Which Aegadian (Egadi) Island to Visit: Comparing Favignana, Levanzo, & Marettimo

Best island for families, bike riding, and spectacular spots to swim with crystal-clear turquoise water

Favignana is the biggest and most commercial of the three islands, which makes it a natural base for most visitors to the Aegadian Islands. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and accommodation to choose from. The best seafood I had on the Aegadian Islands was in Favignana (at Quello Che C’è C’è). You need a bike or motorbike to get around the island. It’s not for walking in the summertime. There are some incredible places to swim with clear turquoise water in Favignana, including Blue Marino and Cala Rossa (photo above; both are not good for kids). There are more families on Favignana because of the sand beach Lido Burrone, which is safer for kids than the other rocky inlets you usually swim off of on the Aegadian Islands. It’s also the only island where you’ll find beach umbrella and chair rentals. Another reason to go to Favignana is for the old tuna factory. It’s such a cool and unique museum – I loved it.

Because Favignana is the most commercial and popular island to visit, the interaction with locals felt quite transactional to me. When I asked a question or for help in most shops, the response I got made me feel like I was bothering them. I didn’t enjoy that as a solo traveler, when what I enjoy most is interacting with locals and immersing in the local culture. Of course, that is just my own experience, and Sicilians or Italian speakers may have a different experience without a language and cultural barrier.

Best island for couples, crystal-clear turquoise seas, and swimming spots within walking distance

Levanzo is a tiny, rocky island. Its little harbor perched above turquoise water is one of the most beautiful and picture-perfect sights in the Aegadian Islands. The sea around Levanzo is stunning and probably why the Prada family (of the fashion empire) owns a home there. Because of the island’s small size, you can easily walk to most of the places to swim from the harbor. The island has a cave, Grotta del Genovese, with 6,000-10,000-year-old engravings and paintings inside. There is a good hotel on Levanzo, Dolcevita Egadi Eco Resort, which makes it a comfortable place to spend a night or two.

There aren’t any great places to eat in Levanzo. Favignana and Marettimo are a lot better for food. There aren’t many locals to mingle with and not much to do besides swim, go on a boat tour, and relax, so it’s a better place for couples to stay rather than solo travelers. I recommend solo travelers visit on a day trip from the other islands or on a boat tour from Trapani since the best part of Levanzo is the sea.

Best island for solo travelers, hikers, local immersion, and natural beauty

When I asked people around Sicily which Aegadian Island was their favorite, they all said Marettimo and described it as “wild.” In English, this word has many meanings, so it wasn’t until I visited myself that I understood what they meant. Marettimo has a lot more nature and greenery than the other islands, thanks to its mountainous terrain, which makes it the best island for hiking. It’s rugged, natural, authentic, and local. It’s the farthest away from Trapani and the other islands, so it gets far fewer tourists and feels more remote. In late June, it was just me, the locals, and a dozen or so other tourists. It only fills up in late July and August. That makes it easier to immerse with locals, which is great for solo travelers. I found the locals more friendly than on the other islands. They love to have a good time. Everyone goes to the same seafront bar on the harbor at the end of the night to hang out and let loose. Marettimo is the perfect-sized island to enjoy, whereas Levanzo feels too small and Favignana too big.

The only great beach within walking distance, Nacchi, is 25 minutes from town. After that, because there are no rental cars or bikes, you have to hike over 1-1.5 hours to reach the other top beaches on your own. For me, it was too hot in summer for long hikes (especially by myself). So if you’re not hiking, then your options for swimming are 1) a 3-hour boat tour, 2) walking to Nacchi, and 3) taking a boat taxi to the lovely beach by the castle. That will keep you busy for 2-3 days, but not much longer (unless you hike).