Holiday apartment in Marettimo: Coast, caves and historic paths

Marettimo is the westernmost island of the Egadi Archipelago. Its highest peak is Monte Falcone, which reaches 686 m above sea level. In addition, there is a coastline extending for 19 km, giving the island a strong connection to the sea.

Nature

Isola di Marettimo is designated as Natura 2000 site ITA010002. Marettimo has endemic flora and fauna; at the same time, the island has lush vegetation and is considered a botanical paradise. More than 400 caves and coves lie along the coast. Many of them are accessible only by sea, which divides the coastal landscape into different areas, each with its own access routes.

Caves and sea

In the Grotta del Tuono, the waves crashing against the rock walls echo throughout the entire cave. On its seabed are lead objects that probably come from a ship dating back to Roman times. A very large cave can be crossed by boat and contains numerous limestone deposits, stalactites and stalagmites. At the Relitto Klizia, it is also possible to look beneath the water’s surface: there are large specimens of the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis), while the outer area is covered by several species of encrusting sponges.

History and culture

Castello di Punta Troia was built between 1568 and 1571 on the foundations of a watchtower erected by the Saracens in the 9th century. It can be reached on foot or by sea and houses the Museo delle Carceri di Punta Troia as well as the observatory for the monk seal of the Area Marina Protetta delle Isole Egadi.

The Case Romane, a monumental complex from Roman times, are located in the upper part of Marettimo. The buildings served a military purpose and stood in a strategic location with control over the sea. From the port centre of Marettimo, the Case Romane can be reached via Contrada Pelosa; the indicated route is 1.9 km long.

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 port at Via Campi 6.

Hiking and paths

Several paths connect the landscape, coast and historic sites. The hike from Scalo Vecchio to Castello di Punta Troia takes about an hour and a half and is quite demanding. The hike from Paese to Punta Libeccio takes about two hours and is classified as easy; at Cala Nera, it provides access to the sea.

Cala Bianca can be reached via a demanding trekking route or conveniently by boat. This means that different forms of access are available for this stretch of coast, without the caves, coves and paths being accessible in the same way.

Getting there and getting around

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.

Holiday apartment in Marettimo

When comparing holiday apartment offers in Marettimo, you can check the exact location, type of accommodation, occupancy, included services, price components, and booking and cancellation conditions on the respective offer page before booking. This allows you to assess the specific features of an offer separately from the island’s distinctive landscapes and cultural sites.

Further destinations: Castellammare Del Golfo, Triscina, Kamma, Fulgatore, Buseto Palizzolo, Salemi, Baglio Todaro, Campobello Di Mazara.

To the higher-level travel overview: Trapani.