The Marine Protected Area of the Egadi Islands

The largest marine protected area of Europe

Wonderful beaches and blue clean sea make the Egadi Islands a small paradise and to protect its uniqueness in 1991 it was established as a marine protected area. It includes the islands of Favigana, Levanzo and Marettimo as well as the islets of Maraone and Formica. The genuine and seductive beauty of this area lies in its pristine coastline, its crystal clean uncontaminated water and its magnificent underwater landscapes which are almost entirely covered by an immense field of Posidonia sea grass. Posidonia takes its name from the ruler of the sea Poseidone and plays a central role in the marine ecosystem because it provides food, nesting and breading habitat and homes for many species of fish. Here the water clearly allows the Posidonia to live on beds of sea soft sediments at the depth of 30 to 40 meters. In the reserve, which is the largest in Europe, it is possible to admire also the myriad of colours on the fable seabeds where coral gardens look as though they are painted in the water. There is also a rich fish fauna such as morays eels, skates and the seal Monaca.

The MPA zones and limitations in their availability

The reserve is divided into 4 areas; A, B, C and D.
A zone of full protection is permitted to swim.
B zone is permitted to sail and to dive.
C zone, prior authorization, is possible to bath and to dive.
D zone is permitted to bathe, to practice activities such as professional or sport fishing and diving.
For further information please visit the A.M.P. official web site or contact its office in Favignana in Piazza Europa, Tel. 0923/921659.