Since there are no roads on the island, the cave is usually reached by boat or with off-road vehicles from organized tours. Trekking enthusiasts can reach it with a walk of about 2 hours.
• Cala Dogana: a small inlet where the harbor of Levanzo is located, where you can swim and sit in a bar to admire the landscape from nearby establishments.

Marettimo

• Trekking trails: Marettimo is a mountainous island with trails that wind through untouched nature. You can go trekking along the island’s natural paths, with different levels of difficulty. Among the most famous routes are those of Pizzo Falcone.
• Snorkeling and scuba diving: the crystal-clear waters of Marettimo are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are several diving schools on the island that organize excursions to admire the richness of marine flora and fauna. Ideal places for diving are the Grotta del Cammello and the Grotta del Presepio.
• Roman Houses: a monumental complex from the Roman era next to which a Byzantine church stands, offering a splendid panorama of all the Egadi Islands.
• Punta Troia Castle: a Saracen-era castle located about 3.5 km from the town, reachable by sea or through trekking paths.

Explore these attractions and be enchanted by the wonders of the Egadi Islands during your unforgettable vacation.

How to reach the Egadi Islands

The Egadi Islands can only be reached by sea from Trapani or Marsala.
The most common solution is to take a ferry or hydrofoil from the port of Trapani. There are several ferry companies that provide passenger transportation, and the duration of the journey depends on the type of vessel and the destination island. Generally, the hydrofoil takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
The nearest airport is Trapani-Birgi, from which a shuttle service operates to reach the port.
Many visitors choose to rent a boat to reach the Egadi Islands independently. In this case, it is important to have good knowledge of the sea and weather conditions or seek assistance from professionals.
One of the most interesting ways to visit the Egadi Islands is by sailboat. These islands, due to their location and geographical formation, are a paradise for sailors. A slow journey with a sailboat allows you to stay in touch with nature and see otherwise inaccessible places.

The Egadi Islands are definitely among the most beautiful islands in Italy, suitable for different types of tourism and visitable in any season. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags for a vacation in this gem of western Sicily!
Discover all the tips we have gathered on how to get around in this wonderful region!