Page 510 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

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The Egadi Islands

Moored off the western coast, the three Egadi Islands (Isole Egadi) are the easiest of
Sicily’s offshore islands to visit – which accounts for the summer crowds that swarm
over Favignana. The other islands are much less affected, however, and if you come
out of season things are noticeably quieter everywhere.

The largest of the Egadis and the nearest to the Sicilian mainland, Favignana is also

the site of the main fishery. The Genovese link is most apparent in the island of
Lévanzo, across the strait, which is named after a quarter in Genova and shelters the
Grotta del Genovese, a cave in which a rich bounty of prehistoric cave paintings
was discovered. These days, with the annual tourist influx, the greatest hope for peace
and quiet lies in the furthest island, Marettimo, whose rugged coasts are indented

with a succession of coves, ideal for clean and secluded swimming. The island also
offers a choice of hikes across its interior and along the rocky coasts.

You could easily see any of the islands as a day-trip from Trapani; seeing two on the
same day is also feasible. If you want to stay longer, be warned that accommodation
is extremely limited, and in summer you should phone ahead to reserve a room. It’s

certainly worth staying over, though you should also bear in mind that, in general,
prices for rooms and food are higher than on the mainland.

GETTING TO THE EGADI ISLANDS

Ferries operated by Siremar ( 0923 24 968, siremar.it) and hydrofoils operated
by Siremar and Ustica Lines ( 0923 873 813, usticalines.it) depart several times
daily from Trapani. They’re more frequent between June and September, and most
frequent in July and August. They generally call at Favignana, Lévanzo and
Marettimo, in that order, though Lévanzo is sometimes the first stop, and some
services don’t run as far as Marettimo.

Ferries depart from the Stazione Marittima in Trapani, and hydrofoils from further
east along Via A. Staiti; you can buy tickets at booths on the dockside. Ferries are
less frequent than hydrofoils and take at least twice as long, but they’re cheaper.
One-way ferry tickets from Trapani to Favignana and Lévanzo cost around €10, and
to Marettimo around €15; one-way hydrofoil tickets are around €12 and €20
respectively; all return tickets cost double. In summer, Siremar also runs fast ferries

(navi veloci) to Favignana and Lévanzo, which may take half the time of a normal
ferry, depending on the route.

Ustica Lines also operate a year-round hydrofoil service three times daily to