The Egadi Islands (Isole Egadi) are one of the most sought destinations for swimming, eating, diving, and relaxation for most people. One can easily access this island by hydrofoil from Trapani or Marsala.
The Aegadian Islands off the coast of Trapani in Sicily, the Egadi Islands are one of the oldest islands with scenic natural beauty and plenty of manmade things. Sailing towards the Egadi from nearby coasts Trapani or Marsala, this island has Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo islands on its way, somewhat harsh in appearance, but as you got closer to shore, you'll see crystalline water in the beautiful shades of emerald and turquoise blue, real towns with real character, and mesmerizing dramatic landscapes.
The islands are a treat to visitors planning their holiday especially in summer for enjoying swimming and scuba diving, but the rest of the year, 4,600 inhabitants are left to survive on the fruits of the sea, like the way they have been living for centuries. The islands are home to the largest tuna fishery in Sicily, and famous for the annual matanza, an age-old tradition of culling tuna by dragging them forcefully to swim into a long corridor of nets or camera Della Morte, or chamber of death.
Unlike other Aeolian islands, the Egadi are the newest sites of attractions for visitors that welcome its visitors with utmost pride. Life is different in the fishing villages of Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo (each island contains an eponymous town) as rituals and traditions being followed by the residents are being performed for generations, with residents following daily rhythms and making a living off the seashore. The Egadi island can be visited on a day-trip distance of both Trapani and Marsala, travelers advise planning to stay for a few days because each island has its unique selling point, whether natural or man-made.
Egadi is the largest marine area preserved nicely in Europe which holds importance due to its natural recourses as they offer a very crucial environment for the reproduction of many species of fish, resident, and migratory birds, aquatic mammals, Caretta Caretta sea turtles, and sometimes, visitors may see Monk Seal as well.
Favignana
The biggest island of Egadi archipelago, Favignana also called “La Farfalla” meaning butterfly. The island gets this name because of its shape. Home to beautiful sandy beaches, rocky shores, and reefs, this island is a perfect spot for swimming like the Cala d’ Azur on the eastern side, the Grotto of Blue Marino, and Cala Rossa with most of the turquoise waters.
The Ancient Tuna Fishery of Favignana built-in 1859 is quite popular these days. For many years, tuns fishing and processing were the main sources of income of residents.
Marettimo
Beautifully located, the silent, and clear island is one of the most loved tourist islands in the Egadi archipelago. It is the best place for visitors looking for relaxation, trekking, and scuba-diving. Walking through the island, walkers can enjoy and admire the natural beauty of nature.
So many sea caves and rough cliffs reach the sea. The aura is so refreshing that most visitors include this place in their trip. The best way to explore sea caves is Isole Egadi in Barca. Click on this link to rent a boat and enjoy boating and swimming at the same time.
In Marettimo, visitors get a chance to try fresh fish dishes. Lobster soup is one of the favorite soups of all dishes available here.
Levanzo
The smallest of the three islands is Levanzo. This small spot is fascinating. With small villages near the island, it is the only settlement with a few houses and farms dispersed here and there. The main source of people living here is fishing, with some agriculture and sheep farming.
Visitors can relax and live peacefully. Swimming, sunbathing, and the simple life are some of the best ways to live life on this island.
The must-visit site of this island is Grotta del Genovese. It contains a cave with prehistoric art. To get more information and explore this place from close, visit affitto catamarani alle Egadi and book your tour.
