Favignana, a tiny fishing village situated on the island of Sicily, maybe only forty-five minutes away from Trapani, but to some, getting there would seem like an ordeal in itself. However, talking from first-hand experience, I can assure you that all the trouble that it may take to reach there will be worth it.
Favignana is the largest of three islands, (the other two being Marettimo and Levanzo) known collectively as the Egadian Islands or Isole Egadi. With a surface of 19.5 square kilometres (seven and a half miles) and an overall population of about 5,000 inhabitants, the village island is the place to be if youre prepared for an exciting holiday.
Formerly called the island Aegusa by the Greeks, Favignana derives its present name (courtesy the Italians) from the wind Favonio.
If you are prepared to go to Favignana, also be prepared to spend-because transport will cost you quite a bit. From India, you have to fly to Rome (or any other point in Italy),then fly to Palermo, after which you have to take a bus to Trapani and then take a hydrofoil to Favignana. Phew! Sounds like quite a bit of hard work, doesnt it? But trust me, once you get there you will fall head-over-heels in love with the place and all anguish, agony and exhaustion will be forgotten.
The island is dotted with Piazzas or Squares where there are small cafs, where you can soak in the sun while listening to music and taking a bite off a slice of a freshly baked loaf of bread drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, or you can sit in a gelateria (where you get gelatos or ice creams of every flavour starting from vanilla to blueberry,) or a pasteleria, where you can taste the cookie dough for free!!!
The main square has everything you need-a Baroque church, shop-till- you -drop boutiques(you MUST know how to haggle with the shopkeepers otherwise it is unlikely that you shall get good bargains) and exotic jewellery made of oyster-shells and beautiful stones.
Often, you will find young girls with long tresses and kohl laden sparkling eyes, asking the shop-keeper to show them this jewellery and that.
The people here are extremely friendly, but an English to Italian dictionary will come in handy because most people on this island speak only a smattering of English. It is also advisable to take lessons in Italian for a few months before you embark on your journey. On my recent visit, I was asked whether I was Cubano(that is, whether I came from Cuba).They were shocked to learn that I was from India, and one of the oldest citizens of the island told me that I was one of the first Indians to ever set footon the island. I felt so proud of myself!!Also, what I liked about Favignana is that they make no distinctions in terms of class-the woman who sweeps the floor sits on the same table and eats with the owner of a big house.
The food is excellent-comprising mainly of seafood and fresh tuna and sardines. Heaven help you if you dont like any of this. Personally, I am allergic to seafood and so, pollo or chicken had to be exported from Trapani so that I could eat my meals!!!
The streets are narrow, cobbled streets, converging on the only two piazzas on the island.The beach, however, is barren and on the beach, it is really difficult to find even a glass of water to drink. But if you want, you can always stroll on the beach with a sizzling cup of cappuccino or a strong espresso in hand.
The white houses in Favignana are in stark contrast with an azure sea and inside the houses, the walls are mostly painted a dull yellow ochre. Typical ceramic tiles with motifs of flowers and animals are also found in these beautifully furnished houses. There are also small patios inside the cottages. The bigger houses have big square windows and are usually two to three storeys high and have slanting roofs.
My deepest regret is to not have climbed up an uninhabited Moorish castle atop a hill. Unfortunately, there is no public transport to take you up the hill. Either you have to be a skilful biker or you must be tenacious enough to climb up that steep hill.
To this day, Favignana retains its old world charm and the character of a fishing town. Most inhabitants still prefer living near the port and the primary mode of income is fishing. Favignana will bring out your aesthetic side and by the end of your holiday, you will feel like it has been a trip worth investing in. Heres hoping that you have a fun-filled holiday at Favignana and who knows, you might just run into me there!!!
Recommended place to Stay:
Hotel Egadi
info@albergoegadi.it
Reeti Roy
