Isole Egadi
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Egadi Islands, Sicily
Isole Egadi
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The Egadi Islands (aka Aegadian Islands) consist of a group of three small, rocky islands, Isola Favignana, Isola Levanzo and Isola Marettimo, lying some 6-10 miles off the harbour of Trapani at the extreme NW corner of Sicily. They were the site of a major naval battle in 241 BC which effectively ended Carthaginian resistance during the First Punic War.
The islands are famous for the former annual tuna catch, the mattanza (massacre), when tuna migrating through the channel between the islands and Sicily were trapped in nets and butchered for the canning industry. Nets are still set off the island from 1 April to 15 July.
Latterly however, with the decline in tuna numbers, tourism has assumed increasing importance in the population’s struggle for survival. The largest island, Isola Favignana, offers secure anchorages on both N and S sides where protection should be found in most winds.
Note: The area around the islands is a marine protected area. It is necessary to have a cruising permit for the Egadi Islands. Permits can be obtained online at Area Marina Protetta (Italian only but Google Translate works well). There have also been reports that fines of €200 have been levied for not having a cruising permit.
Communication
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 2122 - Bizerte to Capo San Marco
- Italian
- 916
Weather
See Italy - weather.
There are no dangers in the approaches, although a current sets NE between the islands and can run at up to 1.0 knot. Most of the islands are rock-strewn around the coasts and it is wise to stay half a mile offshore unless you have a large-scale chart.
Berthing
Ports
Cala Principale, Favignana
Cala Principale (as the name suggests) is the principal harbour of the islands. Open to winds from NW round to NNE. Space here is limited, especially during the season.
Anchor moor stern-to or go alongside the small L-shaped Molo Principale (or Pontile Principale) off the beach wherever there is room, avoiding the fuel berth and the reserved areas marked with yellow lines. Depths here range from 2.0 - 3.0 metres.
NB: There is a stone surbase extending from the quays just below the water level there. Also mind stone steps extending from the landing stairs.
In season the berths inner side of the jetty and the the T-shaped pontoon further inshore are managed by Circolo Nautico Favignana (phone: 09231961245). The depths at the pontoon are 1.2 m - 2.5 m. Off the season it is all occupied by small craft.
Mooring is also allowed on the Molo San Leonardo in depths of 4.0 - 5.0 metres between the hours of 1930 and 0730.Scala Nuova, Marettimo
Scala Nuova is a small harbour off the hamlet of Marettimo on the E side of the island. A long pontoon has been installed inside the harbour, with depths ranging from 1.5 metres at the inner end to 4.5 metres at the outer. Yachts of up to 24.0 metres can be accommodated. Water and electricity on the pontoon.
The harbour is open to winds from S round to NE.Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
In settled weather, there are a number of small coves along the coast of Favignana that are also worth exploring. Those listed are a small sample.
Cala Rossa, Favignana
Cala Azzura, Favignana
Punta Longa, Favingnana
Cala Dogana, Levanzo
Cala Fredda, Levanzo
Marine Services
Marine Stores
None noted.
Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards
Limited repairs at Cala Principale on Favignana and Scala Nuova, Isola Marettimo. Slipway and mobile crane at both. Divers.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- station (0800 - 1930) in Cala Principale, Favignana
- Water
- on the quay (via a water man) in Cala Principale, Favignana
- on the quay Scala Nuova, Isola Marettimo
- Electricity
- on the quay Scala Nuova, Isola Marettimo
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The main attraction of the Egadi Islands is the numerous rocky coves, many with small sandy beaches, lapped by crystal-clear waters. Away from the towns, the islands are criss-crossed by excellent walking paths (on Marettimo there are no roads at all).
- Favignana: Old Tuna factory on the W side of the Cala Principale has now been transformed into a Museum about tuna fishing and processing - €4.00 entrance fee includes free guided tour.
- It is well worth paying a visit to the Palazzo Florio just at the E shore of the Cala Principale. It was the home of the owners of the tuna factory -- now among the others a tourist office of Favignana is located there.
- Many of the old tuff open quarries can be visited by bicycle (see below).
- Levanzo island is famous for its Grotta del Genovese, a cave with traces of Neolithic cave paintings of animal and human figures.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Limited provisions on Isola Favignana in Favignana town. In season this is a bustling community with at least three supermarkets
Eateries
A good supply of trattorias in Isola Favignana. Fewer in Marettimo and Levanzo.
Internet/WiFi
None noted.
Laundry
None noted.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Scooter and cycle hire on Isola Favignano -- there are a couple of them located at the E side of the Cala Principale.
Garbage Disposal
Bins at all harbours.
Transportation
- Ferries (Siremar)
- Hydrofoils and catamarans (Ustica Lines) from Trapani
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Isole Egadi at the Wikipedia
- Favignana at the Wikipedia
- For a plan of Cala Principale, Favignana check this site. On the right side of the page there are also some links to plans of other ports in the Province of Trapani.
References & Publications
See Italy.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
Last Visited
- May 2004 --Athene of Lymington 15:38, 9 November 2010 (UTC)
- October 2011 --Vadp
- August 2013 --RobbieW 16:25, 20 August 2013 (BST)
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