From Trapani: Cruise to Favignana and Levanzo with lunch

If you’re planning a trip to Sicily and want to experience some of its most beautiful coastal scenery, this cruise to Favignana and Levanzo from Trapani offers quite a bit for your money. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the reviews and itinerary paint a pretty clear picture of what to expect. Think scenic boat rides, underwater dips, charming island villages, and a hearty local lunch—all within a manageable 8-hour window.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its balance between sightseeing and relaxation. You get to explore two distinct islands, enjoy free time for shopping or wandering, and still have plenty of opportunities to swim and soak up the sun. The lunch on board—a pasta dish paired with wine—looks to be a highlight, especially for those who enjoy good, simple Sicilian food. That said, a notable consideration is the fairly tight schedule, with limited time on each island; if you’re someone who loves to explore thoroughly, this might feel a bit rushed.

This tour tends to suit travelers who want a well-organized day of island-hopping without the hassle of planning all the logistics themselves. If you enjoy boat trips, scenic views, and casual but tasty meals, you’ll probably find plenty to love here. However, those seeking in-depth cultural experiences or more time on each island might want to consider whether a longer stay on one island might better suit their pace.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery and clear waters make for memorable swimming stops.
• Well-organized itinerary with timely departures and arrivals.
• Inclusive lunch and drinks add value, especially given the price.
• Multiple stops on Favignana and Levanzo give a good taste of each island.
• Reviews praise the crew’s friendliness and the quality of the lunch.
• Limited time on islands might not satisfy explorers wanting more.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This full-day cruise begins early, with a departure from the Trapani port around 9:30 a.m., giving you an entire day to explore the Egadi Islands. The journey is approximately 45 minutes by ferry to Favignana, a charming island known for its historic tuna fisheries and stunning coastline. The trip lasts about 8 hours in total, ending back in Trapani around 5 to 6 p.m.

What’s Included

For around $49 per person, you get a mini cruise that includes transportation, free time in two islands, and a traditional Sicilian lunch. The tour is conducted in both Italian and English, making it accessible for most travelers. Plus, you have the convenience of skip-the-line tickets and the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s Not Included

There’s a small extra fee—about 5 euros—to access the Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area, paid on-site. It’s a minor cost but worth noting if you’re budget-conscious. Apart from that, everything else seems to be covered, including a bar on the boat with drinks and water, WC facilities, and comfortable seating options.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

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1. Departure from Trapani

The day kicks off at Via Ammiraglio Staiti, where you’ll meet your crew and board the boat. The atmosphere tends to be friendly and professional, with reviews praising the helpfulness of staff.

2. Ferry to Favignana

The 45-minute ride is smooth, offering plenty of ocean views. Once you arrive in Favignana, you’ll have about two hours to explore. Many travelers choose to visit the Ex Stabilimento Florio tuna museum or shop in the quaint village streets. Some reviews note they would prefer more time here, but most find this enough to get a good feel for the island.

One traveler mentioned, “Would have liked to have spent more time on Favignana but overall a good trip to get to know the island,” which sums up the general sentiment. With limited time, many opt to rent bicycles, which are affordable and a quick way to see more.

3. Beach Time & Swimming

The boat makes several stops along Favignana’s coast—at Cala Rossa, Cala Minnola, Bue Marino, and Cala Azzurra—each known for their striking beauty. These are perfect spots for a swim, and you might find yourself jumping straight into the water from the boat, which many reviews rave about.

Several travelers have commented positively on how safe and convenient it is to get in and out of the water, with one noting, “There was a very safe entry/exit to the water from the rubberized walkway.” The chance to swim in these pristine waters is a definite highlight.

4. Lunch on Board

Around midday, everyone gathers for a typical Trapanese lunch served right on the boat. The meal usually features pasta—often with pesto—plus fresh fruit and a glass of local wine or water. Many reviews highlight that the lunch is quite tasty and plentiful, with some calling it one of the best meals of their trip.

One review noted, “The lunch was absolutely fabulous,” reaffirming that the food is a standout feature.

