LevanzoAegadian Islands · Italy

All About Levanzo

Levanzo is the Aegadian archipelago’s smallest island, situated a short distance off the western coast of Sicily. Measuring in at 5.82 square kilometers, it was known as Phorbantia in the olden days and Levanto by the Genoese. The island that now relies heavily on fishing and tourism is a modest destination with a pleasing appeal. Having 500 permanent residents, Levanzo sees a massive inflow in tourist activity during summers. Travelers during this time typically sail into the island on day trips from Favignana that lies 6km to its south. From prehistoric archaeological findings to captivating beaches, a holiday in Levanzo will leave you in awe of its raw pulchritude.
 

Routes and Ferries to Levanzo

From Trapani, the only way to reach the island is by boat. Siremar and Liberty Lines operate ferries and hydrofoils on this route, with tickets available via the Ferryscanner website. Prices vary based on season and demand but can be as low as €18 for a return trip. Sailing times range from 50 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes in some cases.

Tourists planning to island-hop in the Aegadian archipelago can purchase ferry tickets to Levanzo from Favignana and Marettimo. The trip from Favignana is short, only taking 10 minutes in a hydrofoil, compared to the 60-minutes required for Marettimo on a regular ferry.

For travelers wishing to fly in, the Trapani-Birgi Airport is an ideal choice. Otherwise, one can fly in or take a ferry to Palermo and cover the one-hour journey to Trapani by road.
 

Port of Levanzo

The Port of Levanzo exemplifies the idea of simplistic beauty. The tiny harbor, surrounded by quaint little houses, welcomes passengers carrying ferry tickets to Levanzo to an unblemished rural destination. The capital and only village of the island, Cala Dogana, is a few steps away from the dock. While limited in its offerings, all necessary facilities, including accommodation and restaurants, are close to the port.
 

Best Beaches in Levanzo

Beach hopping in Levanzo is uncomplicated since most seaside nooks are in the south of the island. If planning a full day on the beach, take a scenic walk to it. However, when short on time and wanting to cover as many waterfronts strips as possible, opt for a boat tour that stops at the most popular beaches in Levanzo.

Cala Dogana Beach

Levanzo’s village beach acts more as an access point into the water than a real seaside escape. It is small, rocky, and often filled with kayaks. Fishing boats bobbing at a short distance limit the area in which to swim. It is nevertheless a favorite with locals and tourists alike for sunbathing and taking a dip in the emerald green sea. The view from the shore is pretty and includes boats carrying passengers with ferry tickets to Levanzo. There are no facilities at Cala Dogana beach, but the village and its restaurants are only a few steps away.

Cala Cold Beach

Also known as Cala Fredda, one must take a short 10-minute walk past the local cemetery to reach Cala Cold beach. Breaking the mold of a typical beach, the shoreline here is rocky and gently slides into the sea straight off the surrounding hills. Even with few places to sunbathe, Cala Cold Beach sees many day-trippers and remains jam-packed during July and August. For a relaxing swim, go in the morning, watch out for jellyfish, and take your snorkel gear.

Cala Minnola Beach

Cala Minnola, in the southeast of the island, is a 20-minute walk from the port. Having a somewhat unusual disposition, owing to a pine forest in its background, it is one of the best beaches in Levanzo. The trees in the vicinity provide a welcoming shade. There are tables and benches underneath for public use. The beach is rocky, with a few flat areas ideal for sunbathing. The Mediterranean Sea here is clear and calm with excellent underwater visibility. While snorkeling, keep a lookout for a few remains of ancient Roman buildings.

Cala Faraglioni Beach

Facing the islet of Il Faraglioni is a pebble beach with a rocky surrounding, famous for its stunning sunsets. Cala Faraglioni lies in the southeast of the island, near the port, with easy access through a paved road. To avoid rock cuts, wear water shoes when visiting Cala Faraglioni. The sea here is shallow, but the currents change rapidly, making the beach less friendly for children.

