Marettimo Ferries

The port of Marettimo plays a key role in the ferry network of Italy, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 1 ferry routes operated by 2 ferry companies, Marettimo serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Marettimo, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Trapani - Marettimo connecting Marettimo with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Liberty Lines, Siremar run regular services from Marettimo, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Marettimo offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Travelers reach Marettimo via ferry connections from Trapani on Sicily's western coast, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 hours. From Palermo, you'll need to first travel to Trapani by bus or train (about 2 hours) before catching the ferry. During summer months, additional hydrofoil services operate from Marsala, offering a slightly faster crossing. The ferry terminal in Marettimo is conveniently located right in the main village, requiring no additional transport once you arrive. If traveling by car, secure parking is available at the Trapani port, as vehicles aren't permitted on Marettimo.

Marettimo stands as the most remote and untamed of Sicily's Egadi Islands, offering a pristine escape from the modern world. With its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and car-free village, this Mediterranean haven remains wonderfully unspoiled. As a ferry destination, Marettimo provides travelers with that increasingly rare combination of authentic island life and natural beauty. Here, hiking trails wind through fragrant Mediterranean scrub while the surrounding waters teem with marine life in protected reserves.

Marettimo enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. The ideal time to visit falls between May and June or September and early October when temperatures remain pleasant (20-25°C) and the summer crowds have thinned. July and August bring warmer temperatures and livelier atmosphere, but also higher prices and more limited accommodation options. Ferry services operate year-round but are reduced in winter months, with some businesses closing during the off-season. Spring visits reward travelers with wildflowers carpeting the island's hiking trails, while early autumn offers perfect swimming conditions as the sea retains its summer warmth.

Marettimo serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the other Egadi Islands, each with its distinct character. Favignana, the largest island, is just a 30-minute ferry ride away and famous for its turquoise coves and historic tuna fishery. Levanzo, the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago, can be reached in about 40 minutes and charms visitors with its whitewashed houses and prehistoric cave paintings. For day-trippers, ferry services also connect to Trapani on mainland Sicily, allowing exploration of this historic port city with its salt pans and baroque architecture. The entire Egadi archipelago offers some of the Mediterranean's most pristine waters, making island-hopping here a true maritime delight.

Marettimo captivates visitors with activities centered around its remarkable natural environment. Hike the network of ancient paths that criss-cross the island, including the trail to the Norman-era Castello di Punta Troia with its breathtaking panoramic views. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts will find paradise in the protected marine reserve surrounding the island, home to grouper, barracuda, and even dolphins. Sample the day's catch at family-run trattorie serving specialties like pasta with local lobster, swordfish, or the traditional couscous with fish stew reflecting the island's proximity to North Africa. The village itself, with its blue-trimmed white buildings and unhurried pace, invites leisurely exploration of narrow lanes that open suddenly to magnificent sea views.

Marettimo was once known as Hiera by the ancient Romans, who believed it to be sacred to the gods due to its dramatic beauty and isolation. The island contains over 400 plant species, including seven found nowhere else on Earth, making it a botanical treasure trove in the Mediterranean. Marettimo's waters hide numerous sea caves, including the spectacular Grotta del Cammello, accessible only by boat and named for a rock formation resembling a camel. Unlike its Egadi neighbors, Marettimo was never significantly developed for tuna fishing, allowing it to maintain its wild character and traditional fishing practices largely unchanged for generations.