Old forgotten mines, where thousands of people used to cut the stone. Square artificial entrances to caves, created by people in order to satisfy their need in materials. They face the sea, dot coastal rocks all along the shore. Ancient houses and fences are made from stones that were taken from mines. Paths and dusty roads lead from one side of the small island to the other.
This place definitely reminded me Epic films about mighty Roman empire, its dwellers and servants. And that is the place, where we anchored the last night.
Isola di Favignana is one of the three islands that create Arcipelago delle Egadi, to the west of Sicily. There are ferries – Ustica lines – that connect Sicily, Ustica and Egali. When for a while we stopped at the bay of the town, ferries were departing and arriving almost every 30 minutes, causing much waving.
The town of Favignana is a really charming place. It’s small but full of life. Especially on Friday night – amount of people, walking, parting and having dinner outdoors on central streets, reminded me about big cities. But that doesn’t make it overcrowded, moreover – adds something to provincial charm.
On one of the shores of the cosy town bay there’s an old maison, where Tuna museo is situated. Sounds yummy, hey? If we would stay longer, I would definitely visit it.
We were staying in different bays of Favignana for four days. The main reason was face wind and waves that didn’t allow us to head to Sardinia. Warm sunny days, turquoise water and amazing landscape surrounded us all these days.
On the hill, the highest point of the island, – Fort di Sancta Caterina. It’s very touristic sight, even excursions by donkeys are held to the top of the hill. Their stable is near the place, where the ascending road starts. This road is an easy and fast way to get to the top.
I do not choose approved and explored paths, so decided to conquer the hill from the other side, rocky and bushy. 40 minutes of rock-climbing – and I’m on the top, completely happy and with scratched legs. From there I could see all island, including “Vagabond”’s anchorage, the town, mines and desired fortress – like on a palm.
Pleasant walk along the edge to the top of another hill – and the fort is right in front of me. I entered it from “prohibited” side that was indicated with thorny fence to prevent tourists to explore “wild” and rocky hills of Favignana.
In the fort I met two guys from Sri Lanka. They’ve been working on the island for five months. And that was the first time they climbed the hill. Back we went civilized way and together.
And then I lost my road : ) No one is surprised, yep? We returned to the centre (guys decided to join me on my way to the boat), from where we went to the anchorage before with Cris and Isabel. Then I lost the way again. So we decided to ask the direction in a very load bar. Cool guys -barmen got a map from nowhere and showed the right street.
These meetings per chance, random people, support and smiles are great treasure of my life. These are people, who create my world, who enrich me and make me feel. They are stars, sparkles of my life way – amazing personalities that join me for a moment, for a hour, for the whole life.
People, my neighbours, brothers and sisters, are those who greet me on my way, who wave me farewell, who give me a hand and support, when I can fall, who smile to me, when I’m sad.
And I try to pay the same coin – with open hand, mind and heart. I love you all!
With these cheerful words I finish this chapter. Make love, not war.
And some tips for sailors.
- Cosy bay with transparent water and mines: 37°55.8884 N, 12°21.0553 E;
- Anchorage with small marina (for motorboats) on the side of the island, opposite to the port (I. to Preveto – I. ta Longa): 37°54.9323 N, 12°18.4392 E.
Follow the wind 