Favignana

Favignana is a butterfly shaped island and considered to be the largest among the Egadi Islands. The other main islands of the Aegadian archipelago comprise of Levanzo, Marettimo, Maraone and Formica. This ancient island is located in the midst of the Mediterranean Sea and is at a distance of around 9 miles from Trapani. It takes around 20 minutes through a hydrofoil or one hour to reach this place using ferry services. The two wings of this butterfly shaped island are not similar, just in shape and size but also share certain common features. The eastern side of this island comprises of a flat land whereas the western side has low slopes of hills that can be seen rising, out of which Montana Santa Caterina is the largest structure.

Beaches, coves and bays are some of the best attractions of this island, which draws crowd from large number of tourists who come here to visit the island. The economy here thrives on tourism and the tuna fish industry has created lot of wealth creation opportunities for the people living on this island. Tuna fishing became popular on this island mainly due to the efforts of the Floria family who set up fishery units on this island leading to greater prosperity of the region.

Getting to Favignana

There is good flight connectivity to Favignana from Trapani and several international flights fly from Italy and Europe. Alternatively, you can also travel by car or use train services from Trapani or Palermo central station to reach Favignana.

Attractions and Activities in Favignana

Old Stone Tuff Quarries

Along the northeastern side of Favignana, one can come across the old stone quarries, which is one of the main attractions here. In the olden days, the volcanic rocks was the primary resource for the population living on this island as these huge blocks of tuffs were carried across the sea through sailing ships and exported to countries such as North Africa and Sicily. In the recent times, these quarries add abundance of beauty to the landscape and are used as vegetable and flower gardens where different kinds of Mediterranean are grown.

Piazza Madrice

Piazza Madrice and Piazza Europa are the two main town centers comprising of baroque church, bars, cafes and shops where you can find huge crowds during the evenings. You can just take a walk along the street and catch a glimpse of the simple houses found here with beautiful gardens smelling of fresh flowers.

Lido Burrone

This is one of the broadest beaches on this island and there are regular bus services available here to take the tourists to this beach destination.

Grotto Azzurra

Here you can get a wonderful view of the blue waters and also catch a glimpse of the Grotta dei Sospiri which is actually a cave where you can hear fearful sounds for those seeking some thrill. You may have to wait until the sea gets rough to hear these moans from the caves. If you are looking for some romantic moments, then the Lover's Grotto is a nice spot where you can find two pillar rocks next to each other located just behind the cave.

Scuba Diving

If you are adventurous and enjoy diving activities, then Favignana offers some of the best places to enjoy a unique scuba diving experience. You can come across a 12 mt deep underwater archeological site where you can view the ruins resulting due to the war between the Romans and  Phoenicians. This site is located in between Punta Marsala and Cala Rossa at about 50 metres away from this main string.  Punta Faraglione and Secca Sciubba along with Cala Totonda including Scoglio Palumbo are some good sites for exploring a rich variety of underwater marine life.

Matanzza

If you are coming in May here, you can watch the regular ritual of Mattanza on this island of Favignana. Mattanza actually refers to massacre of the tunas, which is considered to as a unique form of fishing here carried out by the local fishermen.

Local Cuisine of Favignana

You can enjoy some of the best dishes of the Mediterranean cooking on this island in some of the best restaurants that prepare some mouth-watering recipes. Besides, there are some Arabian dishes served here using mutton, tomato sauce and exotic spices to lend more flavor to the dishes. Spaghetti al dente is served here with tuna egg slivers and virgin olive oil is used in these dishes, which is topped with parsley for a great taste. Tuna Croquettes are quite popular here so do not miss out on them. You can also try fresh pasta served with fresh tomatoes, basil, olive oil, garlic along with roasted almonds.

As this island is well known for tuna fisheries, you are likely to find most of the main dishes prepared using tuna including other varieties such as gropers, white breams, mullets among others. Fried Ravioli with ricotta cheese and chocolate chips on top is one of the favorites here enjoyed by the locals and tourists alike.

Hotels and Accommodation in Favignana

You can choose some good hotels around Favignana for a comfortable stay and living or even rent apartments for living. Besides, there are camping sites available as well, if you are keen on exploring this place on your own.

Handy Tips for Travelers

-The best way to explore Favignana is by using cycles or mopeds as you can move at your own pace in a gentle manner to catch a glimpse of this scenic island.

-Make sure to drop into Egadi restaurant where you can taste some of the local delicacies made using tuna, swordfish, octopus and lobsters.

-You can take some local delicacies as souvenirs found here including dried tuna roe, smoked tuna along with swordfish to evoke some of the best memories of spending some time on this beautiful island.

Conclusion

Favignana is one of the best islands where you can enjoy some bliss and peaceful moments amidst the scenic beauty of the region with lovely landscape.

Irene Tischenko