Sailing boat holidays, rental with skipper in the Egadi islands
Western Sicily, after Trapani there is always straight ahead only the sea, from here sailing holidays depart for the Egadi islands, which despite the name Aegates i.e. goat islands, are among the favorite destinations for sailors from all over the world. world with their sailing boats rented with skippers. In fact, it is no coincidence that at the end of September 2005, the Louis Vuitton Acts 8 & 9, preliminary stages of the America's Cup, took place between Trapani and the Egadi Islands. The last Sicilian offshoot, Favignana and Levanzo were once even connected to Trinacria. Today, however, to cover the 8 miles (15 kilometres) that separate Levanzo from Trapani, there are a lot of mainsails to shed. But a little premise is needed, sailors already know this, it is better to remind others, every sailing cruise with a skipper is the result of its wind. Directions, stages and routes are therefore not fixed and depend on Scirocco and Grecale, Maestrale and Libeccio. This makes every trip a unique flavor with often inscrutable itineraries. Having set sail from Trapani, on the first day you reach Levanzo, with its vaguely Greek, white port clinging to the hill that plunges into the emerald waters. To start bathing immediately, there are two coves before the town: Cala Minnola, with a pine forest ideal for packed lunches, and Cala Fridda. In the latter, as the name suggests, swimming becomes invigorating.
On land, in addition to the walk in the town, we recommend a trip to the Grotta del Genovese, overlooking the western side. The tours are organized by Natale Castiglione (tel. 0923924032; 15/20 euros for the visit and excursion by off-road vehicle or boat, by reservation). The cave looks like a prehistoric art gallery: inside there are engravings and rock paintings that describe life 13,000 years ago, from deer hunting to tuna fishing. Then navigation resumes towards Favignana which can already be seen on the horizon just over 2 miles to the south. Grecale or Mistral ensure a nice pace and the island of the most famous Sicilian tuna fishery approaches quickly. Before entering the port your gaze runs over the town, stretched between the beach and the ancient tuff quarries. The tuna fishery, which has now become a very important museum that we recommend visiting, and the Florio villa, also welcome the sea dogs.
On land, Favignana slowly opens up, the low houses, with an African flavour, make you imagine even more exotic places. The colorful dome that can also be seen from the sea is that of the Mother Church from 1704. A tip: at sunset the seafront is the best walk to enjoy the view of Levanzo, the hilly profile of Favignana and, above all, a dive into the past , that is, that of the Roman quarries that characterize this stretch of coast. But for a truly breathtaking experience you just need to know how to wait until the next day. Back on the boat, the excursion to Cala Rossa is almost obligatory. Crystal clear waters and sandy seabeds make you think of an earthly paradise. In reality, in 241 BC. one of the bloodiest battles of the first Punic War was fought in these parts: the carnage colored the waters to such an extent that the red blood triumphed over the blue sea. But today people come here to visit that park of abstract sculptures that are the ancient quarries. To conclude the tour of the Egadi, all that remains is Marettimo, given that Maraone and Formica, the two smaller islands, are little more than rocks. The crossing can be a very pleasant cruise or a true 8-mile odyssey. It depends, as always, on the wind.
Having left Favignana and its Punta Sottile, the westernmost strip of land on the island, the sea opens up and the gaze wanders in search of the other highly recognizable destination. Monte Falcone which dominates Marettimo, with its 686 meters stands out above the waves and often has a hat of clouds overhead. Once at the port the town is immediately there, a wonderful medieval village with white houses. For those who love excursions with a view, we recommend a trip to the Punta Troia fort. A half-day walk among fragrant rosemary, crevasses and wild views.
Once at your destination, namely on the hill dominated by the fort, it is not difficult to understand the reasons that made it the Alcatraz of the Mediterranean from the end of the 18th century to 1844 (Guglielmo Pepe was also imprisoned here). To be seen by boat, there are the natural caves: among the best known, those of the Nativity scene and the Camel.
