Islands
Marettimo
Cited by the greek historian Polybius (203-120 BC) with the name of Hierà Nèsos (Sacred Island), Marettimo entered the pages of the great History because in its crystal clear waters took place the Battle of the Egadi March 10, 241 BC. This war event ended the First Punic War with the victory of the Roman fleet led by Consul Gaius Lutazio Catulo, sailed from Favignana, on the Carthaginian fleet commanded by Annone. Following the Carthaginian defeat was signed in Marettimo an important armistice to seal the ancient vocation to the sacredness and the truce between peoples, which was typical of the isolated Mediterranean landing places.
From the geomorphologic point of view, the island consists mainly of white and gray dolomite and limestone detritus of the Upper Triassic: imposing its cliffs overlooking the sea in the parts that face west, the so-called barranchi, or the “Dolomites on the Sea.
In Marettimo there is only one road and many paths, which makes the island a popular destination for hikers. From the centre of the town opens to fan, in all directions, a network of well-marked trails that lead quickly into a pristine nature; in fact, this island grows a lush flora for the wealth of water sources, so you can cross pine forests from fragrant scents and reach areas from which to enjoy beautiful views and then go to solitary beaches. Just its coves immersed in nature and crystal clear waters are part of a landscape all to admire or to live thanks to fantastic diving thanks to the transparency of the water that promotes the experience for the less experienced in this sport.
The only flat part of the island has seen the aggregation over time of the town, dating back to the late eighteenth century, and numerous possibilities for cultural itineraries, including archaeological remains, historical and fragments of local history.
#1 Visit the site of Roman houses while trekking through the wild and unspoilt nature of this island
#2 A boat trip to discover the island’s caves
#3 Try frascatole to experience poetry on a plate
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