From Palermo: Daily Cruise to Favignana & Levanzo w/Lunch

Discovering Sicily’s Egadi Islands: A Detailed Review of the Daily Cruise to Favignana & Levanzo

Setting out on a day cruise from Palermo to the Egadi Islands offers a fantastic way to see some of Sicily’s most beautiful coastal scenery without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. This tour, operated by EGADI LINES, promises a mix of island exploration, scenic coastal views, swimming, and a tasty onboard lunch, all wrapped into an 8 to 11-hour adventure.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it balances organized sightseeing with free time, allowing you to soak in the islands at your own pace. The boat ride itself offers excellent views of Favignana’s coves and Levanzo’s stunning coastlines. That said, it’s worth noting that some travelers have found the timing a bit tight and that additional swimming or exploring time would make the day even better.

This tour is well-suited for travelers craving a cost-effective, scenic trip that combines boat travel and island visits comfortably. If you’re comfortable with a full day on the water and want a taste of Sicily’s crystal-clear seas, this could be just right for you. It’s especially appealing for those who want a structured itinerary but still crave some flexibility and authentic island charm.

Key Points

• Scenic coastal cruise with views of Favignana and Levanzo’s famous creeks
• Flexible free time on both islands for exploring or relaxing
• Comfortable onboard lunch featuring local specialties like pasta with pesto
• Swim opportunities in crystal-clear waters
• Affordable price point around $45 per person offers good value
• Departure from Trapani with organized transport options from Palermo (though transfers are NOT included in the price)

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

This tour kicks off with travelers making their way from Palermo to Trapani, typically around 7:00 am, by bus, train, or car. We appreciate how straightforward this setup is, though it does mean you need to organize your transfer separately—something to keep in mind if you prefer a hassle-free start. The bus stop in Trapani is conveniently near the port, about 100 meters from the boarding gate, which makes catching the boat a smooth transition.

Boarding on the boat departs at 9:30 am, giving you a gentle start to the day. The first major highlight is Favignana, arriving after about 30 minutes of sailing. Once there, you’re granted two hours of free time. Reviewers have appreciated this pause, which allows you to wander the charming streets, browse local shops, or simply relax on the beach. One traveler mentioned that renting bikes or scooters here would be the best way to see more of the island’s stunning landscapes—definitely a tip worth considering.

Following Favignana, the boat tour resumes along the coast for a scenic cruise past key creeks, including Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra, with plenty of opportunities for photos. The guide shares interesting insights about these spots, enhancing the experience. A quick swim stop in the clear waters is included, giving you a chance to cool off and enjoy the natural beauty.

Lunch on board is another highlight, with a typical Sicilian meal featuring pasta with pesto trapanese, fresh fruit, and a glass of wine. Reviewers highlight that the meal is generous and well-prepared, making the cruise feel like a true local experience rather than just a tourist activity.

Next, the boat arrives at Levanzo, where you have about an hour of free time. This smaller, less crowded island offers a peaceful vibe and charming streets to explore. The cruise along Levanzo’s coast provides breathtaking views of its main creeks, perfect for snapping photos or simply soaking in the natural scenery.

The return to Trapani comes around 5:00 or 5:30 pm, with an option to explore the historic city center before heading back to Palermo at around 7:30 pm. The entire day is carefully planned, but some guests have mentioned feeling that the schedule leaves little room for spontaneous exploring or additional swims.

The Highlights: What You’ll Love

Cruise along the coast of Favignana and Levanzo offers spectacular views of the iconic creeks like Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra, with reviewers praising the stunning scenery. The guides are described as knowledgeable and friendly, adding context about the islands’ natural features and history. This kind of storytelling elevates the experience, turning a simple boat ride into an engaging journey.

Swimming in crystal-clear waters is a major perk. Multiple guests have remarked on how beautiful the sea is and how refreshing it feels to jump in. The boat stops for swimming are typically well-timed and provide enough time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The onboard lunch is highly valued for its authenticity and quality. Pasta with pesto trapanese is a local specialty, and the inclusion of fresh fruit and wine makes it feel like a proper Sicilian feast rather than a rushed snack. One reviewer noted that the meal was “good value for money” and appreciated the chance to dine while taking in the sea views.

