Turquoise sea, wild cliffs, fishing villages, and an authentic atmosphere untouched by mass tourism. This is exactly how I would describe the Aegadian Islands (Isole Egadi), located at the western tip of Sicily. This small archipelago, formed by three main islands – Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo – offers an escape from crowded beaches and bustling cities into a world where time flows at a different pace.
During our trip to Sicily, we took a day trip to the Aegadian Islands, which was our biggest mistake. One day is simply not enough to explore even the smallest of them, let alone the entire archipelago. That’s why I want to share my experiences and recommendations with you, so you don’t repeat the same mistake we did during your visit.
As we learned during our short stay, the Aegadian Islands are starting to attract Hollywood’s attention. Locals enthusiastically spoke about the recent filming of the movie “Odyssey” under the direction of Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan, who chose Favignana island as a backdrop for part of this epic story.
Stars like Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, and Tom Holland were moving around the island. Filming took place both at sea with historical ships and on the island’s highest mountain – Monte Santa Caterina, which was transformed into the mythical Ithaca.
Summary for those who Don’t Have Time to Read the Whole Article
- The Aegadian Islands consist of three main islands (Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo), it’s ideal to spend at least 3-4 days exploring the entire archipelago.
- I recommend staying for at least 1 day, try to see if the cozy Corte della Cava in Favignana is available.
- Rent a bike on Favignana and cycle to the most beautiful beaches like Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra.
- The fastest connection from Sicily is provided by hydrofoils (aliscafi) from Trapani, which will take you to Favignana in just 30 minutes.
Where Exactly are the Aegadian Islands and how to get There
The Aegadian Islands are located at the very western tip of Sicily, just 93 kilometers from the Tunisian coast. This proximity to Africa is felt both in the landscape and in the cultural influences that blend with Italian and Sicilian identity, creating something truly unique.
From a practical point of view, the easiest way to get to the islands is by ferry or hydrofoil from the city of Trapani in Sicily. From the port in Trapani, boats then depart for all three islands several times a day. Advance ferry booking is necessary, and I recommend it even during the off-season (we were there in May).
If you’re looking for a bit more romance, check out GetYourGuide, where you can also take a yacht trip to the islands for a quite reasonable price.
Why Spend more than one Day on the Islands
When we arrived at the Aegadian Islands, we planned to visit Favignana and Levanzo in a single day. However, we quickly realized that this was a very ambitious plan. We barely saw anything and will have to come back.
At the end of the day, we stood in the port waiting for the return ferry, feeling that we had barely scratched the surface of what the islands had to offer. We didn’t manage to visit the last island at all.
Therefore, our main advice is: if you truly want to get to know the Aegadian Islands, dedicate at least three to four days to them. Ideally, spend two days on Favignana, one day on Levanzo, and one on Marettimo. Only then will you experience the true rhythm of island life, discover hidden beaches, and enjoy the local gastronomy without rushing.
When to Go to the Aegadian Islands
Climatically, the islands are most pleasant from May to October. In July and August, the islands are the warmest, but also the most visited, especially by Italian tourists who come here for their summer holidays. If you want to enjoy a calmer atmosphere while still having pleasant temperatures, I recommend visiting in May, June, or September.
In May and June, the air temperature is around 25°C, and we already swam in the sea in May, even though it was colder. In September, the sea is even warmer thanks to the summer sun, while tourist crowds are slowly disappearing. Moreover, accommodation prices tend to be somewhat more favorable in these months than during the high season.
Personally, I consider September the ideal month – the sea is around 24-25°C, the air a pleasant 27-28°C, and most importantly, the beaches are no longer as crowded.
Favignana – the Largest and most Accessible of the Islands
Favignana, with an area of just under 20 km², is the largest and most visited of the Aegadian Islands. Its shape resembles a butterfly or, as the locals say, a reclining camel. The dominant feature of the island is the Santa Caterina fortress, towering on the hill of the same name above the main town.
