Summer is over but the desire for the sea can still find some satisfaction if you move to Sicily on the island of Favignana, an enchanting, safe, clean island away from stress, city traffic and pollution, easily reachable from Trapani and Palermo airports. Favignana is part of the Egadi archipelago together with the smaller ones Marettimo and Levanzo, which can be easily visited by boat. This archipelago constitutes the largest Marine Reserve in Italy, with an extension of 1523 sq km. Here the seabed is among the clearest and cleanest in the Mediterranean Sea. The coast is a succession of splendid inlets, sea caves, coves and pebble and sandy beaches. The panorama varies greatly in its landscapes. Incredible are the underground gardens linked to its history of tuff quarries, in which the “Pirriatura”, stonecutters in the local dialect worked, skilled in digging without damaging the landscape, even giving life to different and suggestive shapes. The tuff, widely used in construction, was mined for decades, contributing to the island's economy. Once this activity ceased, the former quarries were transformed into gardens, which thanks to a climate similar to that of greenhouses, became luxuriant.
Favignana, an island for an unforgettable sea holiday
Of course, those who come to spend a holiday in Favignana love the sea. To get around the beaches and coves of the island, besides the car you can also rent bicycles and mopeds. The most popular are Cala Azzurra, for its crystal clear waters and Cala Rossa, considered among the most beautiful coves in Sicily. The sandy beach of Marasolo is suggestive, while the Praia, a sandy beach not far from the marina, is very convenient. Lido Burrone is instead one of the few equipped beaches of the Egadi. Colors, scents and vegetation create an exceptional mix that transforms the seaside holiday into something truly special. For diving the most popular spots are the Galeotta, an area rich in fish, and the cave of Cala Rotonda, with its depths of various shades. For those who love the quieter and less frequented areas of the island of Favignana, I recommend Punta Faraglioni, a cove of rocks and sand, with small pebbles, and Punta Sottile, at the end of the island where the homonymous lighthouse is located, a very appreciated spot also to watch the sunset.
The places of cultural interest to visit are undoubtedly the Fort of Santa Caterina, Palazzo Florio and the Tonnara (fish factory). The Fort of Santa Caterina is a defensive work, in ocher tuff bricks, built by the King of Sicily Roger in the 12th century. It still dominates the landscape of the island although now the threats of attack from the sea are fortunately a distant memory of the past. The Florio were an important Sicilian family of entrepreneurs who between the end of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, with their fleet, industries and trade, including that of the famous Marsala wine, accumulated great wealth, so much so that they could afford to buy the Egadi islands. The Favignana Tonnara, one of the largest in Europe, was completely transformed by them with a revolutionary method of preserving tuna. It has now become a very interesting museum for those curious about industrial archeology. On the island they built Palazzo Florio in 1878, in Art Nouveau style also used as a vacation spot to host illustrious guests. A visit to this recently restored building is an experience not to be missed to breathe the history of that era.
And in order not to lose the thread of history with the Florio family, as far as hotel accommodation is concerned, it is no coincidence that I suggest a nice 4-star hotel “I Pretti resort”. Originally the building was part of a factory purchased by the Florio family, which was used for the processing of sardines, warehouses and guest quarters for some of the family's many employees. Having fallen into disuse, the property was taken over and converted into a hotel, a truly commendable project because this structure represents an important piece of the island's history. It is located a short distance from the marina and the tourist center of the island. It offers guests 16 suites, very spacious and well furnished. The strong point is an enchanting Mediterranean garden, of over 2000 square meters, lush and quiet and the terrace, decorated with original 19th century tiles, overlooking the sea overlooking Levanzo. A privileged position to dominate the entire Gulf of Favignana, with a view of the Palazzo Florio and the Forte di Santa Caterina. Some services, such as the restaurant and the massage treatments, are suspended for the moment but this does not detract from the rest of the stay which guarantees guests tranquility, glamor and privacy for an unforgettable holiday.
For information, also on other resorts, and reservations do not hesitate to contact me:
nadia@mikrotour.it
