Marettimo: Nature, Hiking Trails and Maritime History

Marettimo combines an impressive island landscape with traces from Roman and Saracen times. As the westernmost island of the Egadi Archipelago, the destination offers different ways to spend your holiday: You can experience the coast and caves from the water, hike to historical sites or discover the special features of the island’s natural environment. When choosing a hotel in Marettimo, it is also important to consider how you would like to get around on the island.

Summits, Coast and Protected Nature

At 686 m above sea level, Monte Falcone is the highest peak on Marettimo. The coastline stretches for 19 km and is accompanied by more than 400 caves and coves. Many of these coastal formations can only be reached by sea. This creates a clear distinction between excursions undertaken on hiking trails and experiences for which you use a boat.

Isola di Marettimo is designated as Natura 2000 site ITA010002. The island has endemic flora and fauna as well as lush vegetation and is described as a botanical paradise. Those who want to combine nature observation and physical activity when planning their trip will therefore find a landscape where the coast, summits and distinctive plant and animal life are closely intertwined.

Hikes with Different Levels of Difficulty

The hikes on Marettimo range from easy to challenging routes. The hike from Scalo Vecchio to Castello di Punta Troia takes about one and a half hours and is quite challenging. The hike from the village to Punta Libeccio takes about two hours and is classified as easy. At Cala Nera, this route also provides access to the sea.

Cala Bianca can also be reached in different ways: Options include a challenging trekking tour or a comfortable boat trip. This combination of hiking and travel by water makes Marettimo interesting if you would like to combine different types of excursions during a single stay. Castello di Punta Troia itself can be reached on foot or by sea.

The coastal world also reveals striking features underwater. On the seabed of the Grotta del Tuono are lead elements that probably come from a ship dating from Roman times. In the same cave, the waves crashing against the rock walls echo throughout the entire cave. 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.

Fortresses, Roman Times and Island History

Castello di Punta Troia was built between 1568 and 1571 on the foundations of a watchtower erected by the Saracens in the 9th century. Today, it houses the Museo delle Carceri di Punta Troia and the observatory for the monk seal of the Area Marina Protetta delle Isole Egadi. The site thus combines architectural history, a historical use and an institution dedicated to the monk seal.

Another focal point is the Case Romane in the upper part of Marettimo. The monumental complex dates back to Roman times. The buildings served a military purpose and were located at a strategic point with control over the sea. From the port centre of Marettimo, you can reach them via Contrada Pelosa; the stated route covers 1.9 km.

In the town centre near the old port, the Museo del mare is located at Via Campi 6. The museum was established on the initiative of the island’s inhabitants to protect Marettimo’s identity. During a stay, you can therefore get to know not only the landscape and coast, but also the historical and communal side of the island.

Getting to and Around Marettimo

Hydrofoils and ferries connect Marettimo with Trapani and, in summer, also with Marsala. Driving cars on the island is prohibited, except for authorised activities. There is also a water taxi service connecting different parts of the island. These conditions are relevant when searching for accommodation because they influence your journey and the choice between routes on foot and connections by water.

If you would like to compare other destinations for your trip to Sicily in addition to Marettimo, you can also find Alcamo, Parrinello, Erice, Fulgatore, Sasi, Scauri, Locogrande and Ballata here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Trapani.