
Favignana, the jewel of the Egadi Islands, is a butterfly-shaped island waiting to be explored in search of wonderful beaches and coves, bathed in crystal-clear waters displaying infinite shades of blue.
Many visitors choose to explore the island by bicycle, a means of transport that, even in its modern electric form, is perfect for savouring the slower pace that still characterises island life today.
A boat excursion is the best way to discover caves and inlets that are difficult or impossible to reach by land.
Once dedicated to tuna fishing, the largest of the Egadi Islands – the others being Marettimo and Levanzo – today it has turned to tourism without compromising its proud and sunny character. A distinctive feature of the island is the almost complete absence of cars, which holds great appeal for visitors who feel as though they’re stepping back in time.
Many arrive on a day trip from Trapani or Palermo, but they soon regret it: just a couple of hours in Favignana is enough to make you never want to leave.

Favignana’s coastline is less jagged than that of the other Egadi Islands, allowing easy access by land to numerous inlets, coves, bays and sandy, pebbly or rocky beaches.
Here’s a list of Favignana’s most beautiful beaches:
The list could actually go on for quite a while, so many are Favignana’s beaches that win visitors’ hearts: your desire for the sea will certainly not go unsatisfied.
We’ve covered Favignana’s most beautiful beaches in more detail on our guide.
If you love diving, recommended beaches and spots in Favignana are Cala Rotonda, la Galeotta, Punta Fanfalo, Secca del Tonno and Scoglio Corrente. The first are suitable for beginner divers, whilst the latter two are recommended only for experienced divers.
For those who love cliff diving, recommended spots are Punta Fanfalo, Scalo Cavallo, Grotta Perciata and Bue Marino.

The beauty of a holiday in Favignana is to forget the frenzy of modern life and rediscover a slower pace. Whilst you’re here, don’t anxiously search for “something to do”: take your time and discover the island’s natural beauty at your own pace.
A good starting point is a visit to the historic Florio factory, also known as the Favignana Tuna Fishery7: this gem of industrial archaeology will reveal more about the island and its history, which is inextricably linked to tuna fishing, as this was the island’s sole livelihood for many years.
The Florio tuna fishery, although closed for many years, remains an island symbol and can be visited on a guided tour where you’ll see the original boats and nets used to catch tuna and the tin boxes in which it was packaged. You’ll hear fascinating stories and curious anecdotes that will give you an idea of what life and work were like on this island in the past.
A statue dedicated to its founder, the wealthy businessman of the Florio family, stands in one of the squares of the main village.
Another symbolic place in Favignana is the fish market held every morning at the harbour: colourful, lively and animated, it’s absolutely unmissable.
The only way to admire the many inlets, coves and caves of the island is to take a boat excursion, which will also allow you to swim in particularly scenic spots unreachable from the mainland, such as the Grotta Perciata8.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
The most fun way to explore Favignana is to hire a bicycle. Certainly, a bicycle tour of the island is more tiring than going by boat, but the island is mostly flat and the route presents no particular difficulties.
If you don’t think you can manage it, you can opt for an e-bike: it’s more expensive but the price includes electric assistance! A tour of the island by e-bike is an experience suitable for families with children too.
A recommended cycling route is the one that takes you from the north-east to the south-centre of the island, passing some of the island’s most famous beaches including Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra, Lido Burrone, Cala Monaci and Marasolo.
The slow pace of cycling is the best way to connect with island life and fully enjoy its charm; moreover, you’ll discover hidden corners and views, stopping to take photos whenever something extraordinary catches your attention.
There are many bicycle rental shops at Favignana’s pier: you’ll find them as soon as you arrive at the port, but by moving a few metres away you’ll avoid queues and might even get a better price. Or you can simply choose the one that appeals to you most!

Favignana is a true gastronomic paradise and is an absolute must-visit for all lovers of fine cuisine.
Tuna is the star of the table: try delicious tuna meatballs, tuna parmigiana, bottarga spaghetti or sweet and sour tuna.
Another local seafood delicacy is Egadi lobster, a dish that in many cases needs to be booked in advance; if you don’t have time you can always taste other tasty local dishes such as sea urchin spaghetti or frascatole, a Sicilian version of couscous.
When it comes to dessert, you’ll be spoilt for choice with fresh desserts made with ricotta: try cassatelle filled with ricotta and chocolate shavings.
The sea crossing duration varies depending on the vessel chosen, from half an hour to an hour and a half. Ferries and hydrofoils to Favignana from Trapani are quite frequent, making it possible to visit the island on a day trip.
Favignana is also connected by ship to Marsala.

We recommend booking accommodation in Favignana town centre, the village that gives its name to the island. This way you’ll have access to all the services for your holiday, as well as some nightlife. However, if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, consider booking a hotel, bed and breakfast or apartment in other parts of the island and then getting around by bicycle.
Favignana is the largest island in the Egadi archipelago, situated just 7 km off Sicily's western coast, between Trapani and Marsala.



