Marettimo, Favignana and Levanzo are the real heart of the Egadi Islands, while Formica, Porcelli, Maraone and Asinelli are only big rocks, even if none can remain unimpressed by their beauty. But at the same time these rocks are also cases of archaeological and natural jewels, for this reason the Egadi Islands are the new destination of the charter in Italy.
|
 Favignana is the biggest island of the Egadi, 54 hectares of marine reserve. Its shape is like the one of a butterfly, 9 km long and 4 km large. Inside the land Favignana offers you a particular kind of show: the “closed gardens” . In fact, the island is made above all of tufa and in the past times the cutting to extract it, leaved big bare holes. Today the same are full of rich vegetation, wonderful hidden gardens, impossible to see from the streets and for this reason all to discover. But it is from the sea that Fav.ignana offers itself in a total splendour. Its depths are a classical underwater museum which has saved all: from the Roman ship to the Arabian one of the X sec. With all its goods aboard, but also you can find the corsair galleon. On the island there are many scuba divers who can help you to visit this underwater richness. The most beautiful shores are: Cala Rossa – accessible with the south wind – Cala Azzurra, Lido Burrone – accessible with the north wind – Stornello, Cala Rotonda and Cala Grande – with the west one -. A note must be done for the caves on the north-east side of the island, for sure you have to visit them, specially the Grotta del Bue Marino. It is also worth to visit the little islands around: Galera, Galeotta and Prevedo.
come back |
 Marettimo is the second island of the archipelago and the farest one from Sicily. It is divided from Trapani by 20 miles of sea, 13,5 miles far from Favignana and 70 miles far from Capo Bon (Tunesia). Marettimo is the oldest island of the Egadi islands. It is defined as a natural botanical garden, in fact the island is an impressive mountain rich of plants and paths. But it is in its sea around that Mar.ettimo gives its best : the paradise of scubas and of whom loves to discover caves, in fact Marettimo is the island of caves. Sailing to north you reach a strange rock which has the shape of a camel, hidden inside is the Grotta del Cammello (Cave of Camel), following the route you will reach Cala Mione, a shelter when the sea becomes dangerous, and the Grotta del Tuono (Thunder cave) so named for the strong sounds made inside, caused by the water. Crossing P.ta Due Frati you will be in front of a magnificent crack in the rock: it is a cave of green marble, and more over Grotta Berciata, Grotta Bombarda and Grotta del Presepio, the last one has inside stalagmites , stalactites and statues.
Go Back |
 Lampedusa is in the point where Europe starts and finishs. It is 9 km long, 61 km far from the Tunesian coast and 116 far from the Italian one. Lampedusa and its minor islands, Linosa and Lampione, are the Pelagie archipelago. Lampedusa is above all a desertic place - in past times it had been deforested by some Maltese colonists, who wanted to create new agricoltural places but sooner they leaved the progect - . Around the island, in its depths, it is possible admire a tropic fauna, very rare in the Mediterranean sea. The coast of Lampedusa is full of little shores and caves all to discover by the sea. You can start following the west - route, and you will arrive in Spaiggia della Guitgia, going on this route there is Cala Croce, Cala Madonna, Cala Greca and the very famous Cala Galera. A not deep line of water divides Lampedusa from the famous Isola dei Conigli (Island of Rabbits, one time this was populated only by rabbits).
Go Back |
 Pantelleria
is the nearest to Africa, 46 miles far from Capo Bon (Tunisia). Known as the blak pearl of the Mediterranean Sea for the colour of its shores, blak. The magic of this island is given by the weave among the sea, caves, clear waters and hot vapours. Here the wild nature is linked to the tipical human buldings of Pantelleria called “Dammuso”, this is made of thick walls of lava that mantain fresh the temperature inside it . It is possible to rent them during the summer. From the sea, the circumnavigation of the island can start from the harbour of Pantelleria Centro and sailing following the sunwise route you will find the San Leonardo lighthouse. Overcrossing it you will arrive to Bue Marino. Sailing to Cuddia Randazzo there is the first cave, named Curritia and the lighthouse of P.ta Spadino. Overcrossing P.ta Falconetto and P.ta Finestra you enter in the Gadir Gulf.
Go Back |
 Tunisia
has been conquered, over the centuries, by maritime civilizations, attracted by its strategic location just like nowadays yachtsmen sailing this area both for its beautiful position and its well organized port facilities The most important Mediterranean civilizations, from Phoenicians to Romans and Arabs, considered Tunisia a short of "center access" to the Mediterranean Sea, and have left here a wide range of different historical monuments, not found anywhere else. The Rome and Carthago war is one of the most important events of the west civilization. Today Tunisian shoreline has a leading place in the international tourism market thanks to both its strategic position and European investments, which have led to the building of modern holiday resorts and marinas, as well as the restoration of existing historical facilities. The charter activity is well established and several chartering operators, located in the country main ports, offer a wide range of boats. Tunisia, however, can be easily reached from Sicily and the Pelagic islands. Crossing the Sicily channel is just a few hours navigation and Pantelleria island lies right off the Tunisian coast. Sidi Bou Said is a clear example of Tunisian strategic location. The village, called the Tunisian Sant Tropez where the traditional Mediterranean architecture and modern tourist facilities are masterly mixed together, has characteristic white houses with turquoise windows and railings and plenty of green trees, making one believe these are the only colors available here! Those landing here have the choice of tasting the unique Turkish coffee at the famous and traditional Mat Caff, while berthing in a modern marina where 380 berths are available (60 for transit traffic). From here, a tour to Carthagòs ruins and to Tunis (a must for its renowned and huge Bazaar) can be easily organized. Yachtsmen will be more attracted by the famous La Galite island, with beautiful white beaches surrounding it, which is a real Mediterranean fauna oasis: the rare Pharaoh Sarago and the Monk Seal (actually almost disappear) can be found here. The archipelago, placed 40 miles off the Tunisian coast, was, during the 50's, a coral fishing colony, while today is almost entirely occupied from a military facility. La Galite, known since the down of civilization, as suggested from the Ipogean tombs found here, were known for the several fresh water springs used by ancient seamen. The archipelago can be reached from Biserta, offering a marina with 200 berths. Tabarka port, currently under re-building and with a picturesque castle overlooking it, is a good alternative. More than 100 berths are reserved to pleasure boats, but more will be available soon. Those looking for a worldly holiday should steer eastbound indeed, sailing from La Goulette port located in the Tunis gulf. Here 150 berths (30 for transit traffic) and a Yacht Club are available, and Tunis is easily reachable. Sidi Daud and Keliba ports, almost entirely occupied by fishing vessels, are located on the extreme Tunisian peninsula end. These two facilities are very characteristic places but not suitable for large yachts, which should steer south of Bon cape, where landing can be found at El Kantaui, offering 160 berths on 3.5 meters water depth. Beni Khiar port, nearby Hammamet, has a draught limitation to 2.5 meters too, and only daylight landing (best if assisted by a local guide) is recommended. Once there , do not miss a tour to Hammamet, probably the most renowned tourist center over the entire North African coast: from Flaubert to Maupassiant, including Oscar Wilde and Wiston Curchill have all been charmed by this beautiful town. The fortress, a splendid example of classical architecture, built in the XV century, and the tourist resorts in the nearby coast, are beautifully cast in the surrounding environment, ensuring complete comfort to vacationers. El Kantaoui, surrounded by a residential complex, offer a new Mediterranean boating style. The nearby Sousse town feature a wonderful natural scenario and port, now mainly used by fishing vessels. The town is surrounded by walls and is overlooked by the Khalaf Al Fata tower, built in 859, on top of which one can enjoy a breathtaking view, ranging from the town to the endless sea. Monastir, located at the Hammamet gulf's extreme end, was once a fortress built on the promontory to prevent sea invasions; several rules followed here along the centuries, including the Punic, Roman, Spanish and Turkish who made it an "Holly City". Few days spent in Monastir were enough to gain eternal paradise, and, the legend says, Mohammed stated that the door to paradise was hidden here. Monastir, however, is surely a boaters paradise, offering 400 berths and a charming town with characteristic alleys and stores, overlooked by Ribat castle, for centuries the seclusion monks see. Further south, Mahdia port, located just 50 miles from Lampedusa, offer 610 berths, followed by La Chebba port with 421 berths. In the southernmost part of the Tunisian coast, nearby Djerba island, there are several minor landings, where entrance should be considered only with good weather conditions and with low draught boats. We suggest to sail, in your maiden voyage along the Tunisian coast, with a local experienced skipper on board, however, on common routes, cruises can be safely undertaken and common marine knowledge will.
Go Back |
|
 |
|
