Egadi Islands Boat Tour: Favignana & Levanzo with Lunch

Summary

Swim coves of Favignana taste Trapani pesto lunch on the sea

You’ll set off from Trapani by boat toward Favignana & Levanzo—swimming in clear coves like Cala Azzurra and Cala Rossa before sharing Sicilian pasta lunch on deck with local wine or spritz. There’s time to wander Favignana town and float off Levanzo’s quiet beaches too. It’s relaxed but full of small moments—sea breeze, laughter over lunch—that stick with you long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the slap of sunlight on the water as we left Trapani — almost blinding, but in a good way. The boat wasn’t crowded (24 people max), and everyone seemed to loosen up as soon as we passed the breakwater. Our skipper, Salvo, started pointing out these tiny islets — I couldn’t catch all their names, but one looked like a sleeping turtle. There was this salty wind that stuck to my skin and made me hungry even before we reached Favignana.

Cala Azzurra was our first stop, and honestly, I just stared at how clear the water was before jumping in. You know when you can see your toes underwater? Like that, but bluer. Someone handed me a snorkel mask and I tried to follow a silvery fish for a while — lost it almost immediately. Back on board, Salvo poured prosecco and Aperol spritz for whoever wanted it (I went for peach tea because I’m a lightweight). The snacks were simple — peanuts and these spicy little things called ‘cosini’ — but they hit differently after swimming. I tried to say “grazie” with my mouth full; not my best moment.

Bue Marino felt quieter somehow. Maybe it was just the echo off those old rock walls or maybe everyone got a bit sun-dazed by then. Salvo told us about monk seals hiding here ages ago; he did this little hand gesture like whiskers that made everyone laugh. Then Cala Rossa — all red rocks and turquoise water, with this story about ancient battles that made me shiver even though it was 30°C out. We drifted past the Grotta degli Innamorati (the Lovers’ Cave), which really does look like two people hugging if you squint right. Or maybe that’s just what you want to see.

Lunch was pasta with Trapani pesto (almonds, tomatoes, olive oil) and another with basil pesto — both so much better than what I make at home, not going to lie. Bread cunzato too: chewy, salty, olive-oily in the best way. We ate moored up in Favignana’s port while gulls circled overhead and locals biked past on those old rattly bikes you only see in Sicily. Afterward there was an hour to wander Favignana town; I bought a tiny jar of tuna in oil from a lady who didn’t speak English but smiled when I pointed at her display.

Levanzo came later: Cala Dogana’s white houses glowing against blue sea, fishermen mending nets on shore like it’s nothing special. At Cala Fredda I floated until my fingers wrinkled up; someone said there are freshwater springs under the sand here but I couldn’t tell where salt ended and sweet began. Last stop was Cala Minnola — pebbles underfoot, history everywhere if you listened close enough (Salvo had stories about pirates and Romans). On the way back there was fresh fruit and cantaloupe liqueur; tasted odd at first sip but somehow perfect after all that sun. Still thinking about that view over my shoulder as Trapani got closer again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour of Egadi Islands

• Depart from Trapani to Favignana
• Visit Cala Azzurra for snorkeling
• Enjoy aperitif break on board
• Explore Bue Marino sea cave
• Swim and snorkel at Cala Rossa
• Visit Grotta degli Innamorati cave
• Have lunch on board at Favignana port
• Explore Favignana old town
• Visit Cala Dogana on Levanzo
• Swim at Cala Fredda beach
• Enjoy refreshment with fruit and liqueur
• Relax at Cala Minnola cove
• Return to Trapani port

Top questions

How long is the Egadi Islands boat tour from Trapani?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours from departure to return.

Is lunch included during the Favignana & Levanzo boat trip?

Yes, lunch is served on board featuring typical Sicilian pasta dishes and bread cunzato.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Aperitif drinks such as prosecco or spritz are included along with soft drinks like tea and juice; wine is served with lunch.

Do we get free time on Favignana island?

Yes, there’s about one hour of free time to explore Favignana town after lunch.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Snorkeling gear is provided for use at swimming stops during the tour.

What are some stops included in this Egadi Islands day trip?

The main stops are Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino, Cala Rossa, Grotta degli Innamorati (Favignana), plus Cala Dogana, Cala Fredda, and Cala Minnola (Levanzo).

Does the tour include pickup from hotels in Trapani?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from Trapani port.

Are alcoholic beverages available for minors?

No; alcoholic drinks are only served to travelers aged 18 or older—minors receive soft drinks instead.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Trapani port aboard a comfortable 24-seat boat with use of snorkeling equipment at various coves around Favignana and Levanzo. Enjoy an onboard aperitif with prosecco or spritz plus snacks before stopping for a traditional Sicilian lunch featuring two types of pasta (Trapani pesto and Genovese pesto), bread cunzato, seasonal fruit, local wine or soft drinks—all while moored at Favignana port. Afterward there’s free time to explore Favignana town before more swimming spots around Levanzo; fresh fruit and cantaloupe liqueur round out your return journey—all taxes and fees included.