Gioacchino Cataldo was the last "rais" (chief of the fishermen), the eighth in the history of the Florio-owned establishment.

Ever since he was a child, "the love for tuna" he called it, had led him to become a fisherman for a period of 33 years and rais for 11.

He died on 21 July 2018 with a deep regret on the part of all the people who had loved him and also of those who had been fascinated by his exploits.

He was often seen walking around the island with his impressive yet elegant appearance. Fù a sui-generis fisherman, he himself liked to call himself "romantic fisherman" in his veins the salt air flowed and his heart beat to the rhythm of the waves that furrowed his beloved islands.

Favignana loses a man who has dedicated his life to the trap but also the torment of a tonnaroto worried about the future of the factory and the fishing sector.

"When my generation and that of fifty-year-olds will no longer be there, the fisherman's trade will be lost because the young people do not want to learn this job. You must have the tonnara in your blood, you must love it, it's all a number", he said he called himself "strong by numbers".

He was a profound connoisseur of the sea and in particular of tuna fishing through the use of fixed tuna of Arab origin, a millenary tradition that is now disappearing.

What proudly reminds us of our "rais" was that he managed to carve out the role of testimonial of the mattanza over the years and in 2006 he was included among the "living human treasures" of the Intangible Heritage Register of Sicily, a document prepared by the Region Sicilian to preserve the immaterial riches of the island, a living encyclopedia of fishing, of life as a tonnaroto and of the true passion for the sea.

Now the King has placed the crown on the most beautiful cliff of Favignana, we want to remember you like this, Neptune is back in his kingdom.

Favignana -Tonnara Florio

The former Tuna-fish Establishment: Tonnara Florio

Favignana -Cala Rossa Bay

one of the most beautiful beaches in the world

Levanzo - Genoese Cave (Grotta del Genovese)

It was discovered in 1949 to the northwest by the small seaside village of Levanzo.

Favignana - Lovers’ Cave - Grotta degli Innamorati

A splendid cave, crystal clear sea, a romantic story.

Favignana - Cala Azzurra Bay

The bay that takes its name from the color of the sea

Favignana - Bue Marino Bay

One of the most particular dreams of Favignana.

Levanzo - Capo Grosso

The most suggestive cliff of the egadi

The nature reserve of the Saline Trapani and Paceco

The nature reserve that contains a thousand-year history.

The history of the Florio Family

A successful entrepreneurial dynasty

Favignana Island

The butterfly-shaped island, wonder of the Egadi

Favignana - Beach of Lido Burrone

Lido Burrone, the equipped beach of Favignana.

Favignana - Cala San Nicola beach

Small beach on the south side.

Favignana - Grotta Perciata

A lovely place to immerse yourself in contact with nature.

Colicchia Pastry Ice cream Granita trapani

The historic Trapanese pastry and the granita that awakens the taste buds.

Marettimo Island

Sea, nature and history set in what is the pearl of the Mediterranean.

Cous Cous Fest San Vito Lo Capo

A fantastic combination of flavors and traditions

Castle of Santa Caterina Favignana

The Castle of Santa Caterina is the manor that dominates the island

Natural Reserve of Mountain Cofano

The perfect combination of history and nature

Zingaro Nature Reserve

One of the most magical corners of Sicily where land and sea dance in unison

San Vito Lo Capo City

The ideal destination for your holidays in Sicily.

Favignana - Beach of Scalo Cavallo

The beach born from an old tuff quarry

Erice

Discovering the "Medieval village of Erice"

Favignana - Praia Beach

beach near the center of the village

Favignana - Bay of Cala Rotonda

When Mother Nature creates wonders!

Island of Levanzo

Levanzo, the most romantic and small island of the Egadi

Cala Fredda (Fridda) Beach - Levanzo

Cala Fredda a small beach composed of rocks.

Cala Minnola Beach - Levanzo

The beach known for its pine forest overlooking the sea.

Favignana - Punta Longa Beach

Known for its enchanting and characteristic fishing harbour.

Favignana - Cala Grande Beach

Perfect place to relax and enjoy the tranquility.

Scopello

Scopello - La Tonnara

Place where sea and history meet in a unique beauty.

Scopello - Faraglioni beach

Little corner of paradise.

Scopello - Guidaloca beach

Seaside village of Castellammare del Golfo

One of the most wonderful seaside villages in Italy.