The island of Favignana is a turquoise gem of the Mediterranean Sea. A wild island with crystal-clear waters and countless walks, the island comes alive in summer with a buzz of activity, and in the off seasons it is a haven of peace. These are just some of the characteristics of this beautiful island, which are waiting to be discovered! This is our article on the 5 best beaches in Favignana, Italy!
Favignana: An interactive map
How to get to Favignana
Favignana is the largest island of the Egadi Islands archipelago, located in the Mediterranean Sea off the west coast of Sicily, Italy. The island is located about 7 kilometres west of the Sicilian city of Trapani. The easiest way to reach the island is therefore to fly directly to Trapani airport, and then take a ferry towards Favignana from the port of Trapani.
Tickets for Favignana can be booked conveniently online via this website: https://www.libertylines.it. The total duration of the ferry trip is 30 or 40 minutes, and the cost can vary between 11 and 16 euros depending on the time of day, day and time of year. In summer, I strongly recommend booking your tickets at least a few days in advance, otherwise you risk not finding a seat if you show up at the counter on the same day.
Note: Palermo is the airport with the most flights arriving in this part of Sicily. From Palermo airport there are convenient buses running approximately every 30 minutes, which will take you directly to the port of Trapani in just one hour. There is no need to book online, just go to the counter in the Arrivals section of the airport to buy your ticket. Alternatively, you can take a taxi!
Getting around Favignana
Favignana is the island of bicycles. As soon as you go to the beach, you will immediately notice dozens and dozens of bicycles parked everywhere. When you disembark from the ferry, you will notice all the bicycle and moped hire shops just outside the harbour. Although the island is small (the island is only 19 km long!), it is impossible to walk it. Depending on your fitness or the heat, you can decide whether to rent a bicycle or a moped. Car hire on the island is also available, but at a much higher cost.
Renting your own car when traveling gives you the freedom to discover the country at your own pace, and it’s often cheaper too! When travelling we always use DiscoverCars.com. They check all the local companies and find you the best car at the cheapest price! Check out DiscoverCars.com here.
If you are short on time and plan to take a day tour of Favignana from Sicily, we recommend a boat tour. It is convenient, and you will have the opportunity to explore all the caves by sea, not otherwise possible by land.
The 5 best beaches in Favignana
If you are heading to Favignana, surely one of the main reasons is to take a dip in its beautiful, crystal-clear water. Below you will find a list of the 5 best beaches in Favignana not to be missed, and which one is best depending on your personal tastes.
Note: All beaches can be reached by vehicle or on foot. However, for a unique experience we recommend hiring an inflatable boat or taking a boat tour of the island. There is no better way to explore its beaches and caves!
1. Cala Rossa
Cala Rossa is the queen of Favignana’s beaches. The name ‘Cala Rossa’ is said to derive from the red colour the waters took on during the naval battles of the Punic Wars, when the blood of the combatants stained the sea. Located on the north-eastern coast of the island, today Cala Rossa is one of Favignana’s most famous beaches for its incredibly clear and turquoise waters. Moreover, the bay of Cala Rossa is surrounded by limestone cliffs that create a spectacular contrast with the sea.
Cala Rossa can be reached by sea with boats or dinghies, or by land through paths. However, access by land requires a short hike through rocky terrain. There are not many tourist facilities or services on the beach, which helps to maintain the wild and unspoilt atmosphere of the place.
2. Bue Marino
Bue Marino is another beautiful location on Favignana, famous for its crystal-clear waters with patches of light blue amidst the expanse of midnight blue water. The name ‘Bue Marino’ refers to the monk seal, a species that once inhabited these waters. The Bue Marino is known for its sea caves, which can be explored by snorkelling, and hidden coves. Moreover, for thrill-seekers, this area has high cliffs from which diving can be done safely.
You can reach the Bue Marino either by sea or by land. By land, you can get there via paths through the rocky landscape and Mediterranean scrub. At the car park, there is a stand offering delicious sandwiches all day long, as well as a stand selling slushies and freshly squeezed juices.
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3. Cala Azzurra
Cala Azzurra is another wonderful beach located south-east of Favignana. The name derives from the intense blue colour of its waters, which are particularly transparent and luminous, creating a spectacular effect. Cala Azzurra, is one of the few beaches with fine white sand. In recent years, however, the beach has unfortunately receded, leaving little room to stretch out. As the beach is very popular, I recommend arriving early in the morning, or around sunset time, to enjoy the beach in peace and admire the unique beauty of this place.
The beach is easily accessible by sea and land. Unlike other wilder coves, Cala Azzurra offers some services for visitors, such as sunbed and umbrella rental. There are also bars and restaurants nearby where one can eat and enjoy local dishes.
4. Cala Rotonda
Cala Rotonda is located on the west side of the island. The cove takes its name from the semicircular shape of the bay. In fact, the bay is surrounded by limestone cliffs and rocks that form small inlets and caves, creating a unique and picturesque environment. The waters of the cove are clear and rich in marine life, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Cala Rotonda can be reached by sea or by land. Upon arrival at the beach, you will find a small bar with cushions on the ground where you can admire a magical sunset or enjoy an aperitif. It will also be possible to rent sunbeds and umbrellas. If you continue walking beyond the beach, you will find walking paths where you can immerse yourself in the total tranquillity of Favignana and enjoy the surrounding nature.
5. Cala Faraglioni
Cala Faraglioni is located at the northernmost tip of the island. The beach is composed of pebbles, and has an inlet that creates a sort of natural pool sheltered from the waves of the sea. The beauty of the beach is that it is located in the most isolated and wildest part of the island, where it is possible to relax away from the large crowds.
