The Egadi Islands are three small pieces of land thrown into the sea off the coast of Trapani. If you climb the hills above the city, you can see it well, as well as the two small islands of Formica and Maraone, which lie between Levanzo and Sicily. In total, less than 5,000 people live on the Egadi Islands, most of them fishermen. If you see Favignana from a bird’s eye view, the shape will remind you of a butterfly spreading its wings. It is the largest of the three Egadi Islands.
In Favignana there is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, Cala Rossa. You can read about the clear, blue waters, through which you can see the bottom perfectly, but no description comes close to the feeling of another reality that you will experience on site. The beach has no sand (there are hardly any sandy beaches on the island), and when entering the sea you have to cross rocky sections, which is why it is advisable to bring water shoes. Instead, diving here will fill your eyes and heart with joy.
There is also plenty to do on land – in addition to tasting the tuna specialties served in the local restaurants (tuna fishing is a tradition on the islands), you can also explore the Florio Palace.
What does the story of Favignana tell?
Over the centuries, Favignana has received different names: Gilia, Aponiana, Katria, Aegusa or Auegusa are derived from Latin and Greek. The Arabs called it Djazirat ‘ar Rahib, translated: Island of the Monk. The current name of the island of Favignana dates back to the late Middle Ages and is derived from the Latin favonius. An expression used by the Romans to refer to the hot wind from the west. Numerous ancient texts from different eras have been found that speak of the island of Favigna.
The coast of Favignana is rugged, rich in caves and coves. The total area of the island is about 37 km². The maximum maximum width is 4.3 kilometres.
What will Favignana offer for visitors?
Favignana and the Egadi Islands are the ideal destination for those who love to travel and enjoy the pleasure and ease that only a seaside holiday can offer, with an almost Caribbean feel. A holiday in Favignana is all about the sea and nature. Ideal for those looking for relaxation and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The contact with nature on an almost Caribbean island, the relaxing time and the excellent cuisine are the main features that attract thousands of visitors to spend their holidays in Favignana.
Of course, there is no shortage of fun either, just think of the small but numerous beach parties that are held on the island. There is also no shortage of historical and cultural sights. For example, Villa Florio, the former tuna factory in Favignana and the fortress of Santa Caterina. These places also host the most important cultural activities, exhibitions and events dedicated to art and local tradition.
Amazing diving opportunities
The marine area of the islands of Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo, together with the islets of Maraone and Formica, forms the marine protected area of the Egadi Islands. This is a great place to dive and discover the underwater beauties that lie beneath the coast of Favignana and the other Egadi Islands. The reserve is divided into four zones with different levels of difficulty and access. There are also many organized diving trips that are suitable for beginners.
As you may have guessed, Favignana is the ideal destination for a beach holiday and the clear, clean and crystal clear waters delight the soul. For this reason, Favignana is one of the most visited islands in the Mediterranean.
The magnificent beaches of Favignana
The coast of Favignana offers numerous beaches, coves and caves, each different from the next. You can find beaches of fine golden sand, pebbles or even cliffs, a great variety of landscapes. The rugged coastline, sculpted by waves and wind, has several bays that are great for snorkeling. Among the most famous and popular beaches of Favignana are undoubtedly Cala Rossa and Bue Marino. For those who can’t do without sand, Cala Azzurra, the Calamoni and Lido Burrone are the ideal destinations.
Where to stay in Favignana?
There are many ways to stay on the island – holiday homes, family hotels, smaller club hotels, residences, camping, depending on the needs of different tourists. All of them offer a perfect service, some are equipped with their own swimming pool and offer all-inclusive service. If you are traveling with children, you can confidently entrust them to the expert animators while you enjoy the underwater sports or have fun with a cocktail on the beach. Each hotel in Favignana allows you to reach the beach and the sea in a few minutes, even inland hotels can be reached in less than 15 minutes on foot. Almost all hotels have sea views, but there are also some hotels that are located directly on the sea, which makes the stay on this island even more magical and summery.
If you want a more secluded location, you can rent Villa Favignana with its own garden, where you can completely relax, which is undoubtedly one of the most pleasant ways to experience an unforgettable holiday.
