In the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, between the Tyrrhenian coast and the Sicilian Channel, the archipelago of the Egadi Islands is a taste of paradise for all lovers of unspoiled nature.
That archipelago of the Egadi Islands is composed of three major islands, a small islet, and several rock masses, all just 7 km from the coast of Trapani.
Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo are the largest of the Egadi islands in Sicily and belong to the municipality of Favignana which is perhaps the most famous and renowned of the islands. Then there is the islet of Formica, so named because of the massive invasion of ants on this small strip of land, where today it is still possible to see the second most important tuna fishery of the Egadis, and finally the Scoglio di Maraone, completely uninhabited. Additional islets and cliffs complete this location’s geography. In total, the Egadi has about 4,300 permanent residents and fills up in the summer when the splendor of the archipelago attracts tourists from all over the world.
For snorkeling, diving and sailing enthusiasts, the Egadi Islands are the ideal place where nature gives its best: its territory is entirely within the largest Marine Protected Area in Europe.
How to get to the Egadi Islands
There are various ways to get to the Egadi Islands: you can choose to arrive by plane at the airports of Trapani or Palermo, where a number of companies fly from the major Italian cities. From either airport you can reach the port of Trapani with a transfer service and set sail towards your final destination by hydrofoil or ferry.
If you are looking for a maritime connection, there are several cruise lines that connect Genoa, Civitavecchia and Naples with the city of Palermo daily. Once you reach your destination it is advisable to rent a car or a scooter to explore.
What to see in Favignana
As already mentioned, the largest island of the archipelago is Favignana , with an area of almost 38 square kilometers. It is also called the “Butterfly on the sea” and has been praised in the writings of many authors. Its present name derives from the Favonio wind that blows constantly from the west. Those who come here choose the island because they are certain to find clear and transparent water and fine sand beaches, but also a pebble shoreline.
For those who love to dive in and snorkel, the distinctive coves and rock formations are the perfect summer spot. Cala Azzurra, Lido Burrone, Punta Sottile, Punta Lunga, Faraglioni, Cala Rossa, Grotta Perciata … the list of places to visit on the island is infinite, because in addition to natural landscapes the island also offers sites of archaeological interest and historical artifacts that tell of a sumptuous past, carved into the tufa stone by the hands of skilled masters whose stories have reached the present.
This unique island, suspended in the sea between Italy and Africa, offers its visitors a panorama of matchless beauty, all there for you to experience, and with Dragonfly Tours you too will have the opportunity to spend ten days in captivating Sicily.