Levanzo: the island that is not there
Discovering the smallest and most romantic of the major islands in the Archipelago of the Egadi (along with Marettimo and to the more mundane Favignana). Levanzo is a corner of paradise that enchants with its beauty, disarming simplicity, and its lifestyle All to be savored.
The origin of the village, between history and curiosities
The discussion of the name is as old as its origins, dating back to the Prehistory, as evidenced by the findings within the Genovese Cave, discovered in 1949 and filled with numerous graffiti. Occupied later by Sicans, Siculians, Phoenicians, followed by Cumans, it was later conquered by Athenians, Carthaginians and Romans. After the fall of the Roman Empire, it was the turn of Vandals and Byzantines, driven out successively by Saracens, Swabians, Angevins, and Spaniards until finding peace with the Bourbons. A great enhancement of the territory took place later thanks to the Florio family.“Lever up“, here is the origin of the name which is related to the huge drinking water well in the small beach in the center of the village. Water was brought to the surface through this game of levers, accompanied by ropes and buckets, which allowed the entire island to be watered. In ancient times, Levanzo was also known as. Phorbantia, probably because of the abundant grass on the island. The final transformation to “Laepantio” is instead owed to a man of noble origin, who is said to have ruled the village.
The little island “cool” but with the great Sicilian soul
Just over 5 kilometers in size, the island is built around its small harbor and stands out from afar with its blue and white houses silhouetted against the crystal clear sea. From there, there are two directions you can take, and turning left you drive along the only paved road that leads to the famous Faraglione. There are no cars or scooters in Levanzo, at most you can be taken on a sightseeing tour by the island’s fishermen.
There are no schools. One experiences summer with its colors, while in winter the 300 or so inhabitants leave the island and move to Trapani. There are no real hotels, only small apartments with a few rooms made out of sailors’ houses. There are only two restaurants and two bars, a small grocery store and another souvenir store.
In short, it is one of the few places still left untouched, where the real enchantment is to stay there. The advice is to stay overnight for at least a couple of nights, so as to walk the paths of an unfashionable island, suitable for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle. Or, simply, to those who wish to immerse themselves in nature and the scents of the Mediterranean maquis.
How to get to the wildest island of the Egadi Islands
The island of Levanzo is located off the coast of Trapani. Getting there is easy: right from the province’s pier, ferries and hydrofoils leave to reach it in less than an hour. The cost of the ticket varies from 10 at 15 euros each way, and the recommendation is to book well in advance during the summer period. You can also choose to take a full tour of the Egadi which also allows you to pass through Favignana e Marettimo.
Is a place that can surprise even the most incredulous in beauty, tranquility and unique colors. All that remains is to visit it!
Davide Donnarumma