Cruise Favignana – Levanzo

Exploring Sicily’s Hidden Gems: A Full-Day Cruise to Favignana and Levanzo

If you’re looking to escape the mainland and experience some of Sicily’s most charming and lesser-visited islands, this boat tour from Trapani offers a well-rounded taste of Favignana and Levanzo. The day-long journey, booked on average 41 days ahead and costing around $62.50, takes you by mini-boat through the archipelago’s shimmering waters. It’s a straightforward, hassle-free way to see these remote islands at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, exploring, and soaking up the sun.

What really makes this experience appealing are the free time on each island — about two hours in Favignana and an hour in Levanzo — giving you chances to wander at your leisure. Plus, the included lunch on board adds value, especially since you’re in a remote coastal setting where dining options might be limited. The guide and skipper receive praise for their friendliness and knowledge, making the journey more enjoyable and informative, even if the tour doesn’t include a dedicated guide for sightseeing.

That said, there are some considerations. The size of the boat and the number of travelers (up to 180) might make for a crowded experience, especially during peak season. Also, some reviews mention organizational hiccups, such as last-minute capacity issues, which can lead to a bit of chaos during the busy midday rush. Plus, access to a Marine Protected Area involves an extra fee of €5, so be prepared for that if you want to explore beyond the standard itinerary.

This tour is a solid choice if you’re craving a straightforward, scenic island-hopping experience with the comfort of round-trip transport from Trapani. It’s especially suited for those who want to enjoy Sicily’s coast without the fuss of planning their own boat trips or ferry schedules.

Key points / Takeaways

• Convenient round-trip transportation from Trapani removes the hassle of arranging separate boat or ferry rides.
• Approximate 8-hour duration balances sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing without feeling rushed.
• Flexible free time on Favignana and Levanzo allows personalized exploration and swimming in warm waters.
• Includes lunch and bottled water on board, offering good value for the price.
• Guides and skippers like Nino and Rosario are often highlighted for their friendliness and professionalism.
• Potential crowds due to large group sizes may impact comfort during busy days.

Discovering the Islands of Favignana and Levanzo: What to Expect

This full-day cruise offers a taste of island life in the Aegadian archipelago, a pristine stretch of coast off western Sicily. Starting from Trapani’s port, you’ll set off around 9:00 am, heading towards Favignana, the largest and most lively of the islands. The journey alone is part of the charm — the mini-boat glides smoothly over the blue waters, and if you’re lucky, the crew’s camaraderie and local stories will make the time fly by.

The Favignana Stop: A Charming Coastal Town

After approximately 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at Favignana — a small island known for its historic tuna fishing and beautiful coastline. The two hours of free time here lets you wander the quaint streets, relax on beaches like Cala Rossa, or grab a gelato. Several reviews mention the quality of the local guide and skipper, with names like Giuseppe and Nino earning praise for their lively, informative commentary. One traveler described their guide as “a cook, guide, commander, entertainer, and more,” highlighting the personable nature of these captains.

The Transition to Levanzo: A Quick Cruise

After leaving Favignana, you’ll cruise to Levanzo, the smallest of the islands, known for its rugged coastlines and fewer crowds. Here, you’ll get another hour of free time, perfect for a quick walk around the island, a swim, or simply enjoying the stunning sea views. A recurring theme in reviews is the excellent swimming opportunities — the warm waters make for a refreshing pause mid-day.

Lunch on Board: Simple yet Satisfying

One of the standout features of this tour is the lunch served onboard. While it’s not gourmet fare, many reviewers describe it as “not bad” and a welcome break during the busy day. Bottled water is provided, ensuring you stay hydrated. The convenience of dining while cruising means you can relax and keep your camera ready for the next scenic spot.

Returning to Trapani

After a full day of exploring, swimming, and snacking, the boat heads back to Trapani around 6:00 pm. The group size can be large — up to 180 people — but the crew generally manages well, according to reviews, though a few mention the possibility of feeling a bit crowded during the peak season.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking easy, all-in-one access to Favignana and Levanzo without the concern of ferry schedules or self-driven boat rentals. It’s perfect if you enjoy relaxed, scenic days with opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and brief island strolls. Those interested in local guides who bring energy and insight will appreciate the crew members praised for their friendliness.

Families with children will find it manageable, provided the kids are comfortable on boats and in crowds. If you’re someone who values independent exploration, the extended free time is a big plus, but remember you’ll need to organize your own transportation back if you decide to stay longer.

If you’re sensitive to crowds or organizational hiccups, it’s worth booking early and arriving prepared for the possibility of a busy boat. Also, be aware of the €5 fee for visiting the Marine Protected Area of the islands if that’s on your wish list.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At around $62.50 per person, this tour offers a reasonable value, especially considering the all-day transportation, lunch, and free time on two scenic islands. The convenience of not having to organize separate transportation and the chance to explore Favignana and Levanzo with ease make it attractive for visitors wanting a stress-free day.

However, the large group size and potential organizational issues mean you may not get a very intimate experience. Still, the guides’ reputation for friendliness and knowledge tips the scales toward a positive experience. It’s especially suitable if you’re on a budget but want to maximize your island time.

Final Thoughts

This full-day cruise offers an accessible, scenic way to experience some of Sicily’s most picturesque islands. You get the essentials: transportation, free time, swimming, and a simple onboard lunch — all for a fair price. The guides and crew often receive glowing praise for their friendliness and local expertise, making the day more engaging.

If you’re craving hassle-free island-hopping, don’t mind sharing your space with other travelers, and value good value for money, this tour should be on your list. Just be prepared for the occasional crowd, and consider booking early to avoid last-minute capacity surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning around 6:00 pm, including travel, free time on islands, and lunch.

What’s included in the price?
You get boat transportation, a simple lunch, bottled water, and onboard restrooms. The tour does not include entry tickets to the Marine Protected Area (€5) or souvenirs.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate if accompanied by an adult. Keep in mind the boat crowd and the length of the day.

How much free time do I get on each island?
Expect around 2 hours in Favignana and 1 hour in Levanzo, enough for a quick stroll, swim, or relaxing on the shoreline.

What are the guides like?
Reviews highlight guides like Nino and Rosario as polite, energetic, and knowledgeable — making the trip more enjoyable.

Are there any organizational issues I should be aware of?
Some travelers mention capacity issues or last-minute booking problems, especially during peak season, so early booking is recommended.

Can I stay longer on the islands?
The tour ends back at Trapani around 6:00 pm, but if you wish to linger, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation back.

In all, this cruise balances practicality with adventure, providing a straightforward way to experience Sicily’s beautiful islands. It’s best suited for those who value good company, scenic views, and the freedom to explore at a relaxed pace.