Alluring archipelago

The call of the idyllic life is impossible to resist in this Italian island.

MENTION “the best island in Italy” and it often conjures up images of its most glamorous island getaway, Capri, the playground of the rich and famous.

But in Sicily, there lies the beautiful Egadi Islands, 7km off the coast. I like that very few travellers have heard of this undiscovered paradise, which is made up of five small mountainous islands.

I spent one birthday weekend in Favignana, the largest and most important of the Egadi Islands with good, frequent connections with the other islands and the port of Trapani. Unlike some of the famous islands in South-East Asia, life comes to a standstill in Favignana and encapsulates the pursuit of the la dolce vita (the sweet life), a wonderfully simple yet contented life, evident on the faces of the friendly locals. This was what drew me here. Favignana is known for its ancient practice of tuna fishing, also known as mattanza (which means slaughter or massacre and yes, it’s gory!) that dates back to Phoenician times. Tuna fishing is synonymous with the epic story of the Florio family, how they transformed the tuna business on the island, creating an industrial empire that brought economic prosperity to its inhabitants.

Consider a visit to Favignana’s historic tuna factory, which has been restored as a museum for a fascinating glimpse at an ancient activity, including innovations that Cala Rossa is one of the most beautiful bays on the island of Favignana in Italy. — FAN EE MEI characterise life on the island in The centre of the town is pedestrianised with real Italians who aren’t out to the past. Tuna is still a mainstay of and a great place to soak impress obnoxious or loud tourists. the Sicilian diet so make sure to in the local atmosphere and enjoying Favignana doesn’t disappoint indulge in some delicious tuna the relaxing and laidback lifestyle, when it comes to beaches but most meatballs (or anything tuna). an antidote for anyone wanting aren’t the sandy variety I was

Known as the “butterfly of the to escape the stress and excesses expecting. Cala Rossa, one of the sea” for its characteristic shape, of modern living. most beautiful bays there, is 5km Favignana is relatively easy to For an island that beckons with from the harbour. It resembles a explore with only one hill and one serenity, don’t expect full-on amenities rocky amphitheatre that boasts glorious town. Due to its flat landscape, or high-end restaurants or crystal-clear waters and cycling is the best way to explore bars. What I love most is the changing hues of the turquoise sea. the island. authenticity of the place: It is filled Rent a bike or a scooter from the harbour or if you’re lucky, you will find bikes ready on arrival at the property you are staying, which was the case for me. There are no luxury or chain hotels on this island but I stayed at the beautiful Ajamola, a Mediterranean-inspired bed and breakfast on the seafront promenade, about five minutes walk from the harbour.

Accessibility to Egadi islands (Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo) is easy with regular ferry and hydrofoil (costlier but faster) services from the port of Trapani. The islands are possible to visit all year round though both the crowd and prices skyrocket during summer when tourist attendance is at its peak.

Levanzo and Marettimo make an excellent day trip but Favignana is the largest island and I recommend spending at least one night here.

Enchanting, wild and surprisingly affordable, the allure of Favignana is not exaggerated. Why else would Italians keep this paradise a secret or that designer Miuccia Prada owns a seaside villa here?

The views expressed are entirely the reader’s own.