Egadi Islands

(Local Name: Isole Égadi) Province: Trapani

Population: 5,600

Communications

Car-ferry from Trapani to Favignana, Lévanzo and Maréttimo. hydrofoils (aliscafi) to Favignana and Lévanzo (15mins) and Maréttimo (45mins).

Information

General agents of Alitalia in Palermo and Trapani.

Location

The Egadian Islands lie off the west coast of Sicily opposite Trapani. The largest island is Favignana, which is also where the only center of population is to be found; next in size are Lévanzo and Maréttimo. Between Trapani and Lévanzo lie the islets of Formica and Maraone (uninhabited). Favignana and Formica are fishing-ports and are important above all for tuna fishing (the "mattanza" in May). Tourism is developing thanks to the beautiful scenery, prehistoric caves and the opportunites for underwater sports. History

The islands had an important historical role when in 241 B.C. the Romans ended the first Punic War here with their victory over the Carthaginians. In the Middle Ages settlers from Liguria achieved prosperity by devoting themselves to fishing and the collection of coral. In 1860 the islands served as a hiding place for Garibaldi's ships, before the freedom fighter crossed over with his "company of a thousand" to the coast of Sicily on 11th May and began his triumphal march. Favignana Favignana, only 6km/4mi from the Sicilian coast and with 19sq.km/7sq. mi the largest island in the group, is the Aegusa of ancient times. Its highest point is the Monte Santa Caterina (302m/1,877ft) situated in the mountainous eastern end of the island.