Guide to Favignana, the Largest of Sicily's Aegadian (Egadi) Islands

Favignana is the largest and most commercial of the Aegadian (Egadi in Italian) Islands in Sicily. With a variety of restaurants, bars, and accommodation options, Favignana is a popular base for visitors. The island was once the largest tuna fishery in the Mediterranean, owned by the wealthy Florio family. It was also heavily quarried for stone. Former quarries like Blue Marino, the most incredible place to swim on the island, and the botanical gardens are beautiful remains of this legacy. This travel guide includes how to get to and around Favignana, the top things to do, and best places to eat, drink, and stay. For more information, also check out this article comparing Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo to help you choose which of the Aegadian Islands to visit and this article about how long to spend on each of the islands.

How to Get to Favignana

The fastest way to get to Favignana is by taking a hydrofoil with Liberty Lines. It takes 30 minutes to get to the island from the ports of Trapani and Marsala on Sicily’s west coast. For those short on time, day trip boat tours are a popular way to explore the beautiful sea around Favignana and the Aegadian Islands.

Check out this article for more info on the ferries going to and between the Aegadian Islands.

Cala Rossa

How to Get around Favignana

You need a bike (for as little as €5/day) or motorbike to get around the island and to the beaches. You’ll be like a fish out of water without one – trust me. Taxis to beaches only 10 minutes away cost €16 one-way! There are a lot of beautiful coves and places to swim that can only be reached by boat, so just like on the other Aegadian Islands, don’t miss a boat tour of the island. It’s the best thing to do on all three.

Favignana madonna of the tuna fishermen mural

The Madonna of the Tuna Fishermen

What to Do in Favignana

The two can’t-miss “beaches” or rocky coves for swimming in crystal-clear turquoise water: Cala Rossa and Blue Marino (for a sandy beach for kids or umbrella/chair rentals, go to Lido Burrone)

Boat tour: Rent a boat (you don’t need a license) or go on a boat tour with a captain

Old Tuna Factory Museum: Don’t miss this beautiful museum! Favignana’s history as the biggest tuna fishery in the Mediterranean is part of its DNA. Note that the museum closes at 2 PM

Giardino dell’Impossibile: Favignana’s beautiful botanical gardens inside an old stone quarry

Old Tuna Factory Museum

Where to Eat & Drink in Favignana

Cafe: Caffe Mazzini

Bakery: Pasticceria FC (try the bacon, mozzarella, and pistachio arancini!)

Restaurants: Quello Che C’è C’è (Favignana’s best restaurant, I love their tuna with pistachio pesto); La Bettola (for seafood and pasta); Scialae (Sicilian comfort food for a quick bite or takeaway)

Street food: U Vasceddru; Santi E Marinai

Bars: Arsura Spiriti Isolàni (wine and small bites); New Albatros (cocktails); Cibo Chiacchiere e Vino (on the west side of the island for aperitivo to watch the sunset, make a reservation in advance)