Levanzo between Grotta, coves and marine life

Levanzo brings together prehistoric evidence, historic buildings, coves and protected marine areas. This makes the island suitable for visitors who want to combine culture with coastal experiences: you can view a karst cave and an old building, visit coves or explore maritime history and the underwater world. When choosing your accommodation, it helps to consider whether sightseeing, routes on land or excursions on the water should be the main focus.

Grotta del Genovese: rock art from two eras

The Grotta del Genovese is a karst cave on the north-west coast of Levanzo and opens onto a cove of the same name. Its rock paintings and engravings illustrate life in the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods. The engravings and paintings predominantly depict large animals as well as four human figures; the engravings have been dated to the final phase of the Upper Palaeolithic. The guided tour lasts two hours and can be visited by prior reservation.

Coves between rock, woodland and pebble beaches

Cala Tramontana is the largest cove on the island. High reddish rock walls, wild, unspoilt and vegetation-rich nature, as well as numerous caves, characterise it; these caves are suitable for snorkelling and diving. Cala Minnola lies on the south-east side of the island and can be reached on foot in around 20 minutes. The cove has very clear water and is surrounded by a dense pine forest. Cala Dogana lies on the south coast near the harbour, can be reached on foot from the town centre and has a small pebble beach with easy access to the sea, which is also suitable for children and less experienced swimmers. From there, you can reach Cala Fredda after around ten minutes on foot; the beach consists of pebbles and sand. Cala Calcara can be reached by boat or on foot from the town via a 2.6-kilometre route heading east.

Marine protected area and underwater world

The west coast of Levanzo lies within the marine protected area of the Aegadian Islands. Swimming, sailing and travelling by rowing and pedal boats are permitted there. On the seabed of the marine protected area grows the most extensive and best-preserved Posidonia oceanica in the entire Mediterranean. It serves as a nursery for marine life and is home to hundreds of species.

Getting around Levanzo

Levanzo is connected by sea with Trapani and, in summer, also with Marsala. Tourists mainly get around Levanzo on foot; a smaller number are taken by boat to the beaches. In favourable weather conditions, the Grotta del Genovese can be reached by boat or an off-road vehicle. From the end of the unpaved road, the route then continues for another 700 metres on foot.

Traces of trade and island history

In front of Cala Minnola on the eastern side of Levanzo, a Roman merchant ship carrying Dressel 1b wine amphorae sank in the first half of the 1st century BC. The wreck lies at a depth of 27 to 30 metres. The Torre Saracena is an old building erected to control the sea and observe approaching enemy ships. An old, now-abandoned masseria belonged to the Florio family.

Guided experiences on the water

Guided underwater visits are offered near Levanzo. At a depth of around 28 metres, several well-preserved lead anchor stocks can be seen. In addition, a provider on Levanzo advertises boat excursions with cooking on board.

More destinations for planning your trip: Pantelleria, Biscione, Gibellina, Karuscia, Favignana, Selinunte, San Ciro - Ulmi - Filci and Petrosino.

For the overarching travel overview: Trapani.