Free time on each island is ideal for those who want to explore independently, whether to wander quaint streets of Favignana or enjoy a peaceful stroll in Levanzo. However, some reviewers, like the person who wished for an extra swim stop, felt that more time in the water or to explore more of the islands would be beneficial.

Practical Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

While the cruise offers a wonderful snapshot of the islands, the schedule is quite packed. Some travelers have remarked that two hours on Favignana feels a little rushed, especially if you want to visit multiple spots or rent bikes. Similarly, the one-hour stop in Levanzo is more of a quick look rather than a deep dive into the island’s charm.

Another point to consider is the transfer from Palermo to Trapani, which is not included in the tour price. You’ll need to organize your transportation, typically by bus via Segesta Autolinee, which costs extra and requires planning ahead. A reviewer shared that the bus ticketing process was not clearly explained, leading to confusion; they recommend purchasing tickets beforehand to avoid missing the boat.

The cost of the entrance ticket to the islands (€5 per person) is not included, so be prepared to buy this on the day. This adds a small extra expense but is standard for such excursions.

From reviews, the group size appears manageable, and the boat crew maintains a friendly atmosphere. The tour runs in both Italian and English, making it accessible to international travelers.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This cruise is best suited for travelers who want a scenic, affordable day trip with a good balance of guided content and free exploration. It’s perfect for those who enjoy being on the water, taking photos of stunning coastlines, and jumping into the sea for a quick swim. If you’re looking for a full, immersive island experience with longer exploration time or dedicated island activities, you might find this tour slightly limited.

It’s also a good option for families or small groups who want a manageable day out that doesn’t break the bank. However, people with mobility issues or pregnant women should note that the schedule might be tiring, and the boat’s movement could be uncomfortable for some.

Final Thoughts

In summary, this daily cruise from Palermo to Favignana and Levanzo offers excellent value for money, especially given the inclusion of lunch, swimming, and scenic views. It’s a straightforward way to tick off two of Sicily’s most beloved islands in a single day, with enough free time to explore and relax.

The tour’s highlights—breathtaking coastlines, local cuisine, and friendly guides—make it a compelling choice for travelers seeking an authentic, fun, and photogenic experience. While the schedule is tight and some logistics (like transfers and entrance fees) require pre-planning, most reviewers agree that the magic of Sicily’s seas and islands makes it worthwhile.

If you’re after a well-organized, scenic day with a taste of local flavor, this cruise hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those who value stunning views, good value, and the freedom to wander on their own.

FAQ

Is transportation from Palermo to Trapani included? No, it isn’t. You’ll need to organize your own transfer, typically by bus, train, or car. The tour recommends taking the bus via Segesta Autolinee.

What time does the tour start? The tour departs from Trapani around 9:30 am, but you should be at the boarding gate 30 minutes beforehand.

How long is the free time on each island? Expect about 2 hours on Favignana and 1 hour on Levanzo, which should be enough for a quick visit or some relaxation.

Does the tour include lunch? Yes, a traditional Sicilian lunch featuring pasta with pesto trapanese, fruit, and wine is included.

Are there swimming stops? Yes, there’s a stop for swimming in the clear waters of the islands, allowing you to cool off and enjoy the scenery.

What is the price of the tour? It costs approximately $45 per person, offering good value considering the full day of activities.

Is there an entrance fee for the islands? Yes, €5 per person, payable on the day of the tour.

Can I explore the islands more thoroughly? The free time is limited, so for a deeper exploration, consider renting bikes or scooters or extending your stay on the islands.

Are guides available on board? Yes, guides share insights about the creeks and islands in both Italian and English.

Who should avoid this tour? Pregnant women, people with mobility issues, and those with nut allergies should consider their comfort, as the schedule may be tiring and some facilities may not be fully accessible.

To sum it up, this cruise offers a practical and scenic way to experience Sicily’s beautiful Egadi Islands without spending a fortune or overplanning. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a taste of island life, stunning sea views, and a relaxed, fun atmosphere. With some pre-trip organization, it can become a highlight of your Sicilian adventure, especially if you enjoy the sea, landscapes, and local flavors.