Isole Egadi
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| Isole Egadi
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 Anchorage in the Egadi Islands |
The Egadi Islands (aka Aegadian Islands) consist of a group of three small, rocky islands, Isola Favignana, Isola Levanzo and Isola Marettimo, lying some 6-10 miles off the harbour of Trapani at the extreme NW corner of Sicily. They were the site of a major naval battle in 241 BC which effectively ended Carthaginian resistance during the First Punic War.
The islands are famous for the former annual tuna catch, the mattanza (massacre) when tuna migrating through the channel between the islands and Sicily were trapped in nets and butchered for the canning industry. Nets are still set off the island from 1 April to 15 July.
Latterly, however, with the decline in tuna numbers, tourism has assumed increasing importance in the population’s struggle for survival. The largest island, Isola Favignana, offers secure anchorages on both N and S sides where protection should be found in most winds.
Note: The area around the islands is a marine protected area. It is necessary to have a cruising permit for the Egadi Islands. Permits can be obtained online at Area Marina Protetta (Italian only but Google Translate works well). There have also been reports that fines of €200 have been levied for not having a cruising permit.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 2122 - Bizerte to Capo San Marco
- Italian
- 916
Weather
See Italy - weather.
Passages
See Aegean to West Mediterranean Passages.
Communication
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
There are no dangers in the approaches, although a current sets NE between the islands and can run at up to 1.0 knot. Most of the islands are rock-strewn around the coasts and it is wise to stay half a mile offshore unless you have a large-scale chart.
Berthing
Ports
Cala Principale
Cala Principale [[Isole Egadi#Cala Principale|Cala Principale]] (Favignana) 37°55.825'N, 012°19.473'E Cala Principale (as the name suggests) is the principal harbour of the islands. Open to winds from NW round to NNE. Space here is limited, especially during the season.
Anchor moor stern-to or go alongside the small L-shaped Molo Principale (or Pontile Principale) off the beach wherever there is room, avoiding the fuel berth and the reserved areas marked with yellow lines. Depths here range from 2.0 - 3.0 metres.
NB: There is a stone surbase extending from the quays just below the water level there. Also, mind stone steps extending from the landing stairs.
In season the berths inner side of the jetty and the T-shaped pontoon further inshore are managed by Circolo Nautico Favignana (phone: 09231961245). The depths at the pontoon are 1.2 m - 2.5 m. Off the season it is all occupied by small craft.
Mooring is also allowed on the Molo San Leonardo in depths of 4.0 - 5.0 metres between the hours of 1930 and 0730.
Scala Nuova, Marettimo
Scala Nuova, Marettimo [[Isole Egadi#Scala Nuova, Marettimo|Scala Nuova, Marettimo]] 37°57.961'N, 012°04.523'E Scala Nuova is a small harbour off the hamlet of Marettimo on the E side of the island. A long pontoon has been installed inside the harbour, with depths ranging from 1.5 metres at the inner end to 4.5 metres at the outer. Yachts of up to 24.0 metres can be accommodated. Water and electricity on the pontoon.
The harbour is open to winds from S round to NE.Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
In settled weather, there are a number of small coves along the coast of Favignana that are also worth exploring. Those listed are a small sample.
Cala Rossa, Favignana
Cala Rossa, Favignana [[Isole Egadi#Cala Rossa, Favignana|Cala Rossa, Favignana]] 37°55.4′N, 12°21.8′E Cala Azzura, Favignana
Cala Azzura, Favignana [[Isole Egadi#Cala Azzura, Favignana|Cala Azzura, Favignana]] 37°54.5′N, 12°21.7′E Punta Longa, Favingnana
Punta Longa, Favingnana [[Isole Egadi#Punta Longa, Favingnana|Punta Longa, Favingnana]] 37°54.95′N, 012°19.22′E 
Cala Dogana, Levanzo
Cala Dogana, Levanzo [[Isole Egadi#Cala Dogana, Levanzo|Cala Dogana, Levanzo]] 37°59.20′N, 012°20.44′E Cala Fredda, Levanzo
Cala Fredda, Levanzo [[Isole Egadi#Cala Fredda, Levanzo|Cala Fredda, Levanzo]] 37°59.33′N, 012°20.72′E Amenities
| Facilities | |
|---|---|
| Water |
|
| Electricity | On the quay Scala Nuova, Isola Marettimo |
| Toilets | ? |
| Showers | ? |
| Laundry | None noted |
| Garbage | Bins at all harbours |
| Supplies | |
| Fuel | Station (0800 - 1930) in Cala Principale |
| Bottled gas | ? |
| Chandlers | None noted |
| Services | |
| Repairs | Limited repairs at Cala Principale on Favignana and Scala Nuova, Isola Marettimo
Slipway and mobile crane at both. Divers. |
| Internet | None noted |
| Mobile connectivity | ? |
| Vehicle rentals | Scooter and cycle hire on Isola Favignano -- there are a couple of them located at the E side of the Cala Principale |
Provisioning
Limited provisions on Isola Favignana in Favignana town. In season this is a bustling community with at least three supermarkets.
Eating out
A good supply of trattorias in Isola Favignana. Fewer in Marettimo and Levanzo.
Transportation
- Ferries (Siremar)
- Hydrofoils and catamarans (Ustica Lines) from Trapani
Tourism
The main attraction of the Egadi Islands is the numerous rocky coves, many with small sandy beaches, lapped by crystal-clear waters. Away from the towns, the islands are crisscrossed by excellent walking paths (on Marettimo there are no roads at all).
- Favignana: Old Tuna factory on the W side of the Cala Principale has now been transformed into a Museum for tuna fishing and processing - €4.00 entrance fee includes a free guided tour.
- It is well worth paying a visit to the Palazzo Florio just at the E shore of the Cala Principale. It was the home of the owners of the tuna factory -- now among the others, a tourist office of Favignana is located there.
- Many of the old tuff open quarries can be visited by bicycle (see below).
- Levanzo island is famous for its Grotta del Genovese, a cave with traces of Neolithic cave paintings of animal and human figures.
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Aegadian Islands at the Wikipedia
- Aegadian Islands at the Wikivoyage
- Favignana at the Wikipedia
- For a plan of Cala Principale, Favignana check this site. On the right side of the page, there are also some links to plans of other ports in the Province of Trapani.
References
See Italy.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Isole Egadi and this page's details validated:
- May 2004 --Athene of Lymington 15:38, 9 November 2010 (UTC)
- October 2011 --Vadp
- August 2013 --RobbieW 16:25, 20 August 2013 (BST)
| This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
 Contributors to this page |
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Names: Athene of Lymington, RobbieW |
