In ancient times the name of Favignana was Egusa (Aegusa for the Latins), from the Greek Aigousa (Αἰγοῦσα), that is «that has goats», given their abundance on the island. It was also known by other names such as Aponiana, Katria, Gilia and is remembered by numerous writers including Plinio, Polibio, Nepoziano, the anonymous Ravennate. It was known by the Arab geographers with the name Djazirat 'ar Rahib ("island of the monk" or "of the hermit"), as on the island stands a castle of the Norman era, the so-called Castle of Saint Catherine, where he lived for precisely a monk. The painter Savior Fiume called it a "butterfly on the sea" because of its characteristic shape. The current name (formerly Favognana) comes from the Favonio, a warm west wind that determines its very mild climate.
The island of Favignana has an area of approximately 19 km² and a coastal development of 33 km jagged and rich in cavities and caves. Although in ancient times it was rich in vegetation, today it is poor because of deforestation.
The island is crossed from north to south by a mountain ridge whose maximum altitude is that of Monte Santa Caterina, of 314 meters. Other two peaks are the Punta della Campana 296 meters high and the Punta Grossa (252 meters).
On the southern side are the islets Preveto, Galera and Galeotta (practically some rocks).
To visit absolutely by boat or raft to appreciate its beauty and catch the details.
Favignana beaches:
- Praia beach at the port
- Ravine (sandy beach)
- Cala Azzurra (beach with rocks)
- Cala Rossa (cliff)
- Sea Ox (cliff)
- Cala Grande
- Cala Ritunna (round cove)
- Perciata cave (cliff)
- Calamoni (cliff and small beaches)
- Slide (cliff)
- La Praia
- Punta longa
- Preveto (pebbles)
- Marasolo (small beach with rocks)
Things to do in Favignana:
- Immerse yourself in the crystal waters of Cala Rossa, in a unique natural setting.
- Visit the sea caves (Grotta degli Innamorati).
- Watch the sunset from Punta Sottile, watching the sun die beyond the lighthouse.
- Observe the view from the Castle of S. Caterina, the highest point of Favignana, with a view of the entire archipelago.
- Visit the museum of the former Florio factory with one of the many guided tours.
- Visit the ancient tuff quarries and the hypogea gardens which are now growing luxuriant and well cared for.
- Stroll between the two squares of the town and the small port, up to the promenade with views of Levanzo.
- Taste local delights.
- Talk to the tuna-bearers and be told the stories of the tonnara and what was the slaughter in Favignana.
- Snorkeling through the crystal clear waters of Cala Azzurra.
- Have a drink on the boat at sunset.
- Enjoy the sun while lying on the shore of Cala Azzurra.
- Diving from the Bue Marino or Scalo Cavallo or, if more experienced, from Punta Fanfalo.
- Taste cassatine, cassatelle and cannoli in a pastry shop.
- Take wonderful pictures of all the breathtaking landscapes of the island.
- Savor an ice cream or one of the many slushes observing the view from the seafront.
- Visit the archaeological area of San Nicola.
- Take a long walk through the green of the S.Caterina mountain.
- Buy one of the many handmade souvenirs or paintings.
- Take home typical products of tonnara.
- Climb Mount St. Catherine on donkey back with one of the excursions.
- Buy one of the small tuff sculptures of local artists.
How to get to Favignana:
There are different solutions to reach the island of Favignana:
-By hydrofoil: The hydrofoils of Liberty Lines depart every hour from morning to evening, the ticket offices are located in front of the pier from where the hydrofoils depart. The journey lasts 20 minutes (30 if it also stops in Levanzo). It is recommended to book online so you can avoid the queue at the ticket office.
-By Ferry: Ferries generally take just over 1 hour to reach the island of Favignana. The ticket office is located at the maritime station of the port where the boarding takes place. Also in this case it is recommended to book online.
-For those who want a private transport for their needs can contact us so that we can find the best solution together.
From our boats, daily excursions will allow you to admire the beauty of the island.
Visit Favignana and Levanzo with the Egady Day tour , stops will be provided in the beautiful coves of Bue Marino, Cala Azzurra, Cala Rossa and the Cave of Lovers in Favignana and
Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola on Levanzo.
For a tailor-made tour or private boat trips just for you and your friends, choose our Exclusive services.
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 - 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.
Gioacchino Cataldo Last Rais of the Tonnara of Favignana
Gioacchino Cataldo was the last "rais", the eighth in the history of the Florio-owned plant.
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.
Palermo
Palermo, the largest city in Sicily, fascinating, rich in history and culture.
Palermo - Isola delle Femmine
The Isola delle Femmine is a small islet surrounded by myth and legend
Palermo - Beach Addaura
Addaura, one of Palermo's oldest jewels.
Palermo - “Monte Pellegrino” nature reserve
Among the unmissable and magical places of Palermo with a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Palermo - Villa Igiea
The emblem of the liberty style in Palermo.
Palermo - Grotta della Regina
One of the jewels of Palermo, a fascinating and mysterious place.
Palermo - The city of Street Food
Palermo is a city rich in history and culture, this is also inevitably reflected in its gastronomy.
Palermo - La Cala
La Cala is an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Palermo.
Palermo - Mondello
Mondello is a very popular tourist destination, thanks to its natural beauty, its history and its lively social life.
Palermo - Spiaggia Vergine Maria
An ideal destination for those visiting Palermo and looking for a quiet and evocative place to spend a day at the seaside.
Palermo - Nature reserve “Capo Gallo”
Among the most beautiful reserves in Sicily, a suggestive place, with high cliffs overlooking the sea.
I Leoni di Sicilia
The Florios: a successful and legendary family
Messina - Giardini Naxos Beach
The Giardini Naxos beach is one of the most beautiful and renowned on the Sicilian coast
Taormina - Grotta dell’amore
It has always been considered a romantic and ideal place for lovers due to its intimate and evocative atmosphere.
Taormina - Isola bella
In front of the coast of Taormina, immersed in the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea, stands Isola Bella, a small islet of rare beauty.
Taormina - Grotta Azzurra
A natural cavity with a magical and mysterious charm, under the promontory of Capo Taormina, hidden between the cliffs overlooking the sea.
Taormina - Mazzarò
A few kilometers from Taormina, lies Mazzarò, an ancient seaside village of rare beauty.
Taormina - Baia delle Sirene
Nestled between Capo Taormina and Isola Bella, lies the Baia delle Sirene, a place of rare wild beauty.
Taormina
On the eastern coast of Sicily, it was born on a natural terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea, one of the most renowned tourist locations in the world.
Taormina - Anfiteatro Greco/Romano
The Greco-Roman Amphitheater of Taormina is an ancient jewel with breathtaking views, an architectural masterpiece.
Taormina - Lo scoglio di Zio Gennaro
A few steps from Taormina, immersed in the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea, is the Scoglio dello Zio Gennaro.
Taormina - The white lotus (the series)
Taormina set of the series "The White Lotus": a perfect combination of ancient charm and worldliness, an international success.