ROUTES

Using our residence as a base it is possible to reach all the most beautiful places of the island: cala rossa, cala Azzurra, Tonnara Florio, Santa Caterina fortress, etc.

Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra

The sight of Cala Rossa is famous throughout the world and represents one of the most beautiful sights of the Mediterranean sea. The sea here becomes a rainbow of blue and turquoise shades. The tuff coast becomes fine sand and the overlooking caves still maintain all their charm of primitive ages. Cala Rossa was the main theatre of the Battle of Egadi. Reports of the times mention that during the battle the turquoise waters coloured of red because of the blood spilt in the sea by the warriors during the battle.

This is why the Cala keeps its name till today, although no longer do roman and Punic boats cross it’s seas but yachts and vip sailboats, which would seem to be floating in mid air if it wasn’t for the shadows casted by the sun on the clear seabed. Cala Azzurra, located between Punta Marsala and Punta Fanfalo, although smaller than its twin, maintains the same scenographic elements enriched by the presence of rocks and clayey sediments. The uncontrolled use of this clay by visitors and tourist has unfortunately reduced its presence.

Distance from Scirocco e Tramontana residence: approx 4 kilometers (from 15 to 30 minutes walking, by car, by bicycle or with public transport)

Lido Burrone

For those who prefer a beach and the comfort of a fully equipped lido with beach beds, sun umbrellas and showers, Lido Burrone is a better choice. It is the biggest beach of the island, a basin amongst the rocks with a sandy seabed.

Distance from Scirocco e Tramontana residence: approx 3 kilometers (from 10 to 25 minutes walking, by car, by bicycle or with public transport)

Playa

Located near the town center between Camparia and the Florio establishment. Despite its vicinity to the port, the sand is clean and near the shore you can actually see small fish. It is the town beach, ideal for “lazy” ones who do not want to leave the comfort and services of the center.

Distance from Scirocco e Tramontana residence: approx 1 kilometer (15 minutes walking)

Punta Sottile

It is the tip of the island where the lighthouse with the same name is located, on a rocky plane, majestic and reassuring. It’s the best place to admire breathtaking sunsets, with several shades of red and Marettimo’s profile in the distance. On the left of the lighthouse are two rocky beaches, easily accessible and therefore ideal for families with children.

Distance from Scirocco e Tramontana residence: approx 7 kilometers (from 30 to 60 minutes walking, by car, by bicycle or with public transport)

Bue Marino

For centuries the Bue Marino (sea ox) cave has been the ideal shelter of the Mediterranean Monk Seal, almost completely disappeared from Favignana (except for some rare apparition). Today Bue Marino is the ideal place for sunbathing and to have fun diving and making somersaults in the sea. Take care of the currents, in this area they are quite strong.

Distance from Scirocco e Tramontana residence: approx 3 kilometers (from 10 to 25 minutes walking, by car, by bicycle or with public transport)

Caves and Tuff

The combination between Favignana and its Tuff is even stronger than with tuna and the “mattanza”. Tuff and its caves, called “pirrere”, not only have modified the morphologic aspect of the sea coast, representing a real source of income, life, development. The hundreds of caves have taken the shapes of unrepeatable and fantastic monuments.

The old miners shake their head with frustrated resignation because they see disappear, as time goes by, their best years, the pride and rivalry, because tuff from Favignana has always been the hardest, the toughest and the most resistant, although the easiest to work on to make art pieces. A demonstration is Palazzo Florio, unique monument in its gender, showing with pride the resistance of tuff. With its battlements and spires Palazzo Florio represents the symbol of tuff stone challenging centuries.

If tuff is the symbolic picture of Favignana, its caves are the natural choreography of the island kissed by the sun, stroked by the winds, quilted by the thousands sea reflexes.

Sea was the only road taken by the tuff commerce. On big boats called “schifazzi” were loaded by hand and with appropriate slides built along the coast. A “picciottu” (young boy) watching out would advise of the arrival of the “schifazzu”. At his shout the “pirriaturi” would leave their job and take their jacket on their shoulders and barefoot would run to load the boats from one of the main ports: Cavallo, Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, Punta Marsala, Canaleddi, Burrone e Puntazza, were the donkeys, curbed and snorting under the weight of their load had dragged the heavy burden.

The tuff caves haven’t yet finished their natural task: today they gladden the people of Favignana and the visitors with the perfume of the flowers, the freshness of the trees. They have become real Edens, thanks to the ponds discovered within the sweet water “pirrera”. Today able artist hands of craftsmen model and create various harmonious figures, pictures with precise features, linear outlines making the picture lively and pounding.

Distance from Scirocco e Tramontana residence: there are several around.

Florio Palace

The palace hosted the Florio family and was built in 1876 by architect Giuseppe Damiani Almeyda (the same who made the project for the Tonnara) near the port in order to exalt the power and richness of the family, which occupied it during the times of the Tonnara. Today it is the headquarters of the local city police.

Distance from Scirocco e Tramontana residence: approx 500 meters.

Madrice and the square

Madrice is the main Church of Favignana, dedicated to the Madonna of the Immaculate Conception, built after authorization or the archbishop of Mazara Bartolomeo Castelli. With its cross shaped basement it was placed in a decentralized position compared to the main square in order to allow the sea view and the cannon shots from S. Giacomo fortress (actual prison). Inside are kept a wooden crucifix from VIII century and a marble statue dedicated to S. Anthony from Padua. The near square has become the pulsing heart of the town and hosts frequently shows, concerts and entertainment moments for young and old.

Distance from Scirocco e Tramontana residence: approx 500 meters.

Santa Caterina Fortress

For the walk lovers a very nice excursion is the one leading to mount S. Caterina, where we can find a Norman fortress at an altitude of 310 meters above sea level. Arrival on the top is after 50-60 minutes, but the effort is lightened by the amazing view of the typical Mediterranean vegetation and the presence of wild animals (rabbits, goats and some particular species of birds). Arriving at the fortress, you cannot miss the access to the towers from which the entire island of Favignana and the west coast of Sicily (Erice, Marsala, Levanzo, Marettimo, etc) are visible.

Distance from Scirocco e Tramontana residence: approx 1 kilometer (90 minutes walking)

Residence Favignana – Holiday homes and Apartments in Aegadian Islands

Residence "Scirocco e Tramontana"