GEOGRAPHICAL NOTES

Geologically linked to Sicily, the insular group of the Egadi-the ancient Aegates, "island of goats" - a few kilometres west of Trapani, comprises three main island, Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo, and the islets of Formica and Maraone, wich are little more than rocks.

Favignana is the biggest of the group-19 sqare kilometres (about 4700 acres) and 33 kilometres of magnificent coastline-and the nearest to Trapani (17 km). It lies on a tableland of dolomites and light coloured limestone, which reaches its maximum height with Monte Santa Caterina, 304 meters above sea level, set betweeen two broad plateaus.

Favignana owes its present name to 'Favonio' (zephir), a worm west wind which, in spring and summer, makes its climate extremely mild. Favignana coasts are very beautiful, low and full of inlets, caves and grottoes, and the sea-which here is a surprising azure color-has a bed which is particulary unspoilt and is a real paradise for scuba divers.