Travel Blog Joao Cajuda

Island of favignana

Island of favignana
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I found the island of Favignana by accident when googling the most beautiful beaches in the world. Cala Rossa was in almost every tops and therefore it came my interest in visiting the island. I’ve stayed in the island four nights but I could have stayed four months. Found out in this post why i fell in love with the island.

Favignana is the largest of the Egadi Islands, three islands off the coast of Sicily. Despite the airport in Trapani which makes it very accessible to all of Europe, the island is mostly visited by Italian tourists. It has 9 Km’s length and you can take a tour around the island by car in less than 1h. The island could be an Ibiza, Mykonos or any other island for rich people, with dozens of fancy nightclubs and bars with sunset at the sound of the best Dj’s … but no, it’s much better than those mentioned. Favignana has a simple, authenticity and refreshing charisma. Here it is clear that we are in the Mediterranean. Here yes, I felt the Italian spirit!

The island is divided in two by a huge rocky hill. The city is situated on the east side of the island, which is connected to the west side through a tunnel.

Favignana is a happy island, most people ride their bikes, all meet and greet etch-other, is a friendly place that reminded me my hometown and childhood in the Algarve. Here people still sit at the doors talking, children play in the street until late. Tourists are welcomed as friends, everyone greeted me with a tight hug and three kisses. The city center is pedestrianized and full of small restaurants, ice cream parlors, and small shops.

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HOW TO GO

The only way to reach the island is to take a ferry boat from Trapani, the journey takes about 1H, some of the ferries can take cars. To view the schedules and prices click here. I advise you (in high season) to buy the tickets few days before, especially if you are taking the car with you.

WHERE TO STAY

Glen’s House – The most beautiful house in the island comes with the best friend you can have in Favignana, Davide! Built on the hill, this magnificent house has breathtaking views to… everywhere! To read all my experience, see photos and video click here.

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THINGS TO DO

Boating – The Egadi islands are closely connected with the sea that surrounds them, and boating is the best option to discover the island. You can rent your own boat or join a group tour. I highly recommend you my friend Rosario, the tour starts at 09:00AM and it ends almost at sunset. The groups are small, I think 8 people … the day begins collecting the fishing nets, we got some fishes and octopus, yes that would be your lunch. Then it follows a stroll along the coast of the island, with stops in small beaches with fluorescent blue water where you can swim all day. Lunch is served on the boat with fresh white wine. Phone: +39 340.3084102

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Diving – Diving and snorkeling are popular activities on the island; the clear waters are protected by a marine reserve. There are diving centers in Favignana that organize tours and classes.

Cycling – Favignana is flat which makes it ideal for cycling. There are many shops in town where you can rent your bicycle at cheap prices – 2€ per day. Then just get a map, follow the empty roads and explore the island. You can ride the entire island in one day.

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Hiking – Distances in Favignana are small enough to explore by foot, although renting a bike is definitely more fun. The best walking tour is exploring the caves next to the cemitery, or going up to the castle on the hill of the island. The path is simple, just follow the road to the Fort of Santa Catarina. The fort built in the seventeenth century provides stunning views for both sides of the island.

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Visit the Museum – Tuna fishing is very important here. In Favignana it was possible until very recently years to see the traditional tuna fishing (Tonnare). Every year, in May or June when the tuna fish migrate in large numbers near the island, the fishermen pulled the fish in their nets to reach the surface where they were beaten to death in a bloody show called “Mattanza”. The “Mattanza” has its own historical rituals, songs and is lead by a leader often chosen inherited form (in the last picture you can see Alessandro Vianello, one of the most famous leaders of the island. I found him next to the fish market). The city museum is very interesting place to see and understand all this culture of tuna fishing, I advise to visit.

 

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Beach – Favignana has several idyllic beaches, you can visit a different one each day of the week, here are my favorites.

Cala Rossa Favignana

The reason I came to this island was this beach, and it didn’t disappointed me. It is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been with blue waters that even in Thailand I haven’t found. It is difficult to access, but it worth. The beach is a bay and it looks like a swimming pool. Has no sand, you can only relax on the rocks and to get into the water you need to dive. There’s no coffees there, so make sure you bring water and something to eat.

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Lido Burrone beach
For those who like sand, Lido Burrone is a wider beach, where there is a bar, a restaurant and other facilities, including sun loungers and umbrellas to rent. Water is not so stunning like in Cala Rossa, but is a great beach and much more comfortable.

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WHERE TO EAT

Italian food is amazing, in particular in Sicilia and especially in Favignana. Here the fish is king. All my meals seemed like a MasterChef class, it was impossible to stop. Good food, good wine and good pastries is guaranteed. The average price is 30€ per person.

Sotto Salle – A pleasant surprise. It stands out for its cosmopolitan design. The fish here is fresh, delicious and presented in an innovative way. very good!

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Quello Che C’e C’e – Excellent to eat pasta. I recommend the seafood Spargetti. Bang.

Trattoria El Pescador – The food is good, but the star of the night was the dessert. Please go there and one Cassatella for you and one for me. Wonderful!!!

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Kiosko Marasolo – Ideal to eat a sandwich before going to the beach. You should try the coffee with pistachio, very good.

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Ice cream – Any ice cream parlor is good. Try the Brioche, bread with ice cream in the middle, it kills hunger and is delicious.

 

At the end of this journey, I fell in love with this island, the blue waters, the people, the food, the peace … I’m sure I will return there every year! I recommend 200%!

HERE IS MY VIDEO BELLA ITALIA.

Post by João Cajuda.