Favignana, the butterfly of the Egadi Islands

Famous for its coves, tuna-fishing and diving, Favigana is rich in history and tradition. The island is the ideal destination for lovers of diving and underwater photography, or simply for those who love the sea and nature. Favignana is a great place to visit at week-ends; here are some suggestions of things to do so you can make the most of the island.

Day one
Breakfast and tour of the "Tonnara" tuna-fishery and Palazzo Florio
If you arrive early in the morning and are feeling a little hungry, then try the delicious "pane con finocchietto selvatico" (bread with wild fennel) available at one of the bakeries in the square. Then you could take a tour of the renaissance "Tonnara" tuna-fishery and building, Palazzo Florio, which would take up all morning.

Boat trip around the archeological finds and rich flora of the western part of the island
After a light lunch, take a boat excursion around the western zone of the island. Along the way you will see various grottoes and coves, with "Cala del Pozzo" standing out the most, home to an abundance of fish and marine sponges. Heading south, until Punta Longa, there is a series of coves (including Cala Rotonda), islets and rocks. Photography lovers cannot miss out on taking snaps of the rock, Scoglio Palumbo with its valuable archaeological finds.

Day two 
Sweet breakfast at the Piazza del Centro
Should you take a morning walk around the centre, at Piazza Madrice there are many bars which you can try out the tasty brioches with a lemon "granita" (iced-lemon drink) or a coffee with cream, giving you the energy to take on a bike-riding tour of the eastern part of the island.

Bike-hire at Punta San Nicola
After you have bargained bike hire for the day, head east to discover the island of Favignana. Once you have passed the rocks, Scogli di San Giovanni, on the left you arrive at Cala San Nicola with its small white-pebbled beaches. Heading towards Cala Rossa you will cross the area of Scalo Cavallo, a beautiful tuff-rock quarry with natural terraces perched above the sea and also home to an archaeological zone.

Cala Rossa, the pearl of the island with its crystal-clear sea
Besides its name, meaning "Red Cove", the colour of the sea in this bay is so turquoise you will be transfixed. Characteristic of this cove is the enormous "funghi" or mushroom-shaped tuff rocks which just from the sea at over ten metres. Although access to the sea is steep and awkward, we do advise you take a swim and have a light packed lunch on the beach.

Traditional fish dinner
Once you are back on your bike, enjoy the last ride before a tasty fish dinner. Heading toward the west, you will pass Cala Azzurra and Punta Fanfalo, Cala Tuono, Grotta Perciata, Lido Burrone, Cala Monaci and Punta Longa, where there is a small fishing village; by now you will be near the centre where a fish dinner awaits with a choice of cous cous or pasta with fish eggs.

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