Holiday apartment in Levanzo: Grotta del Genovese, coves and sea

Levanzo combines prehistoric art, Roman underwater history, protected marine nature and coves with very different characteristics. In addition, there are historic buildings, paths leading to the coast and experiences on the water.

Culture

On the northwest coast of Levanzo lies the Grotta del Genovese, a karst cave that opens onto a cove of the same name. Its rock paintings and engravings illustrate life in the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods. The engravings and paintings predominantly depict large animals, as well as four human figures; the engravings have been dated to the final phase of the Upper Palaeolithic. Off Cala Minnola on the eastern side of Levanzo, a Roman merchant ship carrying Dressel 1b wine amphorae sank in the first half of the 1st century BC; the wreck lies at a depth of 27 to 30 metres.

The Grotta del Genovese can be visited by prior reservation; the guided tour lasts two hours. In favourable weather conditions, the visit takes place by boat or off-road vehicle, followed by a 700-metre walk from the end of the unpaved road. Historic traces can also be found outside the cave: the Torre Saracena is an old structure built to control the sea and observe approaching enemy ships. An old, now abandoned farm estate belonged to the Florio family.

Nature

Cala Tramontana is the largest cove on the island. It lies between high reddish cliffs and is characterised by wild, untouched and vegetation-rich nature. Numerous caves are suitable for snorkelling and diving. On the seabed in the marine protected area grows the most extensive and best-preserved Posidonia oceanica in the entire Mediterranean. It serves as a nursery for marine life and is home to hundreds of species.

The western coast of Levanzo lies within the marine protected area of the Aegadian Islands. Swimming, sailing, and travelling by rowing and pedal boats are permitted there. Cala Minnola is a cove with very clear water, surrounded by a dense pine forest. Guided underwater visits are also offered near Levanzo, during which several well-preserved lead anchors can be seen at a depth of around 28 metres.

Getting around

Tourists on Levanzo travel predominantly on foot; a smaller number are taken by boat to the beaches. Cala Minnola lies on the southeastern side of the island and can be reached on foot in about 20 minutes. Cala Calcara can be reached by boat or on foot from the village via a 2.6-kilometre path heading east.

In the south lies Cala Dogana, near the harbour. The small pebble beach can be reached on foot from the town centre and has easy access to the sea, making it suitable for children and less experienced swimmers. From Cala Dogana, Cala Fredda can be reached on foot in about ten minutes; there you will find a pebble and sandy beach.

Levanzo is connected by sea with Trapani and, in summer, also with Marsala. One provider on Levanzo advertises boat trips with cooking on board.

Further destinations

If you would then like to open further destinations from the same selection, you can find Parrinello, Santa Ninfa, Marettimo, Trapani, Petrosino, Dattilo, Gibellina and Pizzolungo here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Trapani.