If you want a true taste of Italian paradise, head to Favignana
Years ago I visited Sicily for the first time. A friend of mine who lived in Italy texted me: “If you can, you have to go to Favignana. »
Although I pride myself on knowing a lot about Italian geography, I had never heard of Favignana before. A quick Google Maps search showed me Favignana, a small island off the west coast of Sicily. There was no chance of that happening for me this trip, as I was in Catania, way to the east. But Favignana remained in my mind.
Years later, I found myself in Trapani, a coastal town in western Sicily. To my surprise, the ferry terminal had a big sign saying: “Favignana Day Trips Here”.
Wait, what? How did I accidentally arrive at the best transit hub to enjoy my dream vacation in Italy without even realizing it?
So, in a moment of spontaneity, I booked a ferry ticket, and 30 minutes later I arrived in Favignana.
How to get to Favignana
Rocky coast with clear turquoise waters and small coves on the island of Favignana, Sicily, Italy.
(Francesco Riccardo Iacomino via Getty Images)
Getting to Favignana is the hardest part, but it’s a hike well worth the trip. The closest international airport to Favignana is Palermo, however, if you are already in Italy and can find a direct flight to Trapani, this is an equally good option.
From Palermo, the journey to Trapani takes just under two hours. There is an 8 euro bus that leaves from Palermo Centrale several times a day if you are not comfortable driving in Sicily (which would be completely understandable).
If you arrive at Trapani Airport, you will need to either hire a driver or rent a car to get to the town of Trapani itself, which is about a 30-minute drive from the airport.
Once in Trapani, you will head to the ferry terminal and look for Liberty Lines. Although there are other companies, Liberty Lines will get you to Favignana in around 30 minutes, often with a first stop at Levanzo. The cost of the ferry depends greatly on the season and time of day, but I went in mid-March and paid 25 euros for a return ticket.
That being said, you’ll definitely need to plan ahead, as even in low season most ferries were sold out or sold out quickly. In summer, it is wise to book your ferry tickets several days before departure.
What is Favignana?
Favignana, Trapani, Italy – September 22, 2016: Port of Favignana with Palazzo Florio in the background, Egadi Islands, Sicily
(EleSi via Getty Images)
Favignana is one of the three Egadi Islands (also known as the Aegadian Islands), the other two being Levanzo and Marettimo. It is located off the west coast of Sicily and is considered to have the clearest water in the entire country. If you tell an Italian that you are heading to Favignana, they will all be delighted and excited that you are going there, because it is even a dream destination for many of them.
What to do in Favignana
Favignana Island, Trapani, Italy – September 22, 2016: Tourists relaxing and dining in a restaurant in the historic center of Favignana Island, Sicily
(EleSi via Getty Images)
Favignana’s biggest draw are its beaches, which are known as some of the best in all of Italy. Cala Rossa is the most famous on the island, thanks to its pink sand and incredibly crystal clear waters. There are also many forts, castles and hikes around Favignana, as well as caves such as Scalo Cavallo.
Many people choose to rent bikes to get around the island, which is a perfectly simple option thanks to Favignana’s small size. Alternatively, you can rent a car, but note that public transportation is non-existent and if you plan to do any type of exploring, you’ll want to do one or the other.
Then there is Favignana’s food. Favignana is known for its tuna production, and the tonno here can give Japan a run for its money. You have to try the kebab di tonno, a typical Favignana sandwich made with agrodolce onions and pistachio pesto. It sounds strange, but it’s wonderfully delicious.
How long should I spend in Favignana?
Italy, Sicily, Egadi Islands, Favignana, July 7, 2014, people relax on the rocks of Cala Rossa beach and swim in the transparent sea water with Levanzo island in the background
(Guido Cozzi/Atlantide Phototravel via Getty Images)
Where I went horribly wrong was in limiting Favignana to a short day trip. Although I’m a firm believer that you don’t need to spend a lot of time and money to visit anywhere in the world, I really wish I had spent more time in Favignana, especially because of the journey involved in getting there.
I wouldn’t limit Favignana to a day trip, but I would spend at least two nights here. The overall vibe of Favignana is slow and leisurely, a feeling typical of all of southern Italy, but amplified even more since you’re on an island. That being said, Favignana is more expensive, so budget accordingly.
