Hiking and cycling in Egadi Islands, pearls of dolomite into the blue sea
8 days
About this Tour
Day 1: Meeting with the guide
at the airport of Palermo by 12 pm and transfer to the port of Trapani, hydrofoil to Marettimo island and accommodation in the rooms of the widespread hospitality of the small seaside village where we stop for 3 nights. Time at your disposal before the aperitif and welcome dinner. HB
Day 2: Nature and coasts of the wonderful Marettimo
Hiking from the village to Punta Libeccio, crossing the island and the pine forest; once we reach the second brightest lighthouse in Italy, we descend along the cliff below where, with traditional boats, we go to enjoy the wonders of the inaccessible western and northern coast, rich in karst caves and naturalistic rarities. Along the way there will be opportunities to cool off with a nice swim in the crystal clear sea. In the late afternoon we return to the village to relax before dinner. Dinner on your own. HB (packed lunch included)
Day 3: In the rocky heart of the island
Hiking to discover the wildest part, dominated by the Mediterranean scrub, of the interior of the island of Marettimo. The mountain ridge of the island dominates wide views of the sea and the rocky landscape that characterizes this island of which your guide will take the opportunity to tell you about the interesting peculiarities. On the way back we visit the archaeological site of Case Romane, and then reach Marettimo again where we can relax with a nice swim in the sea before dinner. Dinner on your own. HB (packed lunch included)
Day 4: Favignana island and its traditions
In the morning we take the hydrofoil to Favignana where we settle into the hotel. Visit to the Florio tuna fishery, now transformed into an interesting museum of fishing and maritime traditions; in the afternoon with a nice hike we reach the Forte Santa Caterina, to admire the beautiful panorama and enjoy the magical colors of the sunset over the sea. Dinner on your own in one of the restaurants in the village. BB
Day 5: Favignana by bike
Tour of the island by bike, along the way we stop to learn about the peculiarities of this island such as the ancient tuff quarries and the most characteristic coves where there will be time for some nice swimming, after a picnic on the beach (lunch not included) we continue the tour in the northern area, to the cultivated countryside of the hinterland, up to the point that overlooks the channel between Favignana and Levanzo (bike excursion of about 25 km, possibility of e-bike). Dinner on your own. BB
Day 6: The white cliffs of Levanzo
This morning we take the hydrofoil to Levanzo for a nice hike: from the village we go along the southern side until we reach a small limestone island called: the Faraglione. We now go up the white cliffs where the view ranges over the blue sea and the rocky coast, until we enter the hinterland of the island where we immerse ourselves in a very characteristic rural environment. We visit a cave with extraordinary paintings and rock carvings that tell of ancient frequentations of the island. Back in the village we enjoy a nice swim in one of the most characteristic coves such as Cala Minnola. In the afternoon we return by hydrofoil to Favignana. Dinner on your own. BB
Day 7: Mount Cofano and Palermo
In the morning, hydrofoil to Trapani and transfer to the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, one of the most characteristic natural environments on the north-eastern coast of Sicily. With a beautiful walk along the wild coast exploring some of the numerous caves and natural cavities that characterize this limestone massif. Along the way, there is no shortage of historical evidence such as the sixteenth-century tower of Tono, used for a long time as a tuna fishery, or the Bourbon tower of San Giovanni, built for defensive purposes. After the excursion we move to Palermo where we settle into the hotel. Evening walk in the city and dinner (not included) in a restaurant or in one of the characteristic street food. BB
Day 8: Bye bye Sicily!
After breakfast, time available for a visit of the city or to buy some souvenirs depending on the flight time. End of services. It is possible to extend the stay to visit independently the area of ??Palermo, San Vito Lo Capo and Cefalù.
Highlights
- Hike to the top of Pizzo Falcone in Marettimo Island, a trekkers' paradise, and then return to the village for a well-deserved dip in the sea and a delicious ice cream.
- Boat tour to discover the beautiful coastal caves where sometimes the monk seal pass by.
- Cycling in Favignana island between beautiful beaches, rural areas, castles and the most important industrial archaeology site of the island: the Tonnara.
- Discover the beautiful cities of Erice, Trapani and Marsala and taste the local wine and other products.
Suggested Season
Spring and Autumn
Suggested Airport
Palermo