Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EGADI ISLANDS
POP 4163
The Egadi Islands (Isole Egadi) are popular destinations for swimming, diving, eating and
general relaxation. Their proximity to the mainland (only 20 minutes to an hour from
Trapani or Marsala by hydrofoil) make them an appealing, hassle-free island getaway,
either for a day trip or for a longer stay.
For centuries, the Egadi Islanders have lived from the sea, as the prehistoric cave paint-
ings on Levanzo illustrate. Later, when the islands were a key Carthaginian stronghold, one
of the most critical battles of the Punic Wars was fought in 241 BC at Cala Rossa (Red
Cove), which earned its name from the amount of Carthaginian blood spilt. When the
Arabs decided to take Sicily, they used the islands as a stepping-stone en route to their in-
vasions, fortifying them heavily to prevent anyone else getting the same idea.
In the 17th century the islands were sold to Genovese bankers, who in turn sold them to
the Florio family in 1874. The Florios established a branch of their lucrative tuna industry
here, bringing great prosperity to the locals. Unfortunately, the waters around the islands
have been terribly overfished, causing a dent in the local economy. The islands only be-
came part of the Italian state in 1937.
Getting There & Away
Both Siremar and Ustica Lines run hydrofoils from Trapani to Favignana (€10.30, 20 to 40
minutes), Levanzo (€10.30, 20 to 40 minutes) and Marettimo (€17.80, one to 1½ hours).
Ustica Lines also offers year-round services from Marsala to Favignana (€10.30, 30
minutes), and summer-only service from Marsala to Marettimo (€17.80, 1¼ hours).
Both companies offer year-round inter-island services: from Favignana to Levanzo
(€5.80, 10 minutes), Favignana to Marettimo (€10.40, 30 minutes) and Levanzo to Maret-
timo (€10.40, 50 minutes). In summertime, Ustica Lines also offers Saturday-only service
from Favignana to Ustica (€28, two hours) and Naples (€90, 6½ hours).