Favignana Town and its Tuna Industry History
The island’s main town, also called Favignana, is a picturesque harbor town with narrow streets, small squares, and a pervasive atmosphere of typical Mediterranean settlement. The town center consists of the port and Piazza Madrice with the Chiesa Madre church.
The most interesting attraction in town is the former tuna processing factory – Tonnara. Until World War II, Favignana was one of the main centers for tuna fishing in the Mediterranean. K Every summer, the traditional mattanza took place here – a ritual bluefin tuna hunt dating back to the Phoenician era. It was a brutal yet poetic event, during which fishermen in black caps and woolen suits solemnly set out to sea as if for a funeral.
Today, the main building of the Tonnara has been converted into a museum that tells the story of this traditional fishing. Many former fishermen who participated in the mattanza are now considered living legends on the island – local heroes who once battled giant tuna weighing several hundred kilograms.
Favignana’s Beaches that Will Take your Breath Away
The island is known for its beautiful beaches and coves, which are among the most stunning in the entire Mediterranean. The most famous is Cala Rossa (Red Cove), a dramatic scenery of red tuff rocks contrasting with turquoise water. You can reach this cove via a rocky path, so I recommend sturdy footwear, but the reward will be one of the most beautiful views on the entire island.
Another popular beach is Cala Azzurra (Blue Cove), a smaller sandy beach with crystal-clear water that resembles the Caribbean in color. For families with children, Lido Burrone beach is ideal, one of the few sandy beaches on the island with a gradual entry into the sea and basic amenities including the option to rent sun loungers and umbrellas.
Equally impressive are other coves like Bue Marino, Cala del Pozzo, or Praia – each has its unique character and offers a different experience. Some are accessible only from the sea, which is a good reason to rent a boat or kayak.
Exploring the Island by Bike – the Best Way to get Around
Favignana is almost flat, making it an ideal place for cycling. The entire island is crisscrossed with a network of roads and paths that will lead you to all interesting places. You can find bike rentals right at the port as soon as you disembark from the ferry. Prices for a full-day rental start at 5 euros for a classic bike and around 15-20 euros for an e-bike.
When we were here, we decided to rent bikes, and it was one of the best experiences of our trip. During the day, we cycled almost around the entire island, stopping at various beaches and exploring deserted coves. On our next visit, we would definitely rent bikes for two days to have enough time for each stop.
If you decide to go on a cycling trip, don’t forget plenty of water, sunscreen, and a head covering. There are few shaded spots on the island, and the summer sun can be very intense.
Levanzo – the Smallest but most Photogenic Island
Levanzo, with an area of just 5.8 km², is the smallest of the main Aegadian Islands, but its picturesqueness is unsurpassed. The only village on the island, also called Levanzo, is a cluster of white houses arranged around a small harbor. This very place resembles a Greek island more than Italy, and it’s no wonder it’s a favorite subject for photographers.
Grotta Del Genovese – a Journey into Prehistory
Levanzo’s greatest treasure is the Grotta del Genovese, a cave with prehistoric drawings and engravings up to 12,000 years old. You can reach the cave either by boat or on foot via a more challenging trail (approx. 1 hour walk from the village). A visit is only possible with a guide and must be booked in advance, which is one of the reasons why a day trip to the islands is often not enough.
Unfortunately, our plan to visit this cave during a day trip did not succeed, because we didn’t book our trip through GetYourGuide, but went on our own.
Beautiful Beaches and Crystal-Clear Sea
Although Levanzo doesn’t have as many beaches as Favignana, those you find here are among the most beautiful in the entire archipelago. Cala Minnola on the eastern side of the island offers breathtaking turquoise waters and is accessible on foot via a trail or by boat.
Cala Faraglione is another gem of the island with views of a dramatic rock cliff emerging from the sea. The water around Levanzo is considered the cleanest in the entire archipelago, making it an ideal place for snorkeling and diving.
Marettimo – the most Remote and Wildest Island
Marettimo, located about 15 kilometers from Favignana, is the westernmost and most secluded of the Aegadian Islands. It is also the most mountainous and wildest, making it a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Only about 300 permanent residents live on the island.
Wild Nature and Untouched Landscape
The island is largely covered with rare Mediterranean vegetation and crisscrossed by a network of hiking trails that lead over mountain ridges and offer breathtaking sea views. The highest point of the island, Pizzo Falcone, reaches an altitude of 686 meters above sea level.
Marettimo’s coast is dotted with caves that are accessible only from the sea. Local fishermen offer boat trips around the island with the option to visit the most interesting caves such as Grotta del Cammello (Camel Cave) or Grotta della Pipa (Pipe Cave).
Life in the Rhythm of Nature
The only village on the island, also called Marettimo, is a peaceful place where life is guided by nature and traditions. Here you won’t find large hotels or bustling bars – just a few family-run guesthouses and restaurants serving fresh fish caught that very day.
Gastronomy of the Aegadian Islands – a Paradise for Seafood Lovers
The cuisine of the Aegadian Islands is primarily based on the bounty of the sea, especially tuna, which holds a privileged position in the local culture. As vegetarians, we didn’t appreciate it much, but on Favignana, you’ll find many great restaurants that cater to those who don’t crave tuna.
Tuna Takes Center Stage
On Favignana, tuna is prepared in dozens of ways – from classic pasta with tuna (pasta con tonno) and tuna meatballs (polpette di tonno) to raw tuna in the form of tartar or carpaccio.
Other Specialties and where to Taste Them
Besides tuna, you can also taste other local specialties such as pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines), caponata (Sicilian eggplant with tomatoes and capers), or various types of fresh seafood.
Things to Do on the Aegadian Islands
You definitely won’t get bored on the Aegadian Islands.
Diving and Snorkeling
The clear waters around the islands are ideal for snorkeling and diving. On both Favignana and Marettimo, you’ll find diving centers offering courses and excursions for beginners and advanced divers.
Renting a small boat (without a license) costs around 70-100 euros per day and is a great way to discover hidden coves and caves that are accessible only from the sea. On Marettimo, you can take an organized boat trip around the island, visiting the most beautiful caves.
If you want to keep it simple, just book a diving or snorkeling trip through GetYourGuide, because sometimes it’s more challenging with Italians when you try to arrange something directly…
Hiking and Cycling
As already mentioned, Favignana is ideal for cycling, while Marettimo offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty. Particularly impressive is the path to the Norman fortress Castello di Punta Troia on the northern tip of Marettimo.
Cultural and Historical Sights
In addition to the already mentioned tuna museum on Favignana and the prehistoric cave on Levanzo, the remains of Roman settlements on all three islands are also worth visiting. On Favignana, you’ll find Roman villas and baths, and on Marettimo, the remains of a Byzantine church.
Our Biggest Mistake and What We Would Do Differently
Looking back at our trip to the Aegadian Islands, our biggest mistake was undoubtedly dedicating only one day to them. We thought we would quickly cross from Trapani to Favignana, explore it, and then move on to Levanzo in the afternoon before returning to Sicily in the evening.
We did manage that, but we didn’t see much.
On our next visit, I would definitely set aside at least three days – two for Favignana with the opportunity to explore the island more thoroughly, visit more beaches, and enjoy evenings in local restaurants, and one day split between Levanzo (morning with a cave visit) and Marettimo (afternoon with a boat trip around the island). Alternatively, I’m very tempted by a yacht trip or some other organized boat excursion, because discovering islands by sea is always more interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Aegadian Islands?
The best way is by ferry or hydrofoil from the port of Trapani on the western coast of Sicily. Companies Liberty Lines and Siremar offer several connections daily. The hydrofoil journey takes about 30 minutes to Favignana, 40 minutes to Levanzo, and an hour to Marettimo.
Can I visit all three islands in one day?
Theoretically yes, but you won’t see much; at most, do 2 in one day.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
