L’island of Favignana it is a true corner of paradise, where many tourists go in droves during the summer to enjoy the sun and its splendid beaches. But out of season, especially at the end of spring, the silence of nature reigns supreme: you have the impression of being completely alone, in a place far from the world. And his that’s how he says it Guardian in his splendid eulogy to this entirely Italian pearl, perhaps still little known to foreign travelers.
The island of Favignana, between history and mythology
L’Aegadian Archipelago located off the northwest coast of Sicily, is considered a splendid tourist destination for Italians looking for dream beaches and a little relaxation. Certainly less known to tourists, this place nevertheless seems intact, especially outside the summer season. L’island of Favignanawhich is the largest, still remains a small plot of land covered in Mediterranean scrub and inhabited by just under 3,500 people, a true oasis of peace for those looking for a peaceful vacation.
But it was not always like this: historically, the island lived very bloody facts like the first Punic war, the barbarian invasions and the transformation into a place of detention for political opponents – the Mazzinian Giovanni Nicotera was imprisoned there, released only after the landing of the Thousand. Legend has it, however, that Favignana was the island that inspiredOdysseythe historian Homer’s poem. According to some scholars, it was along its shores that Odysseus’ crew stopped before the mythological encounter with the Cyclops.
Discovering the island of Favignana
The best way to visit Favignana is ride a bike, given that the island is really small and almost entirely flat. You will be able to truly enjoy the breathtaking views that nature offers, pedaling in a silence interrupted only by the song of birds and the sound of the sea. One of the essential stops to discover the most authentic face of the island can only be its historic tuna fishery, the largest in the entire Mediterranean. Belonged to Florio familyprotagonist of the recent television series The lions of Sicily has been closed for some time due to strict regulations on bluefin tuna fishing.
However, all of the buildings which made up the factory have been restored in recent years and it now houses a beautiful museum, which offers an incredible tour of the ancient tradition of tuna fishing and processing methods. Inside there is also a Antiquarium where it is possible to admire the precious finds found in the sea around the Egadi Islands. After delving into the history of this small island, all that remains is to continue exploring its most beautiful landscapes, including the beaches so popular with tourists.
The best known is certainly that of Cala Rossa, a rocky beach where the sea is truly crystal clear. No less fascinating are the beaches of Cala Azzurra and Bue Marino, with their cliffs overlooking the water. And what about Burrone beach, the only sandy beach on the entire island? To fully enjoy an authentic experience, simply visit them all. And of course, stop from time to time to refresh yourself with the many Local specialties: from fresh fish to the famous brioche with ice cream, according to the perfect Sicilian tradition