The Islands Near Palermo: Dive into the Wonders of the Mediterranean
Palermo, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, not only offers a wealth of historical and cultural treasures but is also the ideal starting point for exploring some of the most captivating islands in the Mediterranean. Just a short distance from the city, these islands provide the perfect blend of crystal-clear waters, breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and local traditions. In this article, I will guide you through the islands easily reachable from Palermo, each with its unique and irresistible charm.
1. Ustica
Distance from Palermo: about 1 hour and 30 minutes by ferry, departing from Palermo’s port with Liberty Lines.
Ustica is the closest island off the Palermo coast and a true gem of the Mediterranean. Known as the “Black Pearl” for its volcanic origin, Ustica is a paradise for sea lovers and scuba divers. The waters surrounding the island are part of Italy’s first marine protected area, rich in marine flora and fauna.
The island offers numerous famous dive spots, such as the Grotta Azzurra and the Secca della Colombara, where you can admire an incredible variety of fish, corals, and underwater caves. Even if you are not an experienced diver, Ustica offers splendid opportunities for snorkeling or simply enjoying a day at the beach in its small coves.
Besides the sea, the village of Ustica is charming, with its colorful houses, narrow streets, and peaceful atmosphere. Don’t miss a walk along the Sentiero del Mezzogiorno, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the sea and the island.
2. Egadi Islands: Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo
Distance from Palermo: about 2 hours by car (or bus) to Trapani, followed by a short ferry or hydrofoil ride.
The Egadi Islands are an archipelago off the western coast of Sicily, easily accessible from Palermo via Trapani’s port. This group of islands includes Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo, each with its distinctive character and unique landscapes.
- Favignana: The largest and most famous of the Egadi Islands, Favignana is known for its white sandy beaches and hidden coves. Cala Rossa is one of the island’s most famous bays, with turquoise waters and white cliffs creating a stunning contrast. The island is also famous for its tuna fishery, and a visit to the Ex Stabilimento Florio offers a fascinating insight into the history of tuna fishing in Sicily.
- Levanzo: The smallest of the Egadi Islands, Levanzo is a peaceful and unspoiled island, perfect for those seeking relaxation and nature. The island is famous for the Grotta del Genovese, a prehistoric cave with engravings dating back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. The pebble beaches and crystal-clear waters make Levanzo an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving.
- Marettimo: The wildest and most mountainous of the Egadi Islands, Marettimo is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Known for its sea caves, such as the Grotta del Cammello and the Grotta della Bombarda, Marettimo offers spectacular landscapes and a remote, untouched atmosphere. The island’s trails provide breathtaking views and lead to secluded, pristine locations.
3. Aeolian Islands: Salina, Lipari, Stromboli, Vulcano, Filicudi, Alicudi, Panarea
Distance from Palermo: about 3-4 hours by ferry from Palermo’s port.
The Aeolian Islands, located north of Sicily, are a volcanic archipelago that represents one of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating destinations. Though a bit farther from Palermo, if you have enough time, the Aeolians are well worth visiting by ferry or hydrofoil.
The archipelago consists of seven main islands, each with its unique character, offering an unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.
Salina: The Green Island of the Aeolians
Among the Aeolian Islands, Salina is particularly famous for its lush vegetation and scenic landscapes that have earned it worldwide fame. Often called the “green island” for its vineyards and olive groves, Salina is the second-largest island in the archipelago and boasts a variety of natural and cultural attractions.
One of the must-do activities in Salina is trekking up the Fossa delle Felci Volcano, the highest peak in the Aeolians. This moderately difficult hike passes through lush vegetation and offers breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding islands.
Salina is also famous for producing Malvasia, a sweet wine typical of the island, and for its capers, considered among the best in the world. Among the beaches, Pollara, made famous by the movie “Il Postino” by Massimo Troisi, is one of the most captivating, with its cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Its coves and sea caves are perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Lipari: The Pearl of the Aeolians
Lipari is the largest and most populated of the Aeolian Islands, offering a perfect mix of culture, history, and nature. Lipari’s historic center, with its castle and Aeolian Archaeological Museum, allows visitors to dive into the island’s ancient history. The white pumice cliffs and the black sandy beaches of Canneto are among the island’s most spectacular natural attractions.
Lipari is also an ideal starting point for exploring the other islands of the archipelago, with many boat tours available.
Vulcano: The Island of Fire
Vulcano, as its name suggests, is an island defined by volcanic activity. Here, visitors can hike up to the crater of the Gran Cratere, a unique experience offering the chance to admire sulfur vents up close and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. The black sand beaches and thermal mud baths are other must-see attractions, making Vulcano the perfect place to combine adventure and relaxation.
Stromboli: The Island of the Active Volcano
Stromboli is famous for its active volcano, one of the few in the world in nearly continuous eruption. Trekking enthusiasts can venture on a night hike to the crater, accompanied by expert guides, to witness the spectacle of lava eruptions against the starry sky. It’s an extraordinary experience that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Stromboli’s black beaches and the nearby Strombolicchio islet, a former extinct volcano, complete the island’s unique offerings.
4. Isola delle Femmine
Distance from Palermo: about 20 minutes by car to Isola delle Femmine, followed by a short boat ride.
Located just off the Palermo coast, Isola delle Femmine is a small island near the namesake seaside town. The island is a natural reserve, uninhabited, and surrounded by stunningly clear waters.
5. Pantelleria
Distance from Palermo: about 1 hour by direct flight.
Though a bit farther than the other islands mentioned, Pantelleria is definitely worth a visit. This volcanic island, located between Sicily and Tunisia, is known for its lunar landscapes, thermal waters, and production of the famous passito wine.
Pantelleria boasts a unique volcanic landscape, with lava flows, dammusi (traditional stone houses), and terraced vineyards. The beaches are mostly rocky, but the crystal-clear waters and opportunities for snorkeling or diving make the island a perfect destination for sea lovers.
An unmissable experience in Pantelleria is a swim in the Venus Lake, a natural volcanic lake with thermal waters, where you can enjoy rejuvenating baths and natural mud treatments.
6. The Stagnone Islands and Mozia
Distance from Palermo: about 1.5 hours by car to Marsala, followed by a short boat ride.
The Stagnone Islands form a lagoon near Marsala on Sicily’s western coast. This archipelago includes several islands, with the famous Mozia being one of the Mediterranean’s main Phoenician colonies. Mozia is now a fascinating archaeological site, with well-preserved remains of temples, walls, and dwellings.
The shallow, calm waters of the Stagnone Lagoon are perfect for water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. The surrounding salt flats, with their windmills and changing colors at sunset, create a unique and captivating spectacle.
A visit to the Stagnone Islands is a journey into ancient history and nature, offering a blend of archaeological fascination and the beauty of Sicilian landscapes.
Conclusion
The islands near Palermo offer a wide range of experiences, from relaxing on the golden beaches of Favignana to diving in the crystal-clear waters of Ustica, from hiking in the wilderness of Marettimo to exploring the ancient ruins of Mozia. These islands, easily accessible by ferry, hydrofoil, or even flight, represent the essence of Mediterranean charm and are a must-visit for anyone traveling to Palermo.
Whether you’re a sea lover, history enthusiast, or nature explorer, the islands near Palermo will provide you with an unforgettable experience, enriching your Sicilian journey with breathtaking views, clear waters, and the warm hospitality that these lands have to offer.
