"Out on the island" there is gloriously little to do but putter around and discover places to swim. If you only have limited time on Favignana, make a beeline to the northeast tip of the island and Cala Rossa. This is the classic postcard shot and symbol of Favignana, a spectacular semicircular bay with smooth rock platforms and crystalline turquoise waters. The drama of the spot is completed by the orthogonal stone pilasters of the old tufa quarries standing as surreal backdrops on shore. The waters here weren't always crystalline, however: "Red Cove" takes its name from the blood that was spilled here during battle in the First Punic War (3rd c. B.C.). Just east of the promontory is Cala Bue Marino, another enchanting rocky cove. Cala Azzurra, on the southeastern point of Favignana, is famed for its bluest-blue waters (hence the name) and another favorite swimming spot, but it's prone to algae, which mars some of the experience. Heading back west along the southern coast, the next major sight is the Grotta Perciata (Pierced Cave). A bit farther west of here -- yet only a 15-minute walk from town -- is Lido Burrone; the largest and prettiest sandy beach on the island, it is fully equipped with beach clubs renting chairs and umbrellas, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment. (Alternatively, Praia is a small beach adjacent to town, on the north coast.)
The western wing of Favignana is more windswept and desolate than the eastern half, meaning you'll almost always have a few sheltered coves to yourself, including Cala Faraglioni (swim into the caves to the north of the bay) and Cala del Pozzo, a wild spot where the strong wind is said to favorisce l'abbronzatura (favor suntan). Cala Rotonda is by far the most popular inlet on the western coast -- at this near-perfect circle of rocks, the caves are accessible only to swimmers.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
