Where romans built the pool
Perched above its own labyrinthine Roman stone quarry, into which a beautiful pool and a Mediterranean garden have been inserted, Zu Nillu is theatrical, wow-inspiring and a truly unique proposition. You simply won’t find any house quite like this, and certainly not one with a private garden dominating (and accessing) Favignana's mythical Cala Rossa, one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful sea spots.
Our team has visited each of our villas, so they can share the finer details and help explore flexible date options
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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 Trapani coast and is a popular holiday destination in the summer months largely thanks to its crystalline azure waters in bays such as Cala Rossa (right below Zu Nillu!).
The main town, just 10 minutes' drive away, is also known as Favignana. It has a small port and is dominated by the Fort of Santa Caterina, originally built by the Arabs, a beautiful sandy beach and two main piazzas, flanked by restaurants, gelaterie and cafés. It is also home to two buildings testifying to the influence of the Florio family: Palazzo Florio, built in 1876 near the harbour, and the large, abandoned skeleton of the Florio tuna fishery.
But what most people come here for are the crystalline waters offering excellent swimming and good scuba-diving possibilities, 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.
From the Guest Book
Zu Nillu is so beautiful. Every request was answered immediately. The chef was perfect. Our holiday was relaxing. Beautiful.
JL March 2025
Es das schönste Urlaubsziel und Urlaubserlebnis war, das wir seit Anbeginn unserer Reisen mit The Thinking Traveller erlebt haben. Einzigartig. Wir nannten es
Ute Giesecke September 2023
Zu Nillu is spectacular. It is a quirky villa and not for everyone. Those who get it, though, will be amazed by it. The caretaker is an incredible wealth of Favignanan and Sicilian knowledge and is so kind.
MS, United States of America August 2022
Zu Nillu is a completely unique experience, not to be missed. The quarry gardens are amazing, complete with your own theatre for family evening entertainment. Evenings on the rooftop terrace with a glass of Etna champagne, beautiful sea views and stunning sunsets will be a lifelong memory.
JH, United Kingdom September 2020
Overall, I would give the whole experience at Zu Nillu 5 stars. The charm of the property and its situation is fabulous... We loved Favignana, especially the laid-back atmosphere and the fact that you could cycle everywhere (almost).
LB, United Kingdom August 2020
An exceptional experience we will never forget. Zu Nillu lives up to your descriptions.
Verified guest, May 2022
Excellent
4.7/5
942 Reviews