Trapani to Favignana & Levanzo Mini Cruise: Is it Really Worth it?

Considering a little trip from Trapani to Favignana and Levanzo? A mini-cruise around these two stunning Aegadian Islands, off the coast of Sicily, sounds pretty sweet, doesn’t it? It is almost like a sneak peek at some seriously delightful places, offering you the chance to soak up that sun, check out crystal-clear waters, and just totally chill out. But, is it honestly all that dreamy, like those pictures online? We are going to get into what to really expect on this adventure, the ups, the downs, and if this boat tour is truly the way you want to spend some of your precious vacation time.

What’s the Big Deal With Favignana and Levanzo Anyway?

So, before getting into the cruise itself, that’s a question that must be asked, is it not? What exactly makes Favignana and Levanzo these must-see spots? Favignana, that is almost shaped like a butterfly, is really well-known for its old tuna fishery (the “tonnara”) and, of course, the absolutely fantastic coves. Think turquoise water that is incredibly see-through, perfect spots for grabbing some sun and taking pictures. Levanzo, instead, it’s a fair bit smaller and quieter, and that really gives it a charm all its own. With its prehistoric cave paintings at Grotta del Genovese, that do show the earliest signs of human life in the area, and its chilled-out vibe, it is like stepping back in time a little.

Booking Your Boat Adventure: Things to Keep In Mind

When you go looking to book one of these day trips, that actually leave from Trapani, you might find you are pretty spoiled for choice, it’s true. Lots of outfits are going to offer pretty similar-sounding itineraries, yet there are some things you might want to keep an eye out for. Number one, read all the fine print! What, may I ask, is definitely included in that price? Often, it’s just the boat ride. Food, drinks, that might cost you extra. Number two, it’s almost worth seeing what people are saying in the reviews. Someone might point out a tour that felt totally crowded or, possibly, one where the crew were just exceptional. And lastly, see what type of boat it’s going to be. Are we talking a smaller sailboat or a huge catamaran? It might very well have a great effect on the kind of day you end up having, as some boast extra comforts that some do not.

The Cruise Experience: Sun, Sea, and Maybe a Few Crowds

Alright, so you are on the boat, you are headed for the islands – it feels amazing, no? That warm Sicilian sun on your skin, the wind in your hair – very, very relaxing stuff. Most of the mini-cruises usually swing by Favignana first. And yes, they often stop at the main hotspots: Cala Rossa, so, famous for that blindingly clear water, and Bue Marino, where that, too, is perfect for those amazing photos. But here is where things get interesting; because everyone else wants that exact same picture. Expect these swimming stops to feel, yeah, very crowded, particularly in that high season. Levanzo tends to be a bit less crowded, very slightly, and is usually a quick visit. Often, the boat tour goes around the island, so, you are taking in the landscape, the little village, and possibly stopping for just an hour or so. A thing that is honestly both a pro and a con? You actually get to see both islands in just one day, yet you’re definitely not going to experience a huge amount of either.

Food and Drink: Pack Snacks or Pay Up?

Alright, what about eating and drinking? Many tours will have lunch included, it might be a basic pasta dish or maybe a sandwich, very typical of these kinds of excursions. Thing is, drinks sometimes, well, often aren’t included. And prices on board, is that they tend to be marked up a little. That is, unless you enjoy paying more for what you would get in a local store, maybe just bring your own water and, oh, maybe some snacks. Honestly, taking your own food along is not a bad idea either, just saves some money for when you fancy treating yourself somewhere else, on dry land.

Snorkeling, Swimming, and Sunburns: A Word of Caution

Oh yes, the water is pretty, pretty irresistible, without doubt, and you will definitely want to leap right in! But remember a few little things. Number one, sunscreen. You would think it goes without saying, wouldn’t you? The Sicilian sun, that is, is strong. Very strong. And that boat amplifies it. It would be very easy to get seriously burnt, and quickly. Number two, perhaps take your own snorkeling gear? That way you can take the plunge as soon as you fancy it, you will see what is going on beneath the waves, and you’ll probably save a few bucks on rental. Lastly, those swimming stops. They are amazing, clearly, but they can also feel quite rushed. Enjoy the swim, soak up that moment, yet do keep an eye on the time too. You wouldn’t want to be that person who’s running back as that boat pulls away, that you would not!

Is it Worth the Money? The Honest Verdict

So, that’s the question of the hour, right? The Trapani to Favignana and Levanzo mini cruise: does it live up to what it costs you? If you are very pushed for time and you seriously want just to get a glimpse of these islands, yes, it probably is. It’s a great, quick and easy way to see a couple of highlights, get some sun, and then say you have been there. If, you do love a really chilled vacation, it is almost better to actually spend a couple of nights on one of the islands instead. You are going to get the opportunity to discover those hidden spots, avoid some crowds, and experience the islands without that feeling of having to hurry on to the next thing, wouldn’t you? Plus, you get the ferries pretty cheap and it’s dead easy. Personally, if I had to do that all over, is that I would stay over in Favignana.