Egadi Islands: Find the best villas and apartments

Description: Your Mediterranean holiday

The archipelago consists of three main islands: Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo.

Favignana is the largest and most popular, shaped like a butterfly (la farfalla). It’s the perfect place for a sun-drenched bike ride between hidden coves. Levanzo is the smallest and quietest, with whitewashed houses and a peaceful harbour. Marettimo is the wild child – rugged, mountainous and perfect for a soul-searching hike. Whether you’re looking for a picturesque village tour or a lovely day on a boat, these islands offer an authentic Mediterranean feel that remains largely unspoiled.

A layered history

The Egadi Islands aren’t just beautiful; they’ve seen some serious drama.

Ancient battles

In 241 BC the waters here turned red during the Battle of the Aegates, where the Roman fleet crushed the Carthaginians and ended the First Punic War.

The Florio Legacy

In the 19th century, the wealthy Florio family transformed the islands into an industrial powerhouse through tuna fishing and the invention of the tuna canning process.

Prehistoric Roots

The Grotta del Genovese on Levanzo contains cave paintings dating back to 10,000 BC.

Typical Foods: A Taste of the Sea

The cuisine here is defined by Mattanza (the traditional tuna fish stew).

Tuna Everything: From bottarga (dried roe) to tonno sott'olio, tuna is king.

Couscous di Pesce: This steamed semolina with a beautiful North African inspiration is served with a rich, spicy fish broth.

Pasta con le Sarde: Fresh sardines, wild fennel, raisins and pine nuts.

Pane Cunzato: "Spicy bread" topped with local olive oil, tomatoes, anchovies and oregano - the ultimate beach snack.

Activities and nature

The islands are part of the largest marine protected area in Europe, making the nature here unspoilt.

Snorkeling and diving: Head to Cala Rossa (Favignana) or the sea caves of Marettimo. Visibility is world-class.

Cycling: Favignana is mostly flat, making it the "island of cyclists".

Hiking: Hike up to Castello di Santa Caterina for panoramic views of the entire archipelago.

Boat trips: The only way to see the hidden grottoes (caves) of Marettimo is by local fishing boat.

Festivals and traditions

Festa di San Giuseppe (March)

In Marettimo, this is a massive three-day celebration with large communal meals and traditional music.

Mattanza reenactments

While actual industrial slaughter has largely ceased, the culture and songs (cialome) associated with it are celebrated during the summer cultural weeks.

Egadi Running Cruise

A unique event where runners run across all three islands over several days

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