Levanzo: Cave Art, Coves and Island History

Levanzo brings together prehistoric cave art, coves and evidence of underwater archaeology. If you are planning a stay, you can focus on the island’s history, its coastal landscape or activities at sea.

Cave Art and Historical Sites

The Grotta del Genovese is a karst cave on Levanzo’s northwest coast, opening onto a cove of the same name. Its rock paintings and engravings illustrate life in the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods. Most of the depictions show large animals; there are also four human figures. The engravings have been dated to the final phase of the Upper Palaeolithic.

A guided tour of the cave is available by prior reservation and lasts two hours. In favourable weather, access is by boat or off-road vehicle; from the end of the unpaved road, it is then a 700-metre walk. Check the reservation requirements and weather-dependent access options in advance.

Other structures also tell the story of Levanzo. The Torre Saracena was built to monitor the sea and watch for approaching enemy ships. A former, abandoned estate (a masseria) also belonged to the Florio family.

Off Cala Minnola on the island’s eastern side, 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; diving access requires expert organisation. Guided underwater tours are also offered off Levanzo, where several well-preserved lead anchor stocks can be seen at a depth of about 28 metres. Dives require a permit or expert organisation.

Coves, Coast and Sea

Cala Tramontana is the island’s largest cove. It lies between high reddish cliffs and is characterised by wild, untouched and richly vegetated surroundings. Numerous caves are suitable for snorkelling and diving. Posidonia oceanica is also of interest to travellers keen to explore the underwater world: the marine protected area’s seabed is home to the largest and best-preserved Posidonia meadow in the entire Mediterranean. It serves as a nursery for marine life and is home to hundreds of species.

Cala Minnola lies on Levanzo’s southeast side and can be reached on foot in about 20 minutes. The cove is surrounded by a dense pine forest and has very clear water. Cala Dogana offers a different kind of beach: its small pebble beach lies on the south coast near the harbour and is within walking distance of the town centre. Its easy access to the sea also makes it suitable for children and less experienced swimmers. Cala Fredda is a pebble and sandy beach, about a 10-minute walk from Cala Dogana.

Cala Calcara can be reached by boat or on foot from the town. The route heads 2.6 kilometres east. Levanzo’s west coast is part of the Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area. Swimming, sailing and using rowing and pedal boats are permitted there. Check the protected area’s current rules before taking part in activities.

Planning Your Stay

On Levanzo, tourists get around mostly on foot; a smaller number are taken by boat to the beaches. Access to individual destinations varies: visiting the Grotta del Genovese requires a prior reservation, and access depends on the weather, while walking or travelling by boat are among the options for reaching several coves. These differences can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Levanzo is connected by sea to Trapani and, in summer, also to Marsala. Routes and seasonal timetables may change; check with the operators before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Dattilo, Marsala, Santa Ninfa, Calatafimi, Valderice, Baglio Todaro, Casa Santa, Kamma

Return to the main travel overview: Trapani.