Levanzo

The adorable

Levanzo is one of those islands whispered about like a secret.
The few images we see of it look so perfect that you could mistake it for a cardboard set. The kind of destination where you think it sounds too good to be honest. Levanzo is very real, though.
This tiny island of 5 km², the smallest of the Egadi archipelago off the coast of Sicily,
is a little white and blue gem nestled in the rock overlooking a bay with crystal-clear waters.

Levanzo is one of those islands that are whispered about like secrets. The few images that we see of it seem so perfect that one could believe in a decor of cardboard. The kind of destination where you think it sounds too good to be honest. Levanzo is very real, though.
This tiny island of 5 km², the smallest of the Egadi archipelago off the coast of Sicily,
is a little white and blue gem nestled in the rock overlooking a bay with crystal-clear waters.

In Levanzo, as you disembark from the boat, you’ll come face to face with a cat basking in the sun and a few elderly people chatting on a bench.
The island’s only village consists of about thirty white houses clinging to the hillside and a harbor with tropical waters. The reigning silence is such that you want to whisper while walking around so as not to disturb the tranquility of its 80 inhabitants. The island breathes serenity and seems to belong to another world where life flows (very) slowly.

In Levanzo, you will come face to face, as you get off the boat, with a languid cat in the sun and a few old people chatting on a bench. The island’s only village consists of about thirty white houses clinging to the hillside and a harbor with tropical waters.
The silence is so profound that one feels compelled to whisper while strolling so as not to disturb the tranquility of its 80 inhabitants. The island breathes serenity and seems to belong to another world where life flows (very) slowly.

Levanzo is ideal for lovers of dolce far niente, the art of doing nothing.
Perfect for those who enjoy a slow-life vacation, who crave disconnection, peace, and tranquility in an idyllic setting. Tourists rarely stop there, or only for the day. We supposedly quickly made the rounds, “there is not much”.
However, it is precisely this supposed nothing that the island invites us to explore.

Levanzo is ideal for lovers of dolce farniente “the sweetness of doing nothing”. Perfect for those who love slow-life vacations, who want to disconnect, peace and quiet in an idyllic setting. Tourists rarely stop there, or only for the day. We supposedly quickly made the rounds, “there is not much”. However, it is precisely this supposed nothing that the island invites us to explore.

GROTTA DEL GENOVESE

The island, forbidden to vehicles, is covered with hills and bordered by steep rocky coasts where many prehistoric caves are hidden, in particular the Grotta del genovese. Unique in Italy, rivaling Altamira and Lascaux, this cave brings together Upper Paleolithic incisions and Upper Neolithic paintings. Magic to think that we are faced with a testimony left there more than 12,000 years ago. The grace of certain animal figures is admirable and we say to ourselves that the search for beauty that animated our distant ancestors brings us together beyond the millennia. The cave, which can be visited from March to November, is accessible either by sea or by a small path on the mountainside (with good shoes).

Thanks to its small size, you can easily reach the island’s various beaches in just a few minutes by following beautiful coastal paths. Depending on the season, you can swim in the coves that dot the coastline, or stroll among the agave and pine trees towards the lighthouse or Mount Pellegrino.

A 20-minute walk from the port, Cala Minnola is a stunning cove,
surrounded by a pine forest. It’s perfect for swimming, a nap, or a picnic in the shade,
as well as for exploring the seabed of the reserve, with the wrecks of old Roman galleons in the distance.

Thanks to its small size, you can easily reach the various beaches of the island in a few minutes, following magnificent coastal paths. Depending on the season, you can swim in the creeks that dot the coast, or walk among the agaves and pines towards the lighthouse or Mount Pellegrino.

A 20-minute walk from the port, cala Minnola is a superb cove, surrounded by a pine forest. Divine for swimming, a siesta or a picnic in the shade as well as for exploring the seabed of the reserve with, in the distance, the wrecks of old Roman galleons.

2000 YEARS UNDER THE SEA

In Levanzo, history has also left its mark beneath the sea. Cala Minnola is the site of the Battle of the Aegadian Sea in 241 BC.
The Romans triumphed over the Carthaginians, ending the First Punic War. Today, the ships’ rams, along with the crew’s helmets and swords, are housed in the Archaeological Museum of Favignana.
However, it is in Levanzo that one can visit a truly unique underwater archaeological site. 40 meters from the coast, giant amphoras were found in the same place. They were used to transport salted fish and especially “garum” (fish paste very popular in Roman times) now coming from the neighboring establishment.

In contrast, on the west coast, Cala Faraglione offers a completely different spectacle. Highly rocky, this cove is a masterful blend of power and serenity, especially at sunset. The path leading to it is delightful and enjoys a hypnotic view of the neighboring island of Favignana .

At the end of the day, the entire Levanzo community gathers with their families in the village.
They stroll along the seafront and then enjoy an aperitivo at the café overlooking the port.
It’s the perfect place to mingle with locals and families from Palermo who own second homes there, while watching the few tourists who came for the day depart. A Spritz in hand, and with a profound sense of privilege emanating from this haven of peace.
The soft hues and the poetic beauty of the sunset will do the rest.

In Levanzo, there’s no need to do a multitude of activities.
The island is enchanting in itself, and little by little, village life takes over from one’s own habits: the appointment with Paolo’s fresh fish, walks in search of wild asparagus, evening aperitifs at Mr. Campo’s bakery, night swims, music at the port. And now we are quickly caught up in the game and two days are no longer enough…

Levanzo is

3 km long by 2 km wide

Accessibility

Lodging capacity

Animation

Levanzo island map - Egadi islands - Sicily - Italie - Europe

Where is Levanzo located? Levanzo is the smallest of the 3 islands constituting with Favignana and Marettimo, the archipelago of the Egadi, in the North-West of Sicily. Much less known to the general public than its Aeolian neighbour, this archipelago is mainly frequented by “mainland” Sicilians.

How to get to Levanzo? 1 hour’s drive from Palermo, followed by a 20-minute by hydrofoil from Trapani. To be reserved in advance.

How to travel on the island ? Levanzo is closed to vehicles (there is no road on Levanzo anyway). We therefore move on foot, by bike, or by boat.

Where to sleep and eat? In Levanzo, there are two bars/restaurants, a bakery/extra grocery store, and a souvenir shop. That’s it! The island has 3 small hotels and some seasonal rentals. Nice addresses I’ve spotted (but not tested!): Dolcevita Egadi ResortL’Isola Residence

The book to take in your suitcase? The art of the siesta by Thierry Paquot.

The song to include in your playlist? Isola che non c’è by Edoardo Bennato.

And especially where to drink your Spritz? You will understand, no difficult dilemma here: after having tested the 2, our recommendation is the delicious Romano bar on the left facing the port.