Should you stay in Trapani or on Favignana?
All boat tours depart from Trapani. If you base yourself on Favignana, you ferry to Trapani early in the morning for your tour.
Trapani as a base
The city where boats depart. Real restaurants, a historic medina-like centre, the Santuario church, museums. If you book an early morning boat tour (~9:30 AM), you sleep in Trapani, wake leisurely, walk to the port. After your tour (~5–6 PM return), you have evening left for dinner and a walk. Hotels are abundant and cheap. Ferries to Favignana run every 2–3 hours so you have flexibility.
Favignana as a base
Small island, quiet, the place itself. But no nightlife or fancy restaurants. If you stay on Favignana, you ferry to Trapani at dawn (~6–7 AM) for your boat tour. After the tour returns (~5–6 PM), you have no time left; you ferry back to Favignana and rest. The island is better for a slow second day: cycle the island, swim at Lido Burrone, eat a quiet dinner. Accommodation is basic but cheap.
The honest mix: one night each
Night 1: Trapani (arrive, dinner, explore the medina). Day 1: Early ferry to Favignana, 8-hour boat tour, ferry back to Trapani evening. Night 2: Favignana (quiet, rest, or bike around). You get both the city and the island without the early-morning ferry dash.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better to stay: Trapani or Favignana?
Trapani for nightlife and restaurants. Favignana for peace and quiet. Ideally stay one night on each. All boat tours depart Trapani, so it’s the logistics hub.
Do boat tours depart from Favignana?
No. All boat tours depart from Trapani (~9:30 AM). If you stay on Favignana, you ferry to Trapani early in the morning (~6–7 AM) for your tour, then ferry back after.
Can I stay only on Favignana?
Yes. Ferry to Trapani for your boat tour (it’s just 30 minutes), then return. Your day is boat-focused. Spend a second day on the island cycling or just resting.
Is Trapani worth a day on its own?
Yes. The old medina is charming, there are decent seafood restaurants, and the Santuario d’Arabia (a mosque-turned-church) is striking. A day exploring Trapani is worth adding to your trip.
Where are the cheap hotels?
Both Trapani and Favignana have budget guesthouses and small hotels. Favignana is slightly cheaper but very basic. Trapani has more variety and often better value.