Aegadian Islands

The Aegadian Islands, anciently called the Egates, lie a few miles off the western end of Sicily, opposite Trapani. The chief islands are Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo, with lesser rocks and islets around them. They are dry, limestone islands rather than volcanic ones, with scant rainfall, thin soil and a hard maritime climate. Marettimo rises highest (2,080 ft.), steep and rugged; Favignana is lower and broader, with its town and landing places lying nearer the Sicilian coast.

Fishing is the chief occupation, especially the taking of tuna in the season. At Favignana, the tonnara gives work to fishermen, cutters, salters, dryers, coopers and boatmen. The islanders also keep goats, vines and small gardens, but these are not commercial. Favignana, most likely a hamlet (awaiting mapping), is the only habitation. The islands matter less for their wealth than for their position, since they stand beside the western approaches to Sicily and the sea road between Africa, Spain, Malta and the central Mediterranean.