From Trapani port: Cruise to Favignana & Levanzo with lunch

If you’re eyeing a day out on the water while in Sicily, this full-day cruise from Trapani to the islands of Favignana and Levanzo might catch your attention. We’ve reviewed it thoroughly, drawing from a variety of traveler experiences, to give you a clear picture of what to expect. Whether you’re craving crystal-clear waters, scenic island strolls, or a laid-back boat day, this tour offers a lot—though it’s not perfect for everyone.

What we love about this experience is how it combines relaxation, scenic views, and the chance to explore two very different islands—Favignana’s vibrant town and Levanzo’s quiet charm. Plus, the onboard lunch and drinks add a nice touch, making it a convenient, all-in-one day trip. On the flip side, some travelers have noted issues like large groups or a less-than-expected lunch, so it’s worth considering whether this fits your travel style.

This cruise suits those who want a leisurely day on the water, with enough time to explore the islands at a relaxed pace. If you’re a fan of scenic boat rides, swimming in the Mediterranean, and discovering small fishing villages, this trip is worth considering. But if you prefer more personalized or active excursions, you might want to look at other options.

Key Points

• It’s a full-day experience lasting around 8 hours, ideal for a laid-back exploration.
• Includes visits to two islands—Favignana and Levanzo—each offering unique sights and vibes.
• Onboard lunch with drinks, including wine and water, is part of the package.
• Swimming and beach time are major highlights, with opportunities to see famous coves like Cala Rossa.
• Group size can be large, which might affect the intimacy of the experience.
• It’s wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive for different travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Tour Includes and How It’s Structured

This cruise kicks off at the Trapani port, where you board a comfortable boat in the morning. From there, the journey begins with a scenic one-hour sightseeing cruise around the islands. The boat is generally regarded as comfortable, which is important if you’re spending most of your day at sea.

The first major stop is Favignana. You’ll have about two hours to explore—and this is where you’ll get a real feel for the island’s charm. You might choose to take a stroll through the town, rent bikes, or visit sites like the old tuna factory, which some visitors found fascinating. The island is a perfect mix of lively town life and beautiful beaches.

Visiting Cala Rossa

One of the highlights here is the stop at Cala Rossa, a famous red-tinged cove known for its stunning scenery. The boat cruises around the coast for about 40 minutes, giving you plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to admire the dramatic cliffs and vivid waters.

Lunch on Board

After some exploration, it’s time to settle in for a lunch onboard. The meal typically features a pasta dish, watermelon, and drinks, including water and wine. Some reviews mention the meal being better than expected, while others felt it was a bit underwhelming. If you’re a foodie expecting gourmet, this might not be the highlight, but it’s generally regarded as a decent, convenient meal for a day trip.

Moving to Levanzo

Next, the boat heads to Levanzo, the smallest of the main islands. You get around one hour here—enough for a quick look at the fishing village or a visit to the famous Grotta del Genovese, which features Neolithic cave paintings. Some travelers enjoy soaking up the quieter, more relaxed vibe here, while others use the time to explore the coast or relax at the port.

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Scenic Drive & Sea Swimming

The trip continues with a scenic 30-minute drive around Levanzo, offering more views of the rugged coastline. The boat then makes another stop for a final swim, giving everyone a chance to cool off before heading back to Trapani.

The Experience from Travelers’ Perspectives

From the positive side, many travelers praise the friendly, knowledgeable guides. Several mention the stunning views and the enjoyable atmosphere onboard, with comments like “super expérience” and “excellent personnel.” The wine and drinks are often a highlight, especially if you enjoy relaxing with a glass while soaking in the scenery.

A few reviewers appreciated the flexibility of the itinerary, especially when weather conditions varied. For instance, when the weather didn’t permit visiting the second island, guides adjusted the plans to include an enjoyable swimming spot instead, which many found a good solution.

