Egadi

Egadi, known in English as the Aegadian Islands, is an archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the western coast of Sicily, Italy. The chain lies a short distance from Trapani and comprises three main inhabited islands—Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo—together with several smaller islets. The islands are part of the Sicilian region and fall under the jurisdiction of the province of Trapani. The landscape is characterized by limestone geology, rugged coastlines, and numerous natural coves and caves. Favignana is the largest and best known, featuring the long flat plateau and the preserved tuna fishery called the tonnare, and coves such as Cala Rossa. Levanzo is smaller and flatter, while Marettimo is the most rugged, with cliffs and a higher elevation.

Historically, the archipelago was known to the ancient Greeks as Aegates. It is notable for its role in the First Punic War, as the Battle of the Aegates Islands in 241 BCE occurred nearby, ending Carthaginian involvement in the war and establishing Roman hegemony in the western Mediterranean.

Marine and natural heritage is protected by the Area Marina Protetta Isole Egadi, which covers the surrounding waters and several islands. The local economy has traditionally depended on fishing, especially tuna harvesting, and on tourism, which centers on its beaches, coves, and snorkeling and diving sites. The Egadi Islands remain a popular destination for travelers seeking coastal scenery, clear waters, and a sense of historical depth while maintaining traditional ways of life.