5. Moving to Levanzo

After lunch, the boat departs for Levanzo, a smaller, less developed but equally charming island. The trip takes around 20 minutes by ferry. Once ashore, you’ll have about an hour to explore the village, take photos of the iconic Faraglioni rocks, or relax.

Many find this stop too brief but manageable if you’re eager to see the scenery and get a feel for the quaint island atmosphere.

6. Levanzo’s Highlights

The cruise around Levanzo includes stops at Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola, both known for their rugged beauty and crystal-clear waters. The boat cruise here is often praised for the spectacular views, with many reviews describing the scenery as “breathtaking.” Swimming is available again if you wish, or simply relaxing and soaking in the landscape works just as well.

7. Return Journey

The ferry back to Trapani concludes the day around 5 or 6 p.m., giving you a full, satisfying experience without feeling overly rushed. The crew’s punctuality and friendly service are recurring themes in reviews, making the whole process smooth and enjoyable.

How Travelers Rate This Tour

The tour generally earns a 4.2 out of 5 based on over 1,300 reviews. Many praise the stunning scenery, the friendly staff, and the value for money. Guests love the quality of the lunch and the convenience of the organized schedule.

A common positive comment: “The views from the boat and the islands themselves were breath-taking. The staff was friendly and helpful,” which captures the overall vibe.

Some reviewers mention the short duration on each island as a downside, but most accept it as a trade-off for a well-organized day trip. The boat’s comfort and the ease of swimming from the boat are also widely appreciated.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience is ideal if you want a relaxed day exploring the Egadi Islands without the hassle of planning. It’s perfect for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, quick island visits, and good local food.

However, if you’re someone who prefers to spend hours exploring an island or delving into its history, you might find the timing a bit tight. The tour offers a taste rather than an in-depth experience, which appeals to travelers seeking a snapshot of these beautiful islands.

It’s also very suitable for travelers on a budget—especially given the inclusion of lunch and drinks—making it good value considering the scenery and access it provides.

Final Thoughts

This cruise from Trapani to Favignana and Levanzo offers a lovely way to see some of Sicily’s most picturesque islands in a single day. The organized nature, friendly crew, and delicious lunch make it a hassle-free option for travelers wanting a mix of sightseeing and relaxation.

While the limited time on each island means you won’t get to explore every corner in depth, you’ll leave with memorable views, a refreshing swim or two, and a good understanding of what these islands are all about.

If you’re seeking a well-priced, scenic, and straightforward island-hopping adventure, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially suited to those who prioritize comfort, convenience, and social atmosphere over intensive exploration.

FAQ

How long is the boat ride from Trapani to Favignana?
It takes approximately 45 minutes by ferry to reach Favignana from Trapani.

What is included in the tour price?
The price includes the mini cruise, free time on both islands, and a typical Sicilian lunch served onboard. Drinks and water are available, and there’s a small entry fee for the Marine Protected Area.

How much time do we get on each island?
You’ll have about 2 hours in Favignana and roughly 1 hour in Levanzo, which some reviews find a bit short but manageable for a quick visit.

Can I swim from the boat?
Yes, many stops are made at picturesque creeks and beaches where swimming is common and easy to access from the boat.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly labeled as family-focused, many reviews mention traveling with children who enjoyed the swimming stops and short explorations.

Do I need to pay extra for anything?
Yes, there’s a 5 euro fee for access to the Marine Protected Area, payable on-site.

What’s the best time to book this tour?
Check availability as the tour runs during daylight hours, and mornings tend to be more popular. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in peak season.

Is the lunch vegetarian-friendly?
Most reviews rave about the pasta and local dishes, and some mention vegetarian options like Busate Trapanese. It’s best to inquire beforehand if you have specific dietary needs.

Exploring Sicily’s Egadi Islands on this cruise offers a delightful balance of stunning scenery, local flavor, and relaxing water activities—all at a reasonable price. It’s a solid choice whether you’re after a fun day with friends, a family outing, or simply a scenic escape from the mainland.

You can check availability for your dates here: