Travel
Secret Sicily: Exploring Italy’s Unknown Islands
From the Aeolians to the Aegadians and Lampedusa to Favignana, a treasure trove of island gems – little known to international tourists – is waiting to be discovered
You could spend a lifetime just exploring Sicily. The Mediterranean’s largest island is home to vibrant cities like Palermo, Catania and Messina, along with endless azure coastlines and Greek temple ruins that rival Greece’s own, not to mention the active volcano, vibrant winemaking scene and one of Italy’s most dynamic regional cuisines. It almost doesn’t even feel like an island.
But as it happens, Sicily is also the perfect launchpad for an island adventure of a different kind, to one of the several archipelagos and standalone isles in the surrounding waters – many of them unfamiliar to international visitors, and each more stunning than the next. From the Aeolians to the Aegadians and Lampedusa to Favignana, a treasure trove of island gems is waiting to be explored. And while they don’t enjoy the airtime of Santorini, Mykonos or Ibiza, they have been gaining traction and surging with tourism in recent years, so we recommend booking early.
How To Get There
The sheer number of ferry companies commuting between Sicily and its satellite islands can be overwhelming. Liberty Lines, Grimaldi and Caronte Tourist are good places to start. Begin your search with the final island destination and look for the corresponding Sicilian ferry ports.
Pro tip: it’s wise to familiarise yourself with the “mainland”, as rough waters (mare mosso) may disrupt ferry schedules and upend your plans. Look on the bright side: may as well be stranded in Sicily.
Sicilian Island Itineraries
Once you’ve reached your destination, take a day (or sleep a few nights) aboard a boat for hire. This will offer a 360-degree vista, plus access to wild natural sites, less-crowded beaches and superb swimming in deep blue waters. Unless you’ve got a boat license, the skipper services are worth budgeting for.
For day trips and tours, check out Enjoy Me Tours or Eolie Excursions. Spartivento, on the other hand, is popular for longer or all-inclusive group trips on a sailboat or catamaran.
To help you narrow down your island itinerary, here are four highlights with tips on how to arrive, what to see and do, and what to eat and drink while you soak up that island sunshine.
Lipari and Salina (Aeolian Islands)
The Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie) make up Sicily’s most famous island chain. Named for Aeolus, the Greek god of wind mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey, the Aeolians exude mythological mystique.
The volcanic-formed isles are also a Unesco World Heritage Site with stirring natural beauty and cultural significance. There’s evidence of human civilisation for at least 5,000 years, as well as centuries of sweeping conquests, all of which left their mark on the culture, architecture and cuisine.
Eat: Insalata Liparota. A classic named for Lipari and diffused on the islands, it features fresh tomatoes, capers, tuna, red onions, olives and dry crusty bread (think: panzanella) in a basil, oregano and olive oil dressing.
Ravioli di cernia. Plump ravioli stuffed with fresh grouper, parsley and capers in a rich seafood-based sauce.
Drink: The local wine, Malvasia. Grapes are sun- and sea-drenched, which makes for a fantastic flavour and aromatic profile. Bursting with ripe peach, apricot and roses, the wine finished dry, almost sea-salty, and mouth-wateringly delicious. The dessert version, Malvasia delle Lipari, is a must after dinner. Try a glass with a plate of sesamini – sesame-seed-coated biscotti made with orange juice.
Lipari is the largest of the seven islands; in fact, the Aeolians are often referred to as the Lipari Islands. It’s got a buzzing citadel city centre great for shopping and dining.
Visit: The Archaeological Museum Barnabò Brea for a full-spectrum experience of millennia of history. San Bartolomeo Cathedral is a sparkling baroque masterpiece with a charming cloister and frescoes galore.
Swim: Top beaches: Sparkling white sands and turquoise water await pretty much everywhere. Spiaggia di Canneto and Spiaggia Valle Muria are both in walking distance from the centre.
Hike: Monte Sant’Angelo is the highest spot on the island. DIY or check out AllTrails. Either way, breathtaking views await at the top.
Tip: Spend an afternoon at Tenuta di Castellaro winery for wine tastings and an unforgettable meal at their on-premise bistro, a contemporary take on Aeolian cuisine, heavy on the wine-pairing possibilities, naturally.
[Images courtesy of Tenuta di Castellaro © Benedetto Tarantino]
Salina is the greenest of the Aeolians. Capers and vineyards grow both wild and cultivated throughout the island, and a nature reserve covers almost half.
Visit: Punta Lingua Lighthouse and Museum for a look at Salina’s history as a port and a major salt production area (hence the name).
Swim: Snorkling paradise, Scario is a charming pebble beach surrounded on three sides by lush cliffsides.
Favignana and the Aegadian Islands
Also known as the Isole Egadi, this archipelago comes from the Greek for “goat islands”, a reference to their wild terrain. For years, farming and fishing have been the main industries. This is the place for untouched nature hikes, snorkelling, cave exploration and crystalline coves. As always, a boat tour offers an unparalleled experience. Try Egadi Excursions.
Favignana is the largest of the islands, characterised by the traditional white houses that line the shores. While the main city centre offers a vibrant scene, you’ll also want to explore the rocky beaches, alluring caves and turquoise waters.
Eat: Try tuna every way, especially crudo or as a tartare. Also dig into some seafood couscous and local comfort food pane cunzato – a crusty bread soaked in tomato, wild herbs, capers and cured sardines or anchovies.
Tip: Try a martini with Favignana Gin. The botanical blast of rosemary, olive leaves, camomile and coriander – all sourced locally – is a true taste of the island.
Swim: You’ll be spoilt for choice here. Stony beach, Cala Rossa is the most raved about for its natural setting and was once voted the most beautiful Italian beach. For a rare sandy option, try Lido Burrone.
Visit working organic farm and winery Terre del Favonio, and enjoy a meal at their restaurant with a beach view.
[Images courtesy of Terre del Favonio]
Lampedusa and the Pelagie Islands
This tiny archipelago is sandwiched between Sicily and Tunisia. Lampedusa is the largest of the three; in fact, you can arrive by plane. The whole chain is part of a marine reserve, and a paradise for scuba divers and snorkellers.
Eat: Between Turkish invasions and pure proximity, North African culture lives and breathes here. Arabic has infused the dialect, and many local dishes blend capers, couscous, dried fruit and nuts.
Eat (More): Pasta with almond and shrimp pesto and pesce spada all’acqua di mare (swordfish cooked in seawater) – a simple delicacy. Drench it with lemon for full effect.
Swim: Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach) constantly makes the list of the world’s best beaches. It has satiny white sand and transparent waters.
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