Scalo Cavallo Favignana: between sea, tuff and silence

Introduction

Scalo Cavallo Favignana is one of the most fascinating and photographed places on the island (set for some scenes of Christofer Nolan's film, The Odyssey). This unique cove is located along the northeast coast and is a perfect mix of transparent sea, man-carved tufa cliffs and absolute silence.
Once upon a time stone quarry, today is a piece of paradise where you can relax, snorkel or watch the sunset surrounded by the wilderness of Favignana, the pearl of the Egadi

Where Scalo Cavallo is located

Scalo Cavallo Favignana is located about two kilometers from the town, in the area of Punta San Nicola, just before Cala Rossa.
It is a rocky cove set in a tufa cliff, easily recognized by the geometric cuts left by ancient quarries. Its golden yellow walls plunge into the sea, creating natural terraces from which to admire the view.

Scalo Cavallo is located along the northeastern coast of Favignana, between Cala San Nicola and Cala Rossa.

See the interactive map below to easily pinpoint the exact location of the cove and plan the most convenient route from the center of the island.

You can zoom in on the map to see the roads, parking lots, and paths leading up to the cliff.

Click on the placeholder to read visitor reviews and get detailed directions to Scalo Cavallo in bicycle, scooter or kayak.

How to get to Scalo Cavallo Favignana

Reach Horse Staging is simple.
From the center you can get there by bicycle in about 10 to 15 minutes, following the road to Cala Rossa. The last stretch is unpaved but passable without difficulty.

Those who prefer can also arrive in scooter or car, parking just before the cliff and walking a few meters.
It takes about 30-40 minutes on foot from the village: a nice walk through fields and dry stone walls, but in hot weather it is highly discouraged.

Arriving by sea

Scalo Cavallo Favignana Is even more striking when reached from the sea.
In kayak you can easily enter the cove thanks to the rock terraces that allow you to safely ascend and descend.
Some guided Egadi Kayak tours around the island stop right here, taking advantage of the tranquility and natural beauty of the place.

The landscape of Scalo Cavallo

The coast of Scalo Cavallo Favignana Is completely rocky.
The old quarries have left carved walls, steps and natural pools filled with seawater. It is an almost lunar landscape, shaped by time and human labor.

Le flat rocks form terraces ideal for lying in the sun, reading or simply listening to the sound of the sea. All around, Mediterranean scrub and prickly pears complete the atmosphere of calm and isolation.

The sea of Scalo Cavallo Favignana

The sea of Scalo Cavallo Favignana Is among the clearest on the island.
Near the shore the water is light turquoise, while offshore it turns deep blue.
The clean rocky seabed makes the area ideal for swimming and snorkeling: small fish, octopuses and expanses of posidonia move between the crevices.

Due to its depth, it is also a perfect spot for safe diving, but always with caution. In the absence of wind, the water is calm and crystal clear, perfect for swimming or just floating in the sun.

The wind and ideal conditions

Being on the northeast slope, Scalo Cavallo Favignana is most sheltered when the Libeccio, Ponente and if not too sustained, even the Mistral blows.
On those days the sea is calm and the cove becomes a perfect refuge.
In grecale winds, however, it can be more rough: in this case it is better to choose a beach on the south side.

History of Scalo Cavallo

The name "Scalo Cavallo" tells the story of the place.
"Port" means a landing place, and in the past this cove was used for the loading of tuff blocks mined in nearby quarries.
Here they were transported to the sea to be boarded and brought to the mainland.

Even today we still notice the signs of mining activity: square walls, steps, and pools now submerged in water.
Over time, nature took over the landscape again, creating a perfect balance between the work of man and the power of the sea.

What to do in Scalo Cavallo Favignana

Snorkeling

Those who enjoy snorkeling will find at Scalo Cavallo Favignana a true paradise.
The water is transparent and the seabed teems with life. All it takes is a mask to swim among fish, starfish and reefs covered in colorful algae.
The visibility is excellent and the depth ideal for everyone, even those who are new to the field.

Diving and swimming

The rock terraces of Scalo Cavallo Favignana Are perfect for those who like to dive.
There are shallower points and higher points for the more experienced. Before jumping, it is always good to check that the sea is deep and free of people in the water.
Even those who prefer not to dive can comfortably enter from the low edge of the cliff and swim along the shoreline.

Relaxation in the sun

If you are looking for a place to relax in total tranquility, Scalo Cavallo Favignana Is the right place.
There are no establishments or bars, just flat rocks, sea and silence.
It is an ideal place to read, meditate or enjoy the sunset with the island of Levanzo on the horizon.
The tuff walls turn orange and gold in the evening, providing an unmissable sight.

