This island is often called “the butterfly of the Mediterranean” because of its unusual shape.
The Italian island where the famous Christopher Nolan shot “The Odyssey” may become a new tourist sensation in Europe.
According to Travel Off Path, viewers who have already watched this new film have likely noticed the castle on top of the hill, which “played” the role of Ithaca in the film, or they have admired the incredibly turquoise sea that the main character travels across.
The filming took place on the small Italian island of Favignