La Brucatina

Favignana, or La Farfalla as it is often referred to thanks to its butterfly shape, is the largest and most important of the Egadi Islands. It lies some 10 miles of the coast of Trapani and is a popular holiday destination in the summer months largely thanks to its crystalline azure waters in its myriad bays. Getting around by bike is arguably the best form of transport, and it is easy to rent bikes for the duration of your stay.

The island's capital, Favignana Town, is just a 15-minute walk away (or a short bike ride) from La Brucatina. It has a small port dominated by the Fort of Santa Caterina (of Saracen and Norman heritage), a beautiful sandy beach, and two main piazzas flanked by restaurants, gelaterie, bars, and cafés. It is also home to two buildings testifying to the influence of the once-mighty Florio family: Palazzo Florio, built in 1876 near the harbour, and the hugely impressive Florio tuna fishery, now a fascinating museum with permanent and temporary exhibitions documenting the island's history.

The closest sea access/beaches to La Brucatina are Cala Graziosa (250m), and Favignana Sea Club (a beach with lido - 600m). Praia beach in Favignana Town is about a 20-minute walk.

There is also good scuba-diving to be had, especially in the sea caves such as Grotta Azzurra, Grotta dei Sospiri (sospiri means “sighs”), and Grotta degli Innamorati (the Lovers’ Grotto).

While staying on Favignana, we recommend a little island-hopping to the other two islands, Levanzo and Marettimo.

Favignana is just a 20-minute hop on the hydrofoil (regular services year round) or 45 minutes on the car ferry from Trapani (whose airport is 15 minutes outside town). Trapani is less than one hour’s drive from Palermo airport.