Levanzo
Levanzo
The island of Levanzo is the smallest of the Egadi Islands, an archipelago located off the western coast of Sicily. Despite often being overshadowed by the more famous Favignana, Levanzo is a hidden gem that you should not miss, or you will bitterly regret it.
Levanzo, with only 200 permanent residents and a surface area of just 5.6 square kilometers, is a charming and authentic island. It is situated approximately 15 kilometers west of Trapani and is easily accessible by sea. Despite its small size, Levanzo is a truly interesting tourist destination.
Levanzo does not have paved roads, which helps preserve its wild and unspoiled beauty. The island boasts stunning landscapes, with rugged cliffs plunging into the crystal-clear waters of the sea. Visitors can enjoy remote and solitary beaches, perfect for a day of relaxation or a peaceful picnic.
But Levanzo offers much more than its natural beauty. The island is rich in mysterious and fascinating caves that have been inhabited since ancient times. You can explore the famous Grotta del Genovese, renowned for its prehistoric rock paintings. Additionally, the island also features interesting archaeological sites and submerged wrecks that attract diving enthusiasts.
A vacation in Levanzo provides a unique opportunity to rejuvenate both body and spirit. Here, you can completely unwind, immersing yourself in unspoiled nature and savoring one of Italy’s most authentic treasures. So, if you are seeking an unforgettable experience, Levanzo is the perfect destination for you.
Beaches in Levanzo
Cala Minnola is located on the southeastern side of the island. It can be reached by a 20-minute walk. This cove offers clear blue waters and shade provided by the surrounding pine forest. Within the pine forest, there are picnic areas with tables and wooden benches, perfect for a picnic. However, since there are no refreshment services available, it is essential to bring your own food and drinks. Underwater, at a depth of about 30 meters, various Roman artifacts can be seen not far from Cala Minnola.
Cala Dogana is a beach near the village of Levanzo, specifically a few meters west of the port. The shore is accessible on foot and provides easy access to the sea suitable for children and inexperienced swimmers. In the background, you will find the white houses of the village, and the sea is dotted with several boats belonging to local fishermen.
Cala Fredda is only a 10-minute walk from Cala Dogana. It is accessible by following a coastal path that passes through Punta San Leonardo. It is a sandy and gravel beach with turquoise waters. Immersed in pristine nature, Cala Fredda is suitable for children due to its easy access to the water and gently sloping seabed. Please note that there are no refreshment points on the beach.
Cala Tramontana is located in the northern part of the island of Levanzo. It is the largest beach on the island, mainly consisting of gravel nestled between the red rock walls that surround it. There are various caves in the surrounding area to explore. Due to its distance from the town center, it is preferable to reach Cala Tramontana by water taxi from the port, although there is also a pedestrian route that crosses the island from north to south, passing through Capo Grosso.
Cala Faraglione is one of the 20 most beautiful beaches in Italy and undoubtedly the most famous in Levanzo. It is a gravel beach and can be reached within a few minutes’ walk from the village by following the road along the southwest coast. Once you arrive, you will be able to admire a breathtaking panorama with the sea stack in front and an unparalleled view of the other two Egadi islands, Favignana and Marettimo.
What to see and do in Levanzo
Despite being the smallest island in the Aegadian archipelago, Levanzo offers a range of truly unmissable activities and sights.
Boat Tour in Levanzo:
The main activity to experience in Levanzo is a boat tour. It allows you to explore the caves and pristine areas, departing from the town’s harbor and visiting a series of iconic locations on the island. These include Faraglione Cove, the Buco Marine Cave, named after an arch that allows entry inside, and Capo Grosso with its lighthouse. It was at Capo Grosso that the Battle of the Aegadian Islands took place in 241 BC between the Carthaginians and Romans, marking the end of the First Punic War.
Grotta del Genovese:
Discovered only in 1949, the Grotta del Genovese is located northwest of the inhabited center. It was inhabited between 10,000 and 6,000 BC, and inside, you can find a series of rock carvings depicting images of animals that are now extinct, such as aurochs and European wild asses. Other paintings depict colored human figures in black and red, as well as various mammals and fish, including tuna, which were crucial for the island and its inhabitants’ sustenance during prehistoric times in Sicily. The cave is open for visits every day. You can book a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours from the official website, with departures at 10:30-10:45 every day.
Underwater Archaeological Finds:
For diving enthusiasts, the small island of Levanzo is a true paradise. It offers opportunities to admire the marine flora and fauna, as well as the unique chance to see exceptionally preserved archaeological artifacts dating back to the Punic-Roman era. Certified divers can descend to depths of up to 25 meters off Cala Minnola to closely observe over 80 intact Roman amphorae lying on the seabed since the 1st century BC when a Roman ship sank. A similar scene awaits off Capo Grosso, the site of the clash between Romans and Carthaginians. At a depth of 28 meters, divers can find lead anchor stocks, helmets, amphorae, and various iron and terracotta artifacts.
Ferries to Levanzo
Levanzo is easily accessible by ferry from Trapani in less than an hour. Ferry prices range from 10 to 15 euros per person. Departures typically occur every hour and are organized by various companies, including Liberty Lines and Siremar. Alternatively, you can also take a morning ferry from Marsala, which takes approximately one hour to reach Levanzo.
If you are on the other two Egadi islands, you can reach Levanzo in a short time as well. The journey from Favignana takes approximately 10-15 minutes, while from Marettimo, it takes just under half an hour.
Best hotels in Levanzo
With the exception of the small settlement located in the southern part of Levanzo, the rest of the island is largely uninhabited. As a result, the choices for accommodation are limited. Despite the island’s small size, there are only a few small hotels and some apartments available for rent. The options are not extensive, so it would be advisable to book well in advance.
Updated: 19/07/2023 07:44:40