Marettimo Island is the Most Remote of the Egadi Islands in Trapani: Discover a True Sicilian Gem Through Trekking, Snorkeling, and Cave Exploration.
Marettimo is the most remote island in the Egadi archipelago and Sicily… and perhaps also the least known. Typically, when referring to the Egadi Islands, one’s first thought flies to the splendid Favignana, with its pristine white beaches and coves of clear, magical colors.
MARETTIMO, AN ISLAND OF FISHERMEN
Underestimating Marettimo (as well as Levanzo) would be a big mistake. Especially if you love unspoiled nature, adventure, walking, and intense trekking in search of places that remain untouched today. As soon as you set foot on the island, you’ll understand that here, just like on Alicudi in the Aeolian Islands, time has stopped many years ago. The small harbor, where ships and hydrofoils dock daily, immediately gives you a sense of what Marettimo is: an island of fishermen who love the sea and have built their existence around it. The houses on the island are all white with deep blue shutters, and among them, you’ll find various B&Bs, a few supermarkets, some small restaurants (fresh fish is the specialty), and some souvenir shops.
The inhabitants of Marettimo are polite and friendly but, above all, they love and are proud of their land. Don’t hesitate to ask about curiosities or directions to trails, routes, and places to see, because in Marettimo you will always be welcome.
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HOW TO GET TO MARETTIMO
Compared to Favignana and Levanzo, Marettimo is the island farthest from Sicily. To reach it, you need to take a hydrofoil from the Port of Trapani (Ustica or Siremar). You can buy tickets directly at the port, but I recommend booking them in advance online (the cost is about 16-17 euros one way). The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you arrive in Trapani by car, you can leave your vehicle in the large parking lots near the port (one is even free) and then use the shuttle service.
TREKKING TRAILS ON MARETTIMO ISLAND
Once you arrive on the island, you can choose between different trails to follow. I suggest three that will allow you to visit Marettimo from top to bottom in two days.
First Trail
The first trail will allow you to see the southern part of Marettimo island, passing through Case Romane, Semaforo, and then west to Punta Libeccio, where the Lighthouse stands. The path is marked, and the difficulty is medium/high. Climb up to Case Romane (about half an hour), head south towards Portella Ansini, and then towards Semaforo (you’ll find signs with directions). From Semaforo, different paths branch out, and you can decide whether to continue towards Carcaredda, Punta Bassana and return to the village, or continue westward towards Punta Libeccio.
I recommend the latter route because, at the end, you’ll have the opportunity to see the splendid Lighthouse of the island up close. On the way back, you can take the path that runs along the sea (if you have time, take a dip in one of the splendid coves) and continue to Carcaredda, Punta Bassana, the cemetery, and finally, the village.
Second Trail
After dedicating the first day to discovering the southern part of Marettimo island, you can devote the second day to exploring the northern part. I recommend starting very early as the route is long, and bring water and a packed lunch. From the village (as was the case for the first trail), proceed to Case Romane. Take time to see the ruins and the Byzantine church, evidence of ancient civilizations. At Case Romane, you’ll find the sign indicating the road to Pizzo Falcone. The journey to the summit takes about two hours. It’s a bit tiring, especially since the sun almost always beats down directly and, from a certain point onwards, there are no shady spots. But I assure you that once you reach the top, you’ll realize it was worth it.
Third Trail
From Pizzo Falcone, I suggest not returning by the same path you climbed, but continuing towards the other jewel of Marettimo island, the Castle of Punta Troia. The trails are marked and, for the most part, nature itself has imprinted them on the earth, setting them between overhanging rocks and towering stone walls. As you walk, you’ll feel like the protagonist of an extreme trekking film, at the limits of the impossible, a sort of “only one will survive.” The panorama is so fascinating that you’ll truly be left breathless.
After various adventures, you’ll finally reach the foot of the Castle. To your right and left, you’ll see two of the most famous coves of Marettimo island (if you prefer not to walk, keep in mind that you can reach this point by requesting a marine-taxi service directly at the port). You can then decide whether to climb to the top (about 15-20 minutes) and visit the Castle or head back. Recently, the Castle of Punta Troia has been renovated and is open to the public. So, why not take advantage? Then you can set your compass in the direction of “home.” You’ll reach the village after about 1 hour and 30 minutes, ready for an excellent dinner and an evening stroll by the sea.
Fun fact! If you have another half day available, I recommend touring Marettimo island by boat, exploring one of Sicily’s most beautiful seas. At the port, you’ll find many services, and the tour lasts about 2-3 hours. They’ll take you inside coves and inlets with magical colors, and if you ask, you can do some snorkeling too. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the Mediterranean monk seal! The last sighting was 6 years ago. Where? In the Camel Cave (Grotta del Cammello).
