Aegadian Islands

Coordinates: 37°58′N 12°12′E / 37.967°N 12.200°E / 37.967; 12.200
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
A map showing the Aegadian Islands

The Aegadian Islands (

Latin: Aegates Insulae; Greek: Aἰγάται Νῆσοι; lit.'the islands of goats') are a group of five small mountainous islands in the Mediterranean Sea off the northwest coast of Sicily, Italy, near the cities of Trapani and Marsala, with a total area of 37.45 square kilometres (14.46 sq mi).[1]

The island of Favignana (Aegusa), the largest, lies 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) southwest of Trapani; Levanzo (Phorbantia) lies 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) west; and Marettimo, the ancient Hiera Nesos, 24 kilometres (15 mi) west of Trapani, is now reckoned as a part of the group. There are also two minor islands, Formica and Maraone, lying between Levanzo and Sicily. For administrative purposes the archipelago constitutes the comune of Favignana in the province of Trapani.

The overall population in 2017 was 4,292.[2] Winter frost is unknown and rainfall is low. The main occupation of the islanders is fishing, and the largest tuna fishery in Sicily is there.

History

There is evidence of Neolithic and even Paleolithic paintings in caves on Levanzo, and to a lesser extent on Favignana.

The islands were the scene of the

Saracens, before the Normans
fortified Favignana in 1081.

The islands belonged to the Pallavicini-Rusconi family of

Florio family of Palermo
bought them.

Island views

  • Cala Rossa, Favignana
    Cala Rossa, Favignana
  • Cala azzurra, Favignana
    Cala azzurra, Favignana
  • A view from Erice to Favignana and Levanzo. On the horizon Marettimo is faintly visible.
    A view from Erice to Favignana and Levanzo. On the horizon Marettimo is faintly visible.

See also

37°58′N 12°12′E / 37.967°N 12.200°E / 37.967; 12.200

References

  1. ^ Egadi Islands | islands, Italy | Britannica.com
  2. ^ "Geo Demo". Istat. Archived from the original on January 3, 2018. Retrieved April 24, 2018.

External links