Marettimo: Sea, Nature and History

Marettimo is the westernmost island of the Aegadian Archipelago and combines a striking mountain landscape with a long history shaped by the sea. Monte Falcone reaches 686 m above sea level, making it the highest peak on Marettimo. At the same time, the coastline stretches for 19 km—enough space for hiking, historical discoveries and excursions to the island’s distinctive landscapes.

Nature Between Mountains, Coast and Sea

Isola di Marettimo is designated as Natura 2000 site ITA010002. The island is home to endemic flora and fauna; Marettimo also has lush vegetation and is considered a botanical paradise. Along the coast, there are more than 400 caves and coves. Many of them are accessible only by sea, meaning that the island cannot be explored solely via inland paths.

Fortresses and Roman Traces

Castello di Punta Troia was built between 1568 and 1571 on the foundations of a watchtower erected by the Saracens in the 9th century. The complex houses the Museo delle Carceri di Punta Troia and the monk seal observatory of the Area Marina Protetta delle Isole Egadi. Castello di Punta Troia can be reached on foot or by sea, combining history with Marettimo’s diverse landscapes.

The upper part of Marettimo is home to the Case Romane, a monumental complex dating from Roman times. The buildings served a military purpose and stood in a strategic location offering control over the sea. From Marettimo’s harbour centre, the Case Romane can be reached via Contrada Pelosa; the stated route covers 1.9 km.

Island History in the Town Centre

The Museo del mare was established at the initiative of the island’s residents to protect Marettimo’s identity. It is located in the town centre near the old harbour at Via Campi 6. If, when planning your accommodation, you prefer short distances to a museum and the old harbour, this location provides a clear point of reference within the town.

Caves with Many Different Facets

In the Grotta del Tuono, the waves crashing against the rock walls reverberate throughout the entire cave. Its seabed contains lead objects probably originating from a ship dating from Roman times. At the Klizia wreck, there are large specimens of the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis); the outer area is covered by several species of encrusting sponges.

A very large cave can be traversed by boat and features numerous limestone deposits, stalactites and stalagmites.

Hiking for Different Requirements

The hike from Scalo Vecchio to Castello di Punta Troia takes around one and a half hours and is fairly demanding. Another hike leads from the Paese to Punta Libeccio, takes around two hours and is classified as easy. At Cala Nera, this route provides access to the sea.

Cala Bianca can be reached via a demanding trek or conveniently by boat. This allows you to take both shorter and longer routes into account when planning your day, as well as an excursion where the boat provides the appropriate connection to a coastal destination.

Getting to and Around Marettimo

Speedboats and ferries connect Marettimo with Trapani and, in summer, also with Marsala. Driving cars on Marettimo is prohibited, except for authorised activities. There is also a water taxi service connecting different parts of the island. This combination of ferry connections, hiking trails and boat transfers is relevant when choosing your accommodation and planning individual excursion days.

Other destinations in the same travel area: Trapani, Ballata, Buseto Superiore, Marinella, Salemi, Campobello Di Mazara, Alcamo, Castelvetrano.

Go to the higher-level travel overview: Trapani.