Marettimo, Sicily

Marettimo is the most remote of the Egadi Islands, a group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea, southern Italy, off the western coast of Sicily. Visitors to the island will see a steep rocky mountain with great limestone cliffs plunging down into the sea with the hamlet of Maraettimo nestled at its base. The town is a compact collection of square white houses and terraces collected together around the miniature harbour.

The highlight of a visit to Marettimo is a boat trip around the island and an excursion to the numerous caves and grottos along the coastline. The most striking include the Grotta del Cammello in which shelters a small pebble beach, Grotta del Tuono (Cave of Thunder), Grotta Perciata and, most notable of all, the Grotta del Presepio likened to a Nativity scene because of the rocks it contains fashioned and crafted by the wind and the waves.

Things to see and do

* Boat trip around the island
* Exploring caves and grottos
* Punta Troia - ruins of Spanish Castle
* Views from mountain top

General information

Cruise Season - Feb to Dec
Currency - Euro (€)
Language - Italian
Population - 300 approx
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT/UTC + one hour
International Country Telephone Code - 39

Port Location -The tiny port of Marettimo is located in the town; Scalo Nuovo is the main landing-stage.

Travel Links - Marettimo can be reached by car ferry and hydrofoil from Trapani; the trip takes about one hour. There are frequent service in summer, with decreased service during other months.