MARETTIMO
Marettimo is the most remote and unspoilt of the Egadi archipelago and is the perfect destination for all types of tourist. There is something for those who enjoy exploring caves, for lovers of the sea and underwater exploration, for those into archeology and those who just want to get away from the noise and smog of modern life and want to be in a pristine paradise.
The island has mountainous landscapes mixed with Caribbean-like sea, there are 400 meter high cliffs that plunge into the sea between Cala Bianca and Punta Libeccio and the seabed is inhabited by sea fans, sea urchins and lobsters. Do not miss a boat trip to see the caves and be sure to do some hiking in the mountains and around the island at sunset. There are over 500 botanical species that grow on the island. Several animal species live on Marettimo, there are mouflons, deer and wild rabbits and many birds and migratory birds of prey.
History
In antiquity, Marettimo was known under various names, including Iera ("the sacred") and among the Arab geographers with the name of Djazirat Malîtmah. The current name of the island could be a fusion of the words mare and thyme, due to the abundance of thyme on the island. Marettimo has always been a stopover for people crossing the Mediterranean to trade or conquer, Marettimo's history has seen a succession of invasions. The Phoenicians were the first settled inhabitants. In 241 BC, there was a decisive battle that took place in the waters around Marettimo between the Carthaginian and Roman fleets. The Romans won in the battle thanks to Lutazio Catullo who got the better of the Carthaginians and also established a small garrison on Marettimo the remains of which are located in Case Romane.
Beaches
Marettimo is rich in caves, there are around 400 both on the surface and submerged under the water, they are best visited by boat. The sea caves are real masterpieces created by nature over the centuries, for example, the Grotta del Tuono or del Presepe, which is famous for its stalactites and stalagmites and also the Cave of the Camel.
There are also some wonderful small bays with pebbles that are accessible by boat. The island has few beaches that are accessible from the ground because of its geomorphological conformation, such as Cala Bianca with a small, picturesque bay and beautiful pebble beach located on the slopes of the promontory of Punta Troia.
Marettimo also offers wonderful experiences for divers and just off the coast, there is a wreck of a merchant ship along with plenty of cave diving to 30 m deep the Secca del Cammello is just one, but there are many others where you can enjoy the crystal clear waters and admire the marine flora and fauna.