From Trapani: Cruise to Favignana and Levanzo with lunch

Exploring Sicily’s Egadi Islands on a Mini Cruise from Trapani

If you’re looking to escape the hustle of mainland Sicily and dive into some stunning coastal scenery, this mini cruise to Favignana and Levanzo offers a fantastic blend of exploration, relaxation, and authentic Italian charm. Starting from Trapani, the trip is well-designed to give you a taste of island life, with enough free time on each island to wander, shop, or just soak up the sun — without feeling rushed.

Two things I really appreciate about this experience are the beautiful boat cruise along the coast, with views of Cala Rossa and Cala Minnola, and the delicious onboard lunch that’s included in the price. The guides are praised for their friendliness and professionalism, helping make the day both enjoyable and smooth. Plus, the opportunity to swim directly from the boat in crystal-clear waters is a highlight, especially in the summer months.

One possible drawback to keep in mind is the limited time on each island—around two hours on Favignana and one hour on Levanzo—meaning you won’t fully explore every corner, but that’s a fair trade for a comprehensive day trip. If you want to really explore island life, consider extending your stay, but if a quick taste is enough, this cruise packs in plenty.

This tour balances value, comfort, and scenic beauty, making it a good pick for travelers who want a laid-back day on Sicily’s spectacular coast without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple bookings.

Key points / Takeaways

• Stunning coastal views and visits to famous creeks like Cala Rossa and Cala Minnola.
• Comfortable boat cruise with knowledgeable staff and a friendly atmosphere.
• Included Sicilian lunch featuring pasta, wine, and fresh fruit—great value.
• Limited island time means you won’t see everything, but it’s enough to get a feel for each place.
• Swim directly from the boat in the clear waters, a favorite among travelers.
• Good reviews highlight the professionalism of guides and the quality of the food.

The Experience: What You Can Expect from Start to Finish

Starting early from Trapani’s port around 9:30 a.m., this cruise gets you out on the water before the day heats up. The ferry ride to Favignana takes about 45 minutes, giving you time to settle into the boat’s amenities and enjoy the sea breeze. The boat itself is often described as comfortable, with helpful staff and a bar offering drinks—perfect for relaxing or grabbing a quick coffee before disembarking.

Once on Favignana, you’ll have approximately two hours to explore the village, shop for local products, or visit the Tuna Museum at Ex Stabilimento Florio. Several reviews mention that the free time on Favignana feels just right — enough to see the key sights without feeling like you’re rushing. A recurring comment is that some travelers wish for more time here, especially if they want to rent bikes to reach secluded beaches or explore further. Still, the boat crew is friendly and helpful, making sure everyone stays on schedule.

The boat then departs for a scenic sail along Favignana’s coast, passing by notable creeks like Scalo Cavallo, Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, and Cala Azzurra. These stops are not just pretty views—they’re photo opportunities and swimming spots. Many reviewers rave about the stunning scenery and the chance to swim from the boat in the turquoise waters, which is often described as a highlight of the trip.

Lunch is served onboard around midday, and based on reviews, you’ll find it is well above average for a boat tour. The menu typically includes pasta with local pesto, wine, water, and fresh fruit like melon. Several travelers mention that the lunch was delicious, with some calling it one of the best meals they had in Sicily. The crew is praised for making this part of the day seamless and enjoyable.

After lunch, the cruise continues to Levanzo, a smaller but equally charming island. You’ll arrive with about an hour to wander the tiny village, take photos of the Faraglione of Levanzo, and enjoy a quick swim or ice cream. The short time here means you’ll mainly get a sense of the island’s character rather than deep exploration.

The return trip involves a 45-minute ferry ride back to Trapani, often filled with comments about the beautiful coastlines and caves viewed along the way. The trip wraps up around 5 to 6 p.m., giving you a full day of island scenery without the hassle of planning multiple days.

Why This Tour Works

This cruise is a great value for under $50, especially considering most of the cost includes transport, guided visits, and a full lunch. You get a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing, which suits travelers wanting a taste of the islands without committing to an overnight stay.

The friendly guides and crew are consistently praised for their professionalism and helpfulness. They speak English and Italian, making communication straightforward. The boat’s amenities, including a bar and restrooms, add comfort to the journey.

If you’re someone who appreciates stunning scenery, local food, and easy logistics, this tour hits all those notes. The only real limitation is the time constraint on each island — but for most, the experience of seeing Favignana and Levanzo in a day outweighs the downside.

Who Will Love This Cruise

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day out on the water with minimal hassle. If you enjoy swimming in clear waters, visiting small villages, and trying local Sicilian food, you’ll find plenty to love. It’s particularly good for those who prefer guided trips where logistics are taken care of, freeing you to enjoy the scenery.

It’s also suited to families, small groups, or solo travelers who appreciate friendly staff and a well-organized itinerary. Those looking for more in-depth exploration might prefer to extend their stay or visit the islands independently, but for a sample of island life, this cruise delivers.

Price and Logistics: Good Value for Money

At approximately $48.97 per person, this tour offers excellent value, considering the included ferry rides, guided visits, and lunch. It’s also flexible with full cancellation and pay later options, making it a low-risk choice.

The eight-hour duration covers the main attractions without feeling overly long, and the departure times are flexible depending on availability. Since the tour runs from a central location in Trapani, it’s easy to access, and the organized pickup and drop-off streamline your day.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase an €5 entry fee for the Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area on site, which adds a small extra cost but helps preserve the natural beauty you’ll see.

Final Thoughts

This mini cruise to Favignana and Levanzo offers a fantastic introduction to Sicily’s western coast. It’s a well-organized, scenic, and tasty way to spend a day, especially if you’re short on time but want a taste of island life, picturesque beaches, and local flavors.

While the short time on each island might not satisfy those wanting to explore every corner, it’s perfect for a broad overview and a relaxing day on the water. The stunning scenery, friendly guides, and delicious lunch make it a worthwhile choice for many visitors.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this trip will leave you with photos of crystal waters, memories of good food, and perhaps a new appreciation for Sicily’s beautiful Egadi Islands.

FAQ

How long is the boat ride from Trapani to Favignana?
The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes, offering a comfortable start to your day with good views along the coast.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the mini cruise to Favignana and Levanzo, free time on both islands, and a typical Sicilian lunch on board. You’ll also enjoy guided tours and swimming stops.

Is there a time limit on each island?
Yes, roughly 2 hours on Favignana and 1 hour on Levanzo, which is enough for a quick explore, shopping, or a swim, but not for in-depth sightseeing.

Are drinks included?
The lunch includes wine and water, and there’s a bar onboard for additional drinks. Many reviews mention the quality of the wine and the overall good service.

Do I need to pay extra for entry to the islands?
Yes, there is a €5 fee for the Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area, payable on site.

Is it suitable for families or solo travelers?
Yes, the friendly staff and organized schedule make it good for all ages. The short stops and swimming opportunities appeal to families and solo adventurers alike.

This Sicilian day trip offers a blend of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and enjoyable moments. For travelers seeking an authentic, hassle-free way to sample the Egadi Islands’ charms, this cruise hits the mark.