After your arrival, we will meet early evening at the hotel for and pre-trip safety briefing in which the week’s plan will be discussed in more detail. We will then head down for an acclimatisation swim before returning for a welcome drink before dinner.

Today we stay local. After breakfast at the hotel, we make our way to the top of the bay at Faraglioni and start off along the coastline, towards Spiaggia Praia. This beautiful beach has far-reaching views of the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea. We stop for lunch and continue in the afternoon on the east coast of the bay to Cala Rossa. Cala Rossa is considered one of the archipelago’s most beautiful beaches. The name is derived from the reddish hues of rocks that frame the sandy beach.

After breakfast we head around to the south and start in the eastern bay of Marino before making out way down to the tip at Punta Fànfalo. After a relaxing lunch, we continue our coastal journey from Cala Stornello to Marasolo, exploring crystal clear waters and meeting the local marine life. Depending on the time of year, the beach can be home to Posidonia, which is a genus of seagrass that plays a key role in ecological maintenance - a welcome sign of healthy waters!

We leave early after breakfast to catch the ferry to Marettimo. We land on the remote island and join our boats and crew for the day. Our first swim sees us explore the rocky coastline from Cala Bianca to Punta Pegna. After lunch, we complete our second swim along the west coast to Cala Nera before jumping on the ferry and returning to our home island of Favignana.

After busying ourselves the day before, we enjoy a gentler pace with a morning swim around the south of the island. Later, you will have an opportunity to enjoy the afternoon off and sample the slow delights of Sicilian life. First, we hop onto boats and motor to two small islands: Isola Preveto and Isola Galeotta. You may recognise these islands from our coastal swims the previous day. The short distance is perfect preparation for tomorrow’s longer crossing. After the swim, you can enjoy the boat ride back to the bay for an afternoon spent at your leisure.

Weather permitting, today is a chance to cross from Favignana to the neighbouring island of Levanzo. The crossing is just the start of the adventure. After lunch, we head to Grotta del Genovese, which is a cave that contains prehistoric art. This is one of the island’s highlights, but we will get to admire the low-lying attraction from water level. We then take the boat back to Favignana for our final night together - an opportunity to reminisce on the week’s adventurous swims and achievements.

We have a final morning swim before breakfast to round off the week before saying our farewells.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Conditions

While there aren’t any significant planned walks, any walks that we do undertake will take place on recognised paths and tracks, however there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces and care should be taken in these areas.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. Therefore, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip varies each day depending on the type of swim but includes one main boat and two support vessels to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and a local boat pilot. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed. Please note, due to the licence of our vessels, some guests may be asked to join our smaller ribs for transportation to and from the swim location.

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website.

There are no additional, specific items required for this location.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don’t currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

The easiest way to get to Favignana is to fly to Palermo and catch the ferry from Trapani or Marsala Port to the island.

Palermo Airport (PMO) to Trapani Port

The public bus to Trapani Port takes around 60 minutes and costs approximately 10€. The buses run regularly throughout the day. You can search and book your tickets via the operator’s website /https://www.segesta.it/

Ferry from Trapani Port to Favignana

The ferry from Trapani to Favignana takes approximately 30 minutes and runs regularly throughout the week. You can search and book your ferry tickets via the operator’s website https://www.libertylines.it/en/.

Palermo Airport (PMO) to Marsala Port

The public bus to Marsala Port takes around 90 minutes and costs approximately 20€. The buses run regularly throughout the day. You can search and book your bus tickets via the operator’s website https://www.autoservizisalemi.it/.

Ferry from Marsala Port to Favignana

The ferry from Marsala to Favignana takes approximately 30 minutes and runs regularly throughout the week.

You can search and book your ferry tickets via the operator’s website https://www.libertylines.it/en/.

If you do not want to travel via public transport, then you can pre book a transfer. Please refer to the airport websites for direct contacts: Trapani airport and Palermo airport.

For this location, your accommodation will be in the comfortable and stylish Il Mulino Resort

For more information about the hotel, please visit our Accommodation: Il Mulino Favignana page on our website.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you want to book additional nights either side of your trip, please contact the hotel directly at info@ilmulinofavignana.it

Food and Drink

All breakfasts and lunches (except lunch on the half day) are included in your trip price (swimmers only). Dinners are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore the menus and experience the local restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip. For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

The currency in Sicily is Euro € You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as meals not already included in your package, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc. In some countries, tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is done entirely at your own discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service, it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides, but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Non-residents of the EU require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not currently require a visa to enter the EU.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

There is free Wi-Fi throughout the common areas of the hotel.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.