Favignana: A Sicilian Island Paradise

Favignana is the largest and most important of the Egadi Islands, a group of three islands that are located off the western coast of Sicily.

It is a relatively unknown and unspoiled hidden gem that mostly greets Italian holiday-makers and while there are tourist amenities, the original character of the island has been little-altered over time. The atmosphere is authentic and peaceful, not the glamour and glitz that has taken over some of the islands in the area.

If you are in search of a place with a slow pace of life, a lack of bustling tourist crowds, beautiful beaches, a real Italian lifestyle and perfect summer weather, look no further.

Just find a vacation rental in Sicily and spend some time on Favignana.

Favignana town is a cheerful place where friendly locals welcome visitors and the a pedestrianised town centre that allows for lazy exploration of the main squares, the Piazza Madrice and Piazza Europa, where you'll find groups of old men sitting outside cafes, children playing and people milling about doing their shopping.

One of the best ways to explore the island, however, is by boat and the are several companies that offer tours or you can rent your own. Scuba-diving and snorkelling are also a must as the waters are clean, clear and protected by a marine reserve. Diving centres in Favignana town offer trips for the experienced divers as well as lessons for any newbies who want to take advantage of the amazing setting and learn. Fishing is also a popular activity that is deeply connected to the island's history. If you are interested, one of the best ways to experience it is by joining a local fisherman on a fishing trip. Signs around the island should advertise people who are willing to take you out on fishing trips.

On land, cycling is one of the more popular activities on the island and rentals can cost as little as a couple of euros for a whole day. You can then cycle the quiet town roads, out along the stunning coast and to the dramatic tufa quarries, beaches and rocky coves of the eastern part of the island. The tufa quarries themselves are quite the sight. Some are caverns with vast, cathedral-like interiors with others consist simply of pits housing roads and houses that are left standing with the land around them all dug away. Some of these spaces are now used for gardens such as Villa Margherita, which is open to the public, and can be toured by appointment. Beaches are another highlight and two of the most popular are Cala Rossa, a pretty bay with turquoise sea, and Lido Burrone, a wider sandy beach where there is a bar, a restaurant, and facilities including sun-beds and parasols for rent.

For an authentic experience of a Sicilian island, uncompromised by tourism, just make your way to this charming little island off the coast of Italy.