Cala Tramontana Beach

A paradisiacal stretch of rural land in the north of the island, Cala Tramontana is a beautiful cove nestled between two cliffs. A must-visit beach in Levanzo for offbeat travelers, the 4km walk from the port can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. The reward, though, is an alluringly remote entry into the refreshing waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This pebble beach is accessible via boats as well. Do try to avoid spending windy days here as the sea current can be intense.
 

Things To Do in Levanzo

As an offbeat travel destination, Levanzo might have little to offer in terms of attractions but packs a punch with its unmatched individuality. A pilgrimage for archaeology enthusiasts, the island’s organic exquisiteness is by far its most significant draw. A point to note is that Levanzo has no ATMs or banks. Only a few establishments take credit cards, so bring cash for daily use and excursions.

Hike to Cappo Grosso Lighthouse

Most travelers spending a few days in Levanzo eventually do the gentle one-hour hike to Cappo Grosso Lighthouse. Located on the northernmost corner of the island, the lighthouse dates back to 1853. At the base of the 12-meter-high lighthouse is the caretaker’s humble residence. The local authorities are presently planning to convert the same into a six-bedroom guest house for tourists. The hike to Cappo Grosso is scenic, and travelers should carry sunscreen, a hat, water, snacks, and their camera.

Visit the Grotta del Genovese

Unquestionably the most popular thing to do in Levanzo is a visit to Grotta del Genovese. A cave with paleolithic and Neolithic drawing and art, it was discovered in 1949 by Francesca Minellono entirely by chance. Located near the north-western coast of the island, the caves consist of paintings featuring red deer, donkeys, bulls, humans, and several animals that are now extinct. Symbols of tuna are also prominent, which is a nod at how vital the fish has been for the region over centuries. Admission into the caves is with a guide and after prior booking only. However, to reach the caves, one can take a boat, a jeep, or the one-hour walking trail from the village.

Snorkel and Dive

Snorkel and dive tours operated by locals are a fun way to appreciate this little island’s coast. The boats are small, limiting the number of passengers, thus creating a more personal ambiance. A full-day trip includes stopping at several coves, many of which are only accessible by water. The locals also know of the best diving and snorkeling spots, and thus witnessing the magic of underwater life is almost always guaranteed. When taking a trip on the boat VIOLA, organized by resident couple Alida and Franco, expect to be pampered with delectable freshly made food as you go about discovering the island’s natural treasures.

Eat and Drink at Bar Romano

You can count the number of eateries in Levanzo on the fingers of one hand. Among these limited choices, Bar Romano takes the cake for being the best place to eat here. Offering uninterrupted sea views, the staff at the restaurant is attentive and forever helpful. The atmosphere is casual, be it lunch or dinner, and the food oozes the goodness of a delicious homemade meal. As expected, Bar Romano is typically busy. Nevertheless, when you do get a table, the choices are plenty, from pizza and shrimps to wine and the catch of the day.

Walk to the Saracen Tower

There’s much to discover on foot in Levanzo with hiking trails around the island. The 278-meter climb to the highest point, called Pizzo del Monaco, is steep. However, one can casually take a round trip of the island in 3-4 hours. A shorter climb near the port is to the ruins of a Saracen tower at the height of 118 meters. Besides panoramic views, visitors also get to stroll past an old Florio residence on this route.
 

Transportation Around Levanzo

Comprised mostly of dirt roads with only a few paved sections, traveling around Levanzo requires either hiking or renting mountain bikes. Locals often use mules to transport materials from one part of the island to another. A few tour operators have four-wheel-drive vehicles in Levanzo. However, these are for tours to a couple of beaches and Grotta del Genovese.

As is the case elsewhere in the Aegadian archipelago, travel by boat is convenient and promises impressive coastal sceneries. Upon arrival on the island via ferry tickets to Levanzo, it’s quick and easy to book a boat tour at the marina. Travelers planning on spending a few days typically use the sea taxi service offered by local boatmen. For an agreed price, one can get a lift to a beach and then get picked up later at a specific time. Sea taxis even go as far as Favignana, especially when ferries between the islands are not operational.