REVIEW · SICILY
1-day private boat cruise to Favignana and Levanzo
Book on Viator →Operated by Egadi Summer Sea · Bookable on Viator
Favignana and Levanzo are built for sea days. This private cruise out of Trapani strings together classic coves and two islands in one long day, with Captain-led stops and plenty of time to swim and hang out. You’ll also get guidance from friendly hosts such as Giuseppe and Linda (plus other captains like Giorgio, Nino, and Pino noted in past trips).
I really like two parts of this outing: the cove-hopping around Favignana (think Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, Cala Azzurra, and more) and the simple fact you get a real long stop in Favignana town instead of just a drive-by from the water. Onboard, the day is paced with food and drinks, and the crew’s energy comes through in the way they keep things moving without rushing.
One thing to keep in mind: this experience depends on good weather, and you’ll be out on the water most of the day. If wind or rough seas ruin the plan, you’ll need to be flexible with timing.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Why Favignana and Levanzo make sense for a boat day
- Meeting in Trapani and how the 8-hour flow usually feels
- Favignana morning: from Cala Rossa to Tonnara di Favignana
- A quick note on swimming gear
- The long Favignana town stop (this is the secret sauce)
- Cave of Lovers: what to expect from this stop
- Levanzo afternoon: Faraglione plus Cala Calamaro, Cala Fredda, Cala Minnula
- Onboard food and drinks: the part you’ll remember later
- Price and value: what $1,055.39 per group actually buys
- What to pack for Favignana and Levanzo coves
- Who this private cruise is best for
- Should you book Egadi Summer Sea?
- FAQ
- How long is the private cruise to Favignana and Levanzo?
- Is this tour private or shared with other groups?
- Where does the tour start in Trapani?
- Which stops and coves are included?
- Does the experience require good weather?
- Is the booking refundable if plans change?
Key things to know before you go

- Favignana coast stops, named by name: Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, Cala Azzurra, Previto islet, Cala Rotonda, and Tonnara di Favignana.
- A real town break: a longer pause to walk Favignana’s center, not just a quick photo stop.
- Cave of Lovers: a scenic stop that fits into the day without eating up the whole schedule.
- Levanzo’s shoreline, plus Faraglione area: time near the Faraglione followed by coves like Cala Calamaro, Cala Fredda, and Cala Minnula.
- Private for up to 12 people: your group stays together, with captains and hosts described as warm and responsive.
- Swim-focused pacing: multiple stops where you can get in the water during the cruise.
Why Favignana and Levanzo make sense for a boat day
Egadi Islands days are all about contrast: rocky coasts, small coves, and bright water that changes color as the boat moves. Favignana is the busier-feeling of the two, with a town center that rewards a proper walk, while Levanzo feels quieter and more “coast-hugging.”
This cruise works because it’s not trying to do everything in one island. You get Favignana in the morning and early afternoon, then you switch to Levanzo with a fresh run of coves later in the day—exactly the kind of rhythm that makes a day feel long in the best way, not rushed.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Sicily
Meeting in Trapani and how the 8-hour flow usually feels

You start from Via dei Gladioli in Trapani, and the trip finishes back at the same meeting point. The listed hours run from 9:45 AM to 6:15 PM during the summer season dates shown, which tells you this is a full-day outing rather than a short hop.
What matters for you: plan this as your main activity that day. You’ll have long stretches on the water between stops, plus you’ll want to factor in time for swimming, snacks/food, and walking Favignana town.
Also, it’s a private tour, meaning it’s only your group onboard. The price is per group (up to 12), so you get that “we’re all in this together” feeling instead of sharing the boat with strangers.
Favignana morning: from Cala Rossa to Tonnara di Favignana
Favignana is where the cruise earns its keep, because the coast here is basically a list of postcard coves you can reach by boat. Your route includes stops around Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, Cala Azzurra, Previto islet, Cala Rotonda, and Tonnara di Favignana.
Here’s the practical part: if you care about swimming spots, this sequence is a win. Each name on the route points to a different stretch of shoreline, which usually means you can find a spot that suits your mood—quiet water for relaxing, or a more open view for photos.
A quick note on swimming gear
One review specifically mentions that the boat provides shoes for rocks and swimming gear like masks (the wording is partial, but the intent is clear). Still, I’d bring your own basics if you’re picky: a towel, sunscreen, and a swimsuit you can reapply over a long day.
The long Favignana town stop (this is the secret sauce)
A lot of island boat tours stop for just enough time to buy a snack and go back to the water. This one gives you a longer stop in Favignana town’s center, which changes the whole experience.
Why it matters: the Egadi aren’t just about the sea. Walking the town lets you pick up the island rhythm—small streets, local shopfronts, and the simple act of going slower for a while. Even if you mainly care about swimming, that town time gives you a break from sun and salt air.
My advice: treat the town portion like a mini sightseeing plan. Pick a target you care about (a viewpoint, a street you’ve seen in photos, a café), then use the rest of your time to wander without a checklist. You’ll enjoy it more when you’re not rushing.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Sicily
Cave of Lovers: what to expect from this stop
After the Favignana town break, the route heads toward the Cave of Lovers (one of the island’s most famous cave stops). Cave visits on boat days tend to be short and scenic: you’ll get the right angle and the right timing, then you’re back to the pace of the day.
The upside is efficiency. You don’t have to choose between “caves” and “swimming,” because the schedule is built so the cave stop fits between other experiences. The possible downside is that you may not have a lot of flexibility here. So if caves are your #1 priority, you’ll want to arrive ready for a quick, focused stop.
Levanzo afternoon: Faraglione plus Cala Calamaro, Cala Fredda, Cala Minnula
Levanzo is where the day shifts from Favignana’s fuller feel to a more laid-back coast-hugging vibe. The route includes a stop near the Faraglione, then moves to coves such as Cala Calamaro, Cala Fredda, and Cala Minnula.
This is the part of the day where swimming and photo time usually peak again. The order matters too: you start with the Faraglione area (a recognizable feature), then you move through smaller coves where the setting can feel more intimate.
If you’re deciding how much effort to put into the day, here’s my take: use the Levanzo section for your “best of the day” swim. By then you’ve seen how the boat handles the coastline, and you know what kind of spot you’ll prefer—more open views, or tighter coves.
Onboard food and drinks: the part you’ll remember later
One of the strongest themes in past experiences is how the crew handles hospitality. Multiple reviews describe an aperitif and lunch on board, with mentions of wine and spritz.
Even if you’re not a big “food on a boat” person, plan to enjoy this because it’s built into the day’s flow. You’re not waiting in a line onshore. You’re eating with sea views while the skipper handles the driving and the next stop.
Another detail I like: reviews call out hosts like Linda as engaging and helpful, with captains such as Giorgio, Giuseppe, and Nino described as warm and professional. That matters because on a long day at sea, small kindnesses can turn into a big difference in comfort.
Price and value: what $1,055.39 per group actually buys
The price is listed at $1,055.39 per group (up to 12), with the experience lasting about 8 hours. That’s not cheap if you’re traveling solo, but value changes fast when you split it among friends or family.
Here’s how I’d judge the value:
- You’re paying for a private boat day plus multiple named stops around two islands.
- You’re also paying for guided pacing by the skipper and hosts, not just transportation.
- The day includes time on the water for swimming, plus a long town stop on Favignana, so you’re not spending the whole day in transit.
If you have a group of 6–12, this often works out better than buying into a larger group tour where you’re stuck with whatever crowd you got and whatever timing you’re given. Private also tends to feel calmer, which is a big deal on a sea day.
What to pack for Favignana and Levanzo coves
This is a boat cruise with multiple swim stops and rocky shorelines. You don’t need an expedition kit, but a few smart items help.
I’d pack:
- A swimsuit and a backup if you’re prone to drying slowly
- Towel
- Sunscreen and a hat (sun on open water adds up fast)
- Water shoes or whatever you prefer for rocky entry (especially if the provided shoes don’t fit you well)
- A light layer for boat wind, if you get chilly easily
If you’re bringing a camera or phone, keep it easy to grab. The water and cliff views change quickly as the boat moves between coves, and you’ll want to capture your favorites without digging through your bag.
Who this private cruise is best for
This kind of day fits best if you want a mix of:
- Swim time in multiple coves
- A real break onshore in Favignana town
- A day guided by a skipper and hosts who handle the pace and stops
It’s also a strong fit for:
- Couples who want a quieter, private setting
- Groups of friends or families who can split the cost
- Anyone who wants to see more than one island without juggling ferries and schedules
On the other hand, if you want a purely “history and museums” day, you might find the schedule too nature-and-water focused. Also, because it requires good weather, you’ll want to be comfortable with that reality in Sicily’s sea-season rhythm.
Should you book Egadi Summer Sea?
Yes, if your ideal day sounds like: boat, coves, swimming breaks, plus time to actually walk Favignana town. The itinerary is built around variety, and the strongest signal from past experiences is consistent—warm hosts, great food timing, and captains who make the day feel smooth.
Book with extra care if weather is unpredictable for your dates, because this experience requires good conditions to run as planned. If you’re flexible and you want a classic Egadi Islands day done the easy way from Trapani, this is one of the more satisfying options for how much you’ll see in a single outing.
FAQ
How long is the private cruise to Favignana and Levanzo?
The duration is listed as about 8 hours.
Is this tour private or shared with other groups?
It’s private. Only your group participates, and the group size is up to 12.
Where does the tour start in Trapani?
The meeting point is Via dei Gladioli, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy.
Which stops and coves are included?
In Favignana, the route includes places like Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, Cala Azzurra, Previto islet, Cala Rotonda, and Tonnara di Favignana, plus a visit to Favignana town and a stop for the Cave of Lovers. In Levanzo, it includes the area near Faraglione and coves such as Cala Calamaro, Cala Fredda, and Cala Minnula.
Does the experience require good weather?
Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is the booking refundable if plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
































