Discover Isola Delle Femmine

If you’re looking for a hotel in Isola Delle Femmine, you can plan your trip around your interests: nature, underwater archaeology and maritime history each offer a different focus. The area’s highlights include a protected nature reserve, archaeological routes in the sea, historic watchtowers and fishing traditions. You can weigh up which of these you’d like to shape your stay as you plan your trip.

Nature Reserve and Marine Area

The Riserva Naturale Isola delle Femmine covers about 15 hectares and is entirely designated as Zone A. Its vegetation is also part of what makes it distinctive: the reserve contains more than 120 species of Mediterranean maquis. Both its protected-area status and its diverse plant life are central to the natural side of the destination.

Another natural feature can be found in the Capo Gallo–Isola delle Femmine Marine Protected Area. Along its rocky shores is a vermetid reef formed by colonies of the small mollusc species Dendropoma petraeum. The maquis vegetation and this coastal reef formed by mollusc colonies describe different habitats; both offer their own ways to explore the area’s natural history.

Underwater Archaeological Sites

The Sicilian Region’s Soprintendenza del Mare has established three underwater archaeological routes in the waters of Isola Delle Femmine. The eastern route is a five-minute boat ride from the harbour. This time refers to the boat ride to that route; local boat arrangements may change. Access to the routes is subject to the rules of the Marine Protected Area.

Another underwater site lies in Zone C of the marine park: the wreck of a Junkers Ju-52 trimotor aircraft can be visited at a depth of 46 metres. Diving access is subject to the park’s current rules. The two experiences can be distinguished by their different details: the eastern archaeological route is described in terms of the boat ride from the harbour, while the aircraft wreck is described by its depth and location in Zone C.

Watchtowers and Maritime History

The Torre in terra, also known as Torre di Capaci, is a round coastal watchtower dating from the 15th century. Its lower floor served as a cistern. Its circular shape and former water-storage function add another specific detail to its role as a defensive structure.

The Torre di Fuori stands on the small offshore island. It was designed by military architect C. Camilliani and built at the end of the 16th century with two rainwater cisterns. The two towers mark different periods in history: the Torre in terra dates from the 15th century, while the Torre di Fuori dates from the late 16th century. The descriptions of their cisterns also differ: one on the lower floor of the first tower, and two rainwater cisterns at the second.

Maritime history also includes a tuna fishery (tonnara): records document its donation to the Bishop of Monreale in 1176. Another aspect of local fishing tradition is catching lampuga using traditional floating platforms known as “cannizzi”. Alongside the buildings, fishing and its traditional methods are part of the area’s history.

Festival, Fishing and Harbour

The Feast of Madonna delle Grazie is celebrated every year from 2 July until the following Sunday and includes a procession through the town. Dates and programme details may vary, so if you’re planning your trip around the festival, check the exact dates for your visit.

The harbour is also part of the fishing tradition: visitors can buy fresh fish at the fish market every morning, brought in by local fishermen. If you’re planning to shop there, ask locally about what’s available on the day. The festival and the morning market offer different reference points for planning your trip: one is an annual event, while the other is part of the harbour’s morning activity.

Ferry Connection to the Reserve Island

The island of the Riserva Naturale Isola delle Femmine can be reached by ferry from Palermo. As ferry services and timetables may change, check them before travelling. This connection is to the reserve island; the five-minute boat ride, on the other hand, describes the journey from the harbour to the eastern underwater route.

Discover more destinations: Belmonte Mezzagno, Ficarazzi, Termini Imerese, Torre Colonna-Sperone, Mezzojuso, Villagrazia, Petralia Soprana, Masseria D'amari.

For the wider travel overview: Palermo.