2. Tonnara di Favignana (Isola di Favignana, Trapani)
Sicilian tuna nets: The Tonnara di Favignana is one of the most important and well-known tuna nets in the Mediterranean, a place of great historical and cultural value that represents the tradition of tuna fishing in Sicily. Located on the island of Favignana in the Egadi archipelago, the tuna fishery is famous for having been run by the Florio family, which made it one of the main industrial centres for tuna processing at an international level. Today, the building houses the Ex Stabilimento Florio Museum, where tools, photographs and evidence of the life of the tuna fishermen and the practice of mattanza are preserved.
History and Architecture
The Tonnara di Favignana was built in the 19th century and became a vital centre for tuna fishing and processing thanks to the investments of the Florio family, who equipped the factory with advanced technology for the time, making it one of the most modern in Europe. The industrial structure consists of large tuna processing rooms, warehouses, workshops and a series of residential spaces for the workers’ families. During the mattanza period, which took place every spring, specialised equipment such as fixed nets and the ‘cannizzo’ were used to drive the tuna into the ‘death chamber’.
After the closure of the tonnara in the 1970s, the structure was renovated and turned into a museum that tells the story of the Sicilian fishing industry and the Florio family. Today it is an important cultural and tourist centre.
What to do and see
- Museo Ex Stabilimento Florio: The museum houses a vast collection of historical equipment, photographic documents and a room dedicated to the Florio family and the history of tuna fishing. It is possible to see the old mattanza boats and the nets used for fishing.
- Tour della Tonnara: Sono disponibili visite guidate che permettono di scoprire i dettagli dell’edificio e le tecniche di lavorazione del tonno, inclusi gli antichi metodi di conservazione.
- Diving and Snorkelling Experiences: The waters around the tuna fishery are clear and suitable for snorkelling and diving, with a variety of marine life populating the seabed.
Where to Eat
- Quello che c’è… c’è – Medium – Distance from the Tonnara 900 m
Rustic and cosy restaurant offering tuna dishes and local specialities - SottoSale – Medio – Distance from the Tonnara 950 metres
A restaurant with creative cuisine that uses fresh ingredients from the island and offers refined fish dishes - Ristorante Al Gattopardo – Luxury – Distance from the Tonnara 1 Km
Restaurant with gourmet cuisine offering seafood dishes and a selection of Sicilian wines
Where to Sleep
- Dimora dell’Olivastro – Luxury – Distance from the Tonnara 3.5 Km
Elegant agritourism immersed in nature, with spacious rooms and high-level service - Cave Bianche Hotel – Medium – Distance from the Tonnara 2.7 Km
A unique hotel built from a limestone quarry, with a swimming pool and spacious outdoor areas - Il Baglio sull’Acqua – Medium – Distance from the Tonnara 1.2 Km
Renovated Baglio with comfortable rooms and traditional atmosphere
What to see in the surroundings
- Cala Rossa: Famous beach with turquoise and transparent waters, perfect for snorkelling and diving
- .Coordinates: 37.9358° N, 12.3082° E
- Grotta Perciata: An impressive diving site, characterised by rock formations and underwater caves
- .Coordinates: 37.9300° N, 12.3195° E
- Santa Caterina Castle: A fortress with a panoramic view of the entire island and the Egadi Islands
- .Coordinates: 37.9386° N, 12.3197° E
The Tonnara di Favignana represents one of the most complete testimonies of the Sicilian fishing tradition. Between the museum, the historical structure and the beautiful natural setting, it is a must-see destination for those who wish to learn about the history of the island and its ancient traditions.