Aegadian Islands Islands

The Aegadian Islands are a small archipelago off the western coast of Sicily, Italy, composed mainly of Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo. The islands are known for clear Mediterranean waters, coastal cliffs, caves and a long history of tuna fisheries.

Each island has a distinct character: Favignana is the largest and most developed with harbours and sequenced quarries; Levanzo is the smallest and quietest with rock art and sheltered coves; Marettimo is the most rugged and popular for walking and nature. Visitors come for boat trips, diving, snorkelling and short island-hopping itineraries.

Historically the islands were important for Mediterranean maritime activities including seasonal tuna fishing; in modern times they combine local fishing communities with tourism infrastructure and protected marine areas.

The Aegadians lie a few kilometres off Sicily’s west coast near Trapani and are reached by short ferry crossings from mainland Sicilian ports.

• Location and access: The archipelago lies off the west coast of Sicily near the city of Trapani and is served by regular ferries from coastal ports; waters are noted for clarity and marine life.

What to See#

• Favignana: The largest island in the group, known for its wide bays, cliff faces and the historic tuna fisheries that shaped local industry.
• Levanzo: A small, sparsely populated island with coastal caves and clear waters popular for short boat trips and snorkelling.
• Marettimo: The westernmost and most rugged of the islands, noted for hiking trails, rocky coastlines and a more remote character.

The Aegadian Islands (Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo) are reached by ferry or hydrofoil from Trapani on Sicily’s west coast. Ferries and fast boats run from Trapani harbour to Favignana and Levanzo frequently, with less-frequent sailings to Marettimo; crossing times vary by vessel and island (roughly 15-60+ minutes).

Trapani is the mainland gateway - by road it is approximately 110-120 km west of Palermo via the A29 (about 1.5-2 hours by car). Trapani harbour has regular bus and train links from Palermo and the airport, and the island ferries depart directly from Trapani port.

• Use Trapani as your gateway: regular ferries and hydrofoils run from Trapani to Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo - check seasonal timetables and book return crossings in advance during summer.
• To avoid the worst of the crowds, visit Favignana early in the morning or late afternoon and consider shoulder seasons (May-June or September) for quieter anchorages and better availability of boat taxis to secluded coves.
• Favignana is compact and best explored by bike or local boat trips; for Marettimo plan for reduced ferry frequency and arrive with an overnight plan if you want to hike its steeper trails.