Note: For those in search of comfort, the beach at Lido Burrone is the only sandy and equipped beach on the island, with fine golden sand, and its waters are clear and shallow. There are numerous facilities, including sunbed and umbrella hire, bars, restaurants and bathing establishments. However, this makes it one of the most crowded beaches in Favignana.
Where to sleep in Favignana: The 3 different areas
There are three main areas to stay in Favignana: the centre area, the beach area to the east of the island, and the area to the north-west, beyond the tunnel. If you want peace and quiet, I recommend staying in the latter. The western area, a 10-15 minute drive from the centre, is less busy and will allow you to relax and enjoy the peace without having too many people around.
If you want to take frequent advantage of the bars, restaurants and supermarkets, I recommend staying in the centre of Favignana. The centre of Favignana comes alive during the evenings and always offers beautiful evenings.
Finally, if you want to be close to the most beautiful beaches with crystal-clear blue waters, such as Cala Rossa, I recommend you stay in the south-east of Favignana.
Here is our selection of the most beautiful accommodation in Favignana, regardless of area!
Hotels in Favignana View all
Where to eat in Favignana
In Favignana you are spoilt for choice on places to eat. We have collected here our favourite restaurants and bars according to different occasions, from a tasty breakfast of croissant and granita, to an exquisite quick fish lunch, to more classy restaurants.
Café and breakfast
- Caffè Mazzini: This café is located on the main pizza in the centre of Favignana. You cannot miss its croissants in the morning! They are the best on the island. The granitas are also remarkable!
- Kiosko: This kiosk is a pretty bar with a beautiful view of the blue sea, in front of Favignana’s famous gallery. There is nothing better than a nice cappuccino here in the morning!
- Pasticceria FC: If you want pastries, you can’t miss this place! I especially recommend the Sicilian cannoli. They are the bomb!
Seafood
- Kebabberia di tonno: This place provides huge, delicious tuna kebabs for a quick lunch in the city centre!
- Pescheria Florio: Best fish market on the island. Great both for a quick lunch in the city centre and for buying fish to enjoy at home in the evening!
Restaurants
- Ristorante Agriturismo L’Alencio: This little restaurant is located in the western part of Favignana, on top of a hill. It offers spectacular views of the island of Marettimo opposite, especially at sunset.
- Formica: An excellent restaurant in the centre of Favignana. Slightly above average prices, but the quality of food and service is really high!
- Osteria del Sotto Sale: Beautiful osteria in the centre of Favignana, with great food and atmosphere.
- Walk On Pizza & Drink: This is the place to go if you want to eat a good pizza in Favignana. They have a nice, spacious courtyard, and the pizza is excellent.
- Osteria Cavallo: This osteria is located slightly outside the centre, in a quiet area near Scalo Cavallo. The style of the restaurant looks Greek, and it is really nice. Also, the food is delicious!
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The best bars for aperitivo or after dinner drinks
Favignana has given me some of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. Aperitivo time is a sacred time to fully enjoy the golden hour in Favignana. These are the best places to enjoy a tasty aperitivo while enjoying the colours of the sunset.
Below you will also find some of the most ‘cool’ bars where you can spend an evening after dinner in Favignana!
Aperitivo bars
- La Costa Sunset Bar Cala Trono Favignana: This bar often features live music or DJ sets. Great location for watching the sunset go down behind the gallery in Favignana!
- A Leva – Sun, aperitivo & sunsets: My absolute favourite place to enjoy the sunset with an aperitivo in hand in Favignana! This bar is located in the Faraglioni area, west of the island. You will find yourself surrounded by nature and peace!
- Faro di Punta Sottile: Beautiful bar near Favignana’s famous lighthouse. The sunsets from here are excellent, and they often offer live music for you to relax.
After dinner drinks
- Rest: This bar is located just beyond the Favignana tunnel on the west side. Rest is an alternative bar with great vibes and electronic music on Friday nights!
- Camarillo Brillo – Ristorante Bar Bistrot: The best bar in the centre of Favignana! The guys who run it are really nice, and the cocktails are great.
- Camparía Lounge: The classiest bar in Favignana. Elegant, high quality, with a wide selection of fine drinks, for a quiet evening enjoying excellent drinks.
When to go to Favignana: The best time to visit
✅ The best time to visit Favignana is during the summer and mid-season. If what you are interested in is social life and entertainment, the best period is from mid-June until after ‘Ferragosto’ (15th August). This period coincides with the high season, all bars and restaurants will be open and temperatures will be warm. Beware, however, that during this period the costs will be high due to the high number of people, and especially in July, temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees.
If you are looking for peace and quiet, Favignana reaches its peak from the end of May to the end of June, and from the end of August to the end of October. During this period there is little tourism and you can enjoy the peace of the island. Temperatures are around 20 degrees.
❌ From November to February, Favignana is mild compared to many other regions, with temperatures between 11 and 18 degrees, but it can be wetter and windier. Because of the strong winds, in winter there is often a risk of being stranded on the island because the sea is too rough for ferries to leave. Spring (March to April and early May) is often accompanied by wind and rain. During these periods, almost all restaurants and bars are closed.
If you are not only interested in the beaches, but would like to discover all the activities that can be done in Favignana, check out our article on all the things to do in Favignana!
Do you like our article on Favignana’s 5 most beautiful beaches? Leave us a comment below! If you have also been to Favignana or are planning your trip to Sicily, let us know!
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