What to eat in Favignana

You won’t go hungry in Favignana

If you’re a big seafood fan, then prepare to be amazed. Like all islands the world over, Favignana is surrounded by sea, and in the sea lives plentiful marine life, most of it delicious! We’ve talked about tuna, and whilst the tuna fishing industry is dwindling, you have to try some of the fresh catch, especially in the seafood restaurants around the harbour area. You can even head to the fish market and buy some yourself; I’m sure some of the local fishermen will be only too happy to give you advice on the best way to cook it, as well as some delicious recipes!

May or June is when the tuna decide to head to Favignana in their droves, so this is perhaps the best time to get the freshest catch there is, if the “tonnara” (the tuna fishing folkloristic ritual) takes place.

If you don’t fancy seafood, then you still won’t starve, because let’s face it, whichever part of Italy you visit, you’re sure to come away with a very full belly indeed! You’ll find delicious Sicilian pastries for a mid-afternoon snack, great for those with a sweet tooth, and your usual fare of Italian dishes, with huge pizzas like you’ve never tasted anywhere else, and pasta with a true taste sensation. Speaking of those pastries, be sure to try Cannolo Siciliano for a true taste of the region.

You’ll find sit down restaurants generally around the two main squares in Favignana Town, as well as down by the water, which is where those delicious seafood restaurants tend to be, ready to grab the freshest catch to serve. Piazza Madrice is the main square, and probably the busiest, as well as Piazza Europa, which is where you’ll find Ignazio Florio’s statue. To get around you’ll walk through all these areas, because there is only really one walk way, so a good recommendation is to take a walk on your first day or so, and see where you’d like to visit during the first few days.

A few typical dishes of the island you want to try are: Cous Cous, pasta with swordfish and aubergines, “busiata” (fresh homemade pasta) with tuna and favignana seasonal herbs, “busiata” with shrimps and courgette.

Typically, the main restaurants are in and around main streets, on both sides, and there is plenty of choice, even though none of them are particular raucous and loud, giving you the perfect backdrop for a nice, relaxing evening meal with loved ones.

Food over, time for shopping?

Whether you want to admit it not, everyone loves a bit of retail therapy occasionally, right? Well, you’re not going to find major shopping centres in Favignana, but you will find quaint stores, which are always much more interesting. There is one large store which is particularly high class, and this the place to head if you want quality handbags, however be prepared to pay the price for one!

The rest of the shops on the island tend to be more in the souvenir vein, selling trinkets and mementos of your time on the island, as well as jewellery and clothes to wear on the beach.

Despite the small range of shopping opportunities, the great news? You won’t spend a fortune on goods you probably won’t ever wear or use, and you get to be a bit more selective when there is less choice. Of course, if you really do want a major shopping hit then why not try the shops in Trapani or Palermo on your way to Favignana?

It’s as good an excuse as any!