Egadi Islands, Italy: Levanzo Day Trip

Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Levanzo is the smallest of the Egadi Islands, located just off the western coast of Sicily, Italy. With its pristine turquoise waters, rugged landscapes, and tranquil atmosphere, a day trip to Levanzo provides the perfect escape for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The main town has only about 30 houses, all bunched up on the hill facing the harbor. This will be an unforgettable day trip, where you’ll visit prehistoric caves, go beach hopping, and explore the island and Levanzo Town.

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You’ll begin your day trip in Levanzo after catching an early ferry from the port of Trapani. See our Travel Tips section below for more information on ferries and hotels in case you’d like to spend the night. The ferry ride is a scenic introduction to the azure waters, with the island welcoming you with its rugged coastline. For those who prefer a more personalized experience, consider a private day tour from Trapani.

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Our one day itinerary includes:

• Morning: Arrival and First Impressions
• Mid-Morning: Exploring the Caves
• Lunch: Levanzo Town
• Afternoon: Hiking and Beach Hopping
• Evening: Sunset and Reflections

Morning: Arrival and First Impressions

Upon arrival, start by exploring the quaint village of Levanzo. The small, whitewashed houses and peaceful streets make for a picturesque beginning. Visit the tiny church and browse local artisan shops. In case these aren’t open when you arrive, but you can always stop in later in the day before catching your ferry back to Trapani.

If you’d like a snack before exploring the island (or a sandwich to bring along), head to Panetteria La Chicca, which opens at 8:30 am. There is also a small grocery you can use to stock up (or you can bring something along from Trapani).

Mid-Morning: Exploring the Caves

Levanzo is famed for its prehistoric cave paintings, most notably found in the Grotta del Genovese. The engravings and paintings have been dated to the final phase of the Upper Palaeolithic age, and mainly depict animals and a few human representations. In order to get Into the caves, you are required to take a guided tour. You have 3 options to access the interior of the caves (in all cases, book through the Grotta’s website):

• Hiking on your own to the caves, paying the entrance fee of 20 Euros for adults, 15 Euros for children 6-11 (children 5 and under are free)
• Boat or Jeep tour: The tours start at 10:30 am each day, with pick up in Levanzo Town. Cost is 40 Euros for adults, 30 Euros for children 6-11, which includes admission to the caves.

Pro trip: in order to go into the caves, you need to reserve access 48 hours in advance on the Grotta’s website. Without this, you can only peak in through the gate.

If you choose to walk, the hike is 4.5 km (2.79 miles) one way, and is rated moderate, due to hills and some slippery sections. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, and trail shoes (whether hiking boots or trail walking/running shoes). It takes about an hour each way. The trail cuts through the middle of the island, but you will have stunning views of the coastline as you get close to the Grotto.

Lunch: Levanzo Town

No day trip to Levanzo would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Ristorante Arcobaleno – Levanzo, enjoying their great seafood dishes. We had fish, fresh from the sea that morning, and a seafood pasta dish. Pair these with a crisp, local white wine, and wrap up your meal with a gelato. There are only a few restaurants on the island. We recommend reserving a table during peak lunch and dinner hours.

If you decided to hike to the caves in the morning, you might enjoy packing a picnic lunch and enjoying that at one of the many beaches.

Pro trip: Cala Minnola has shady picnic tables just behind the beach. This is a great spot to enjoy lunch while taking in the views.

Afternoon: Hiking and Beach Hopping

Energized by our delicious meal, set off to explore the island. Spend the afternoon at one of Levanzo’s pristine beaches, including:

• Cala Faraglione is about a 15 minute walk towards the west from the port. The spot is idyllic, with a pebble beach and protected and clear waters. We joined a handful of people snorkeling around the area. Bring along a mask or goggles to make the most of this experience.
• Cala Minnola is about a 15-20 minute walk from port in the opposite direction, and has a shady picnic spot with tables just behind the beach. It has a number of natural rock platforms leading into the water. The waters are crystal clear, with only a few boats anchored in the harbor when we were there. If you make it to Cala Minnola, it is worth continuing a few hundred meters on to Cala Calcara, which is a popular boat harbor. 
• Cala Tramontana is a pebble beach with crystal clear water in a wide bay. It is almost 6 km (3.75 miles) roundtrip. If you have time to take a hike over, this is well worth it. Another option is to arrange for a boat to take you over to Tramontana (and potentially to the Grotto). Check GetYourGuide for the most comprehensive set of Egadi island tours I have seen.
• Cala Fredda and Cala Dogana are the most accessible beaches in Levanzo, as they are the closest to the port. Both are great spots for relaxing and taking a quick dip in the sea. Because of their proximity to the port, though, they can get quite crowded, especially in summer. Cala Fredda was too rough when we were in town, so we visited the beaches that were much more protected.

Evening: Sunset and Reflections

As your day trip to Levanzo winds down, take a leisurely stroll around the port area. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and the spectacular sunset over the sea. Wrap up your day with dinner at one of the two restaurants in town. If you are a seafood lover, this is a great place to enjoy the catch of the day, complemented by a local glass of wine. Catch an evening ferry back to Trapani, and rest up for tomorrow’s adventures, perhaps taking a day trip to another of the Egadi Islands, Favignana.

Levanzo Island may be small, but its charm is immense. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply in need of a peaceful retreat, a day trip to Levanzo promises an unforgettable escape.

Travel Tips

Tips for Future Visitors:

• Plan your visit between spring and early autumn to enjoy the best weather.
• Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes for hiking and a swimsuit for swimming.
• Book your cave tour in advance, as spots can fill up quickly.
• Take time to wander the village and interact with the locals.

You may like our other Sicily guides

• How to Plan your Week in Western Sicily Away from the Crowds
• How to Find Safe Havens for Sicily Bike Travel
• How to Plan a Perfect Eastern Sicily Travel Itinerary
• Renting a Car in Sicily: Things to Know Before You Go
• One Day in Syracuse, Sicily
• Favignana Day Trip: Exploring the Butterfly Island
• Day Trip Mt. Etna: An Adventure Like No Other

Interested in finding other beaches in Sicily, check our guest post here.

How to Get to Levanzo Island?

The easiest way to get to Levanzo is to take a ferry from Trapani. We visited in early October, and we were surprised to find that some of the ferry times were sold out the day before. It is easy to reserve these on the Direct Ferries site here. There are also plenty of options for private or custom tours if you prefer to have greater flexibility. You can book these through Viator or  GetYourGuide.

Where to Stay

If you decide to spend a night on Levanzo, there is an excellent eco-resort, Dolcevita Egadi Eco Resort by KlabHouse. It is located a 10 minute walk from town, and has wonderful hosts, excellent breakfast, pool and spa, and rooms with beautiful sea views. If you don’t want to head out to dinner, rooms have a kitchenette to prepare your meal.

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