Guide of Favignana

The island of Favignana is part of the Sicilian Egadi islands facing the western coast of Sicily and is the largest island in the archipelago. It is butterfly shaped and since ancient times it has been known by various names including Auegusa or island of the goats because there are plenty of goats on the island. Under the Arabs, the island had the name Djazirat ar Rahib, named after the castle that rises on the island. The current name Favignana dates back to the Middle Ages, it was named after the westerly wind Favonio. An important event on the island is the Mattanza, which has been happening for hundreds of years. Fishermen use dense nets to catch the Mediterranean bluefin tuna in a quasi-spiritual way. It takes place in May and June when the giant fish swim past the coasts. Some tourists may find this practice barbaric, but in the past, there were social, cultural and economic reasons for this tradition. and some say that it represents the primitive struggle of man for survival, it is hard and tiring work done to the rhythm of songs. Mattanza takes place in a relatively short period of the year but the preparation is long and complex, as the tuna catching structures are lowered into the sea many months before spring.

Places to visit

Favignana is the ideal island to begin a holiday in the Egadi islands, as it is the largest and the one with the best connections to the coast of Sicily. On the island, you can enjoy the beaches, but also the towns which are culturally interesting. For example, you can visit the Castle of Santa Caterina of the Norman period, or the museum of the former Florio plant, inside which there are finds from various eras.

Beaches 

There are all types of beach on Favignana, such as Cala Azzurra, Lido Burrone and the Calamoni. There are sand and pebble coves to enjoy and breathtaking sunsets in Punta Lungo area, Punta dei Faraglioni and thin point. Also some nice rocky areas such as Grotta Perciata and Punta Fanfalo.