A kayak stage

During the guided kayak tours, Scalo Cavallo is often one of the most popular stops.
The guides know the cove well and choose times of calm seas to stop here.
It is also a perfect stop for those who have never kayaked before: the waters are calm, and the rocks offer comfortable supports for getting out, swimming, and setting off again.

Useful services and tips

Scalo Cavallo Favignana Is a free and unequipped area.
There are no bars, showers or rentals, so it pays to arrive prepared.

Here are some practical tips:

• Door water and snacks, especially in summer.
• Use cliff shoes To move with confidence.
• Door sunscreen and hat, the sun is beating down hard here.
• If you can, stay until the sunset: is one of the most beautiful on the island.
• And of course, do not leave waste: The place is still pristine and should be respected.

Scalo Cavallo Favignana: a place not to be missed

Visit Scalo Cavallo Favignana means discovering an authentic part of the island, where nature meets history.
The old tuff quarries, clear water, and absolute tranquility make this place unique.
Whether you arrive on foot, by bike, or kayak, stop for a moment and listen only to the sea-this is the best way to understand the true essence of Favignana.

Data Sheet - Scalo Cavallo Favignana

• Typology: Cove with sand and rock with tuff terraces and access to the sea
• Services: Free beach, no lido or bar
• Recommended activities: Snorkeling, diving, kayaking, relaxing
• Backdrop type: Rocky and deep, with areas of posidonia
• Accessibility: Easy by bike or scooter; sea access by kayak
• Recommended winds: Sheltered by Libeccio and Ponente
• Distance from the center: About 2 km (10-15 minutes by bike)
• Ideal for: Lovers of silence, deep sea and photography

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Scalo Cavallo Favignana

Scalo Cavallo is just one of the many wonders of Favignana.

Discover all the others in our Complete Guide to the Beaches of Favignana, with tips, trivia and routes for every type of traveler or use our tool to find your ideal beach in Favignana

Explore Favignana from the sea with Egadi Kayak

Favignana's beaches are beautiful seen from land, but from the sea they reveal an even more intense charm. Only from there can you really grasp the shape of the coves, the play of light in the water, and the outline of the cliffs. With Egadi Kayak, you can experience this unique perspective, exploring the island in silence, paddle after paddle, away from the crowded routes.

What makes this experience unique

• We explore coves reachable only by sea.
• Snorkeling with equipment provided by us.
• Stops at small quiet bays to relax and have lunch with local products.
• Photographs of the experience included.
• Small groups, quiet atmosphere, relaxed pace.

Departure and itinerary

The hikes start from the Punta Lunga area and follow the south coast Of the island.
One of the most striking moments is the arrival at the beach of the’Preveto Island, one of Favignana's quietest and brightest bays, where the water takes on particularly intense turquoise hues.

What our guests say about Google

Google reviews tell of experiences with Egadi Kayak during our excursions along Favignana's south coast. Those who participate in the tours discover an authentic side of the island, far from mass tourism: small coves, sea caves, crystal clear waters and moments of tranquility in the company of experienced guides. Actual comments from participants testify to the care, safety and passion with which we accompany each excursion.

Egadi kayaking - Guided kayak excursions in the natural reserve

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Based on 117 reviews

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Ania Pawlikowska

1 year ago

My family and I went on a half-day kayaking trip. The scenery was incredible. We were guided to small, wild beaches unlike any I had ever seen before. We were beginners, but they took excellent care of us. Don't even worry about the food, because they offered us a delicious dinner. It was a fantastic trip to see the island from the sea!

Matthew Polo

1 year ago

Beautiful kayaking experience, I highly recommend it for those who want to experience Favignana in an authentic way. The very helpful and knowledgeable guide Maurizio provided us with everything we needed. We went to hidden coves and unique beaches reachable only by sea, stopping and swimming in crystal clear waters. Finally a nice packed lunch with typical products and a nice time of sharing experiences.

Linda Burro

1 year ago

Angelina Vigliotti

1 year ago

Hello today I made an excursion with Maurizio of egadi hayak what to say Maurizio wonderful person very attentive,nice and funny he showed us the sea of favigna na in all its beauty and tranquility.....thanks today you gave me back a smile that I had not had for a long time continue this way you are on the right track....

Sara Rafanelli

1 year ago

Maurizio has a passion for kayaking that he manages to convey with seriousness and at the same time fun even in only half a day of activity! Beautiful experience, definitely to do again!