However, some reviews point out potential downsides. One traveler from the U.S. expressed frustration over difficulty finding the boat and ticketing location, which underscores the importance of arriving early and confirming details beforehand. Others noted the large group size, which might mean less space and fewer opportunities for intimate interactions or personalized attention.

Food and Catering

The onboard lunch is a mixed bag. While some found it tasty—especially considering it’s included—it’s not a gourmet meal. One reviewer described it as a simple pasta dish with a slice of melon, water, and wine, and suggested improvements. So, if you’re a foodie expecting a culinary highlight, you might want to consider bringing extra snacks or drinks.

Group Size

The tour generally hosts around 50-60 people, which can feel crowded, especially on the smaller islands’ limited spaces. This might affect your overall comfort if you prefer quieter, more private excursions.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: The full experience lasts about 8 hours, so plan accordingly with your day.
• Meeting Point: You need to meet at the Torre Lines ticket office on Via Ammiraglio Staiti, which is well-marked but worth checking in advance.
• Getting Ready: Remember sun protection—sunscreen, hats, beach towels, and shoes—are essential. The weather can be hot and sunny, and you’ll be spending a lot of time outside.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, so it’s more inclusive than some other boat trips.
• Reservations: You can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility if your plans change.
• Cancellation Policy: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—a good option if your plans aren’t yet firm.

Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers who love scenic boat rides, island exploring, and swimming in crystal waters, this cruise offers a solid value. The combination of sightseeing, relaxing, and local flavor—like visiting Favignana’s town or Levanzo’s fishing village—makes it a nice-paced day. The inclusion of drinks and lunch simplifies logistics and keeps you fueled for the entire trip.

However, if you’re someone who prefers small groups or highly personalized experiences, this might feel a bit crowded, and the meals may not meet gourmet expectations. Also, be aware that weather can influence the schedule, especially the visit to Levanzo, so flexibility is key.

This tour is best suited for those looking for a relaxed, scenic day at sea with some island exploration. It’s less ideal if you’re after a private, intimate experience or a highly active, guided tour with a focus on cultural or historical sites.

Final Thoughts

This Trapani to Favignana and Levanzo cruise strikes a good balance for those wanting a leisurely day on the water, with plenty of opportunities to swim, take photos, and enjoy local scenery. The experience is well-suited for travelers who are comfortable in larger groups, appreciate scenic views, and enjoy sampling simple yet satisfying meals on the go.

While it might not satisfy the gourmet foodie or those seeking an intensely personalized excursion, it offers enough for most to feel like they’ve had a memorable taste of Sicily’s beautiful islands. The friendly guides, beautiful vistas, and relaxing pace make it a travel experience that can add a special touch to your Sicilian adventure.

FAQs

How long is the cruise?
The entire tour lasts about 8 hours, including travel, exploration, swimming, and lunch.

Where do I meet the tour?
You meet at the Torre Lines ticket office on Via Ammiraglio Staiti, with coordinates 38.0134773, 12.5145464.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
Sun protection (sunscreen, hats), beach towels, beach shoes, and any personal items you might want for comfort.

Is food included?
Yes, a simple onboard lunch is provided, including a pasta dish, watermelon, water, and wine.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund.

How big is the group?
Typically around 50-60 people, which can feel crowded but is standard for this kind of excursion.

What are the main highlights of the trip?
Visits to Favignana’s town, Cala Rossa, Levanzo’s fishing village, cave paintings, and swimming stops.

Is the trip weather-dependent?
Yes, weather can influence the visit to Levanzo; guides will adjust plans accordingly.

Would this be good for families?
It’s generally suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind the group size and the open boat environment, which may not be ideal for very young children or those sensitive to crowds.

If you’re after a laid-back, scenic day exploring Sicily’s beautiful islands, this cruise offers an enjoyable option. Just be prepared for some large-group dynamics and a straightforward meal, and you’ll likely have a day worth remembering.

You can check availability for your dates here: