The extraordinary synthesis between history and nature is found in the Egadi Archipelago with its islands of Favignana and Levanzo, Marettimo, and the islets Formica and Marrone.
Numerous archaeological finds from the ocean and terrestrial, dating back to the Paleolithic period, show the persistence of people who came from all corners of the Mediterranean to contribute to the history of Western Europe.
This protected marine area is Europe’s largest. The large prairies of Poseidon provide excellent habitat for many species of fish and extraordinary cetaceans.
Favignana
It is the Archipelago’s largest island. The small village that winds around the harbor houses beautiful buildings such as Palazzo Florio, and some Baroque churches. Its name is inextricably linked to traditional tuna processing and fishing: Here you will find the most important Mediterranean Tonara (netting fencing to catch tuna), which has been an integral part of the island’s economy for centuries. It is now a museum.
The island is very flat, so you can easily cross it by bike. It also has a lot of tuff rocks, which are soft rocks that were traditionally used to construct buildings.
We will find deep caves along the paths, which were partly dug by humans and partly created by the crumbling soft rock. They are surrounded by low bushes.
The islands’ coastlines are rich with inlets and creeks, sea caves, and surrounded by turquoise waters with beautiful shades of blue.
It’s great for snorkeling. Let’s take a swim in the ocean:
Cala Rossa It was well worth the effort! It is a stunning place with only rock and blue water…like a pool. The difficult access to the area and the water makes it less suitable for children.
Grotte di Bue marina close by Cala Rossa, climb a little between the tuff stones to find a good place to dive. You can dive, but you must just jump in to get there. It is clean, the water is clear, and there is wild vegetation. The sea’s color changes from dark blue to light blue, almost white.
Cala Azzurrawild, beautiful! You should bring shoes that are suitable for rock climbing, a snorkeling mask, and sunscreen.
Lido burrone and surrounding areas: The beach is sandy and suitable for children. It is easy to access the beach and the water is not too deep.
Scalo Cavallo rugged coast with deep waters – an ideal spot for snorkeling.
Favignana
Tuna fishing is more than just the killing at Favignana. This is a tradition that has been practiced for hundreds of years, until 2007 when it was ended. The epilogue marked the island’s social and economic identity by displaying tangible signs. Favignana was a place of great growth thanks to the Florio family. Ignazio Florio built his home in the Palazzina, which is still the seat of the municipality. He also bought the fishery. It became one of the most important food processing industrial complexes worldwide, equipped with cutting-edge technology for the preservation and canning of tuna.
Today, the Stabilimento Florio became a museum called Ex Stabilimento Florio delle Tonnare di Favignana e Formica. It has been beautifully restored. The place is truly magical and knowledgeable guides will take visitors on an unforgettable journey. The pilgrim wine flask from the fifteenth century and various amphorae are just a few of the many finds.
You can also visit the churches, the Norman castles Santa Caterina or San Giacomo. Tuff quarries are truly works of art. Today’s unique geometry of columns and galleries looks like grand cathedrals. It was created by skilled workers in the extraction of tuff: The pirriaturi. Many abandoned quarries have been converted into underground gardens for fruit trees. The Piazza Matrice is alive with island life and comes alive at night.
Levanzo
This is the smallest and most beautiful of the three islands. It has white houses that are arranged around the port. The island is surrounded by unpolluted water.
A short distance from the village is the Cala Fredda. This small beach has smooth pebbles. Just a few steps away is the Cala Minneola. It’s next to a pine forest that offers a slide into the water and a beach. A path leads to the Caletta del Faraglione, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, and it was created by Legambiente. You can also enjoy the sunset at Cala Tramontana.
Are you a passionate diver? Levanzo has a fascinating underwater archaeology route. The remains of a Roman shipwreck can be found between Cala Minnola & Punta Altarella at 27m deep. They include amphorae, pottery fragments and black glazed pottery that date back to the first century BC.
The cave art depicting men and animals in caves, which were scratched and painted on the walls at the Grotta del Genovese dates back to the Palaeolithic period with its obscure rituals and mysterious wildlife. One of the most fascinating prehistoric sites is the Cave.
Marettimo
It is the most isolated of all three islands, having broken away from the mainland many millennia ago. It was Hiera, or the “Sacred Island” for the Greeks. Some believe it could be the same place as the ancient Ithaca, home of Odysseus. It is the highest point and most rocky of the Egadi archipelago. The unique fishing village, made up of small houses that are huddled together, has a peaceful and serene daily life.
It is a peaceful and tranquil island where you can spend your days walking or on the beach. There are also many paths that lead to the water, which are dotted with lush vegetation. Divers can enjoy a variety of water and hundreds of caves along the rugged coastline. There are approximately 400 caves below and above the surface.
This island is perfect for hikers. There are many trails that twist and turn around the village. You can explore the area from Punta Troia, which is home to the Norman castle. It has been restored and used as an observatory and prison museum by the Area Marina Protetta Egadi. The Case Romane contains the remains of a large structure that dates back between the I century AD and the II Century AD. There are also legends about the Lighthouse at Punta Libeccio. Finally, the Semaforo is a Belvedere where you can view the endless profile of the Mediterranean. You can see the peregrine falcons flying around Pizzo Falcone from the heights of 700m