KL Cl

2 years ago

It was our first kayaking tour. Mauritzo showed us wonderful places (coves, islands) and beaches) in Favignana, which we wouldn't have reached without this tour. Every single place was incredibly beautiful. It was worth seeing the snorkeling spots as well; the water was crystal clear. At the end, there was a delicious meal together. The tour was worth it, and Mauritzio is a wonderful teacher with a lot of humor and passion: thanks for this fantastic experience! I can highly recommend the tour. Many greetings from Hamburg 😊 Kristina-Luisa

Joseph Russo

2 years ago

We had a fantastic kayaking tour in Favignana with Maurizio! He is an incredibly friendly and charming guide who took us through the tour with great passion. In fact, for him the kayaking season in Favignana had already ended, but for us he made an exception. Maurizio not only showed us wonderful places that we would never have discovered without his local knowledge, but he also told us many interesting stories and basic information. It shows that he really puts his heart and soul into it. The tour was perfectly organized, very relaxing, and at the same time full of highlights. He organized the local snacks himself and we ate together. We can only highly recommend a kayaking tour with Maurizio and we will be happy to return! Thank you for this unforgettable experience!

elisa vallini

2 years ago

A wonderful opportunity to explore the island of Favignana in a less mainstream way. We visited small rocks and coves that are hardly accessible from the land and are less frequented by the crowds of tourists. Accompanied by the stories and the friendliness of Maurizio, who made this alternative approach to exploration a true way of life, we were able to fully appreciate the beauty of the island. An unforgettable experience and highly recommended.

Sonia

2 years ago

The view was truly incredible, the activities along the route were very fun, and also, feeling that you can go from one place to another with your abilities was such a beautiful and unparalleled experience. The instructor was fantastic. The long time in the kayak was a challenge for me, but it made it so easy to tackle the journey. I want to come back soon and try another route. Thank you very much!

Liana Grima

2 years ago

A fantastic half-day tour not to be missed if you want to explore the secret places of Favignana. The tour guide is very kind and helpful and will help you in any way possible. The best activity of our vacation. Maurizio is understanding and very patient. I would recommend him to 1000%.

Julia Vela

2 years ago

A wonderful experience, which allowed us to try a new activity and swim in hidden coves that are otherwise inaccessible. Maurizio is a very skilled, friendly and passionate instructor who guided us step by step to make the experience even safer and more enjoyable. I recommend Egadi Kayak in Favignana to everyone, it is also suitable for beginners like us.

elisa vendrame

2 years ago

I chose to do the kayaking experience in Favignana to have the opportunity to visit the island without visiting the classic and consequently overcrowded areas. Maurizio gave me the opportunity to enjoy views of the water and the indescribable rocks. The turquoise color of the sea, the fish, and the contact with nature that the kayak offers make you feel excited and leave indelible memories. For an entire day, you escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and stop to admire the incredible things nature has to offer. Maurizio was very kind and helpful, even offering a ride from the port to the starting point of the excursion. I had the opportunity to hear his authentic story and it is definitely something that I will carry in my heart and that makes me think a lot. Thanks Maurizio and good wind!

eleonora tagliabue

2 years ago

Today, my husband Davide and my daughter Giorgia had the pleasure of participating in a kayaking trip with Maurizio. It was an unforgettable experience and highly recommended for anyone looking to experience a unique adventure in the middle of nature. From the very beginning, Maurizio proved to be an exceptional guide. His friendliness and friendly approach made the entire day enjoyable and relaxing. Maurizio is not only an expert kayaker, but also an inexhaustible source of knowledge about the area. During the excursion, he provided us with many fascinating insights into the landscape and the surrounding nature, allowing us to fully appreciate the beauty and history of the place. Every corner we visited was more stunning than the previous one, and the experience of seeing these natural wonders by kayak was truly special. Even my daughter, who initially was a bit reluctant to participate, was won over by the beauty of the places and the pleasant atmosphere created by Maurizio. Another highlight of the day was the lunch break. We were delighted by the excellent homemade bread, accompanied by fresh fruit and Sicilian sweets, which added a touch of authenticity and flavor to our excursion. It was the perfect moment to relax, chat, and enjoy the company. In short, we highly recommend this kayaking excursion to everyone, even those who might initially feel a bit lazy or uncertain. Thanks to Maurizio's expert and passionate guidance, we were able to have a day full of discovery and fun. It is an experience we will remember for a long time and we hope to be able to repeat it soon!

Sunday Calcagno

2 years ago

5 stars are not enough to give a rating for this experience, which is simply extraordinary! Maurizio took us into his world and, with his professionalism and experience, he managed to make us fully enjoy everything the island had to offer: beauty, variety, and taste. I return home with a deeper awareness: happiness comes from simple things, from the sea, from nature, and from sharing. An unforgettable adventure!

Gloria Aranciotta

2 years ago

Beautiful experience. I must say that this was my first time kayaking and I fell in love with it! Maurizio was very kind; he had everything he needed with him and not just that… he spoiled us with homemade bread and watermelon on one of the stages of the tour! Highly recommended!!!

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