Favignana & Levanzo Day Trip: Small Boat, Lunch & Swim Coves

Summary

Swim turquoise coves, eat Sicilian bread on deck, meet islanders

You’ll board a small boat in Trapani for a relaxed day trip to Favignana & Levanzo, swimming in clear coves, sharing Sicilian lunch on deck with wine, exploring island villages at your own pace, and ending with fruit and local liqueur as the sun softens over the Egadi sea.

What’s the experience like?

The day didn’t start like I pictured — I’d forgotten my hat (classic), and the Trapani sun was already threatening. Our skipper, Salvo, just grinned and handed me a spare one from the pile he keeps for “distracted tourists.” The boat — a rib with maybe twelve of us — bounced gently as we pulled away from the port. Salvo started pointing out little islets, telling stories about pirates and tuna fishermen in a mix of Italian and English. It was louder than I expected, engine humming under our feet, but somehow that made it feel more real — not some silent postcard moment.

First stop was Favignana’s Cala Azzurra. The water looked fake-blue, almost too clear to be true. I hesitated before jumping in (it’s always colder than you think), but then you’re floating and there’s this salty Mediterranean smell mixed with sunscreen and someone’s Aperol spritz. We passed around arancine and cunzato bread for lunch later — warm, oily fingers, tomatoes so sweet they tasted like July. There was wine too, of course. I tried to say “buon appetito” properly; Salvo laughed and corrected me (“more like ‘bon appétit’ here!”). After eating, we wandered through Favignana village for an hour or so — old men playing cards in the shade, a cat sleeping on a scooter seat. No rush at all.

Levanzo felt even quieter. Cala Dogana had these white houses right up against the blue water; it smelled faintly of seaweed and laundry soap drifting from open windows. Some people snorkeled at Cala Fredda — I just sat on the pebbles watching fishermen untangle nets. The sun got softer by then; you could hear cicadas and distant laughter from another boat somewhere around the bend. On board again, we finished with slices of melon and a weirdly sweet cantaloupe liqueur (not my thing but worth trying once). I still think about that light over the water as we headed back to Trapani — tired in that good way after salt and sun.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Egadi Islands boat tour with lunch

• 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 with local products
• Explore Favignana old town
• Visit Cala Dogana port in Levanzo
• Swim and snorkel at Cala Fredda
• Enjoy refreshment with fruit and liqueur
• Relax at Cala Minnula beach
• Return to Trapani port

Top questions

How long does the Favignana & Levanzo day trip last?

The tour lasts about 8 hours including all stops and lunch.

Is lunch included during the Egadi Islands boat tour?

Yes, a typical Sicilian lunch is served on board with local products and drinks.

Are there swimming stops during the day trip?

Yes, there are several swimming stops at coves like Cala Azzurra and Cala Fredda.

How many people are on the boat?

The inflatable boat holds up to 12 passengers plus crew.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Do you get time to explore Favignana village?

You have about an hour to walk around Favignana’s old town after lunch.

Are alcoholic drinks available on board?

Yes, wine, prosecco, Aperol Spritz or Campari Spritz are offered for adults over 18.

Is pickup included from my hotel in Trapani?

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

What’s included

Your day includes passage by 12-seat inflatable boat from Trapani to Favignana & Levanzo with all marine park fees covered; several swim stops; use of snorkeling gear; Sicilian-style lunch on board with arancine, cunzato bread, pizza bites and fruit; prosecco or spritz plus soft drinks; afternoon aperitif; plus time ashore in Favignana village before returning late afternoon.