Maraone and Ant. Seemingly invisible, sensibly perceptible
Two small strips of land, or rather, two rocks in the middle of the sea capture our view as we set sail from Trapani, heading for Levanzo. Another journey is coming to an end; it is time to return with feet firmly on dry land. But before the customary goodbye, it is time to experience a series of moments suspended between this sea that has whispered so many words and holds so many secrets. Two of them, forgotten by most: Maraone and Ant.
A pair of apparent strangers within the landscape of the Aegadian archipelago: the former is the smallest of the Egadi Islands, inhabited only by seagulls, and is an integral reserve where fishing, bathing, sailing and anchoring are not permitted. Formica, on the other hand, is the fourth largest island of the Egadi Islands; the silence, nature, visceral connection with the sea and the magic of the place make it an ideal place for recovering contact with one’s humanity. On the island is a tuna fishery, second only to that of Favignana, a fortified keep, a regularly functioning lighthouse, a small church “del Rais” and a small museum. The view is beautiful wherever the eye places its gaze. The island is cared for and maintained by young people from “Mondo X,” a therapeutic community that owns the property. It is a place where silence, nature, and visceral contact with the sea make this scogghiu, a veritable island for “life recovery.” For diving travel enthusiasts it will be interesting to know that between Ant and Maraone Island there is one of the most beautiful spots for scuba diving. This is the dive to the wreck of the motor ship Elphis. It is within the reach of all experience levels because the wreck is 18 meters deep and in perfect sailing trim.
Their distinctive elements and characters blend perfectly with their entire surroundings and make them undisputed destinations to be admired. Already upon arrival one has the feeling that the islands have just risen from the sea that will suck them up, almost magically, once the visit is over, as if they had been put there for good measure, to allow those who observe them to enjoy their wonders for just a moment without being able to take possession of them. The wild, unspoiled nature and the crystal clear sea make them impervious and repelling, and not only the morphology but also the sharpness of the wind, the only true master in these parts, contribute to this effect.
Two realities that belong to a condition we have already encountered during these long stops for the soul, between the Aeolian and Egadi Islands: the eternal suspension between space and time, in places that lose both valences and remain in an unchanging state.
In an elsewhere that is actually within walking distance of us.
James Gandola
Discover the other islands of the Egadi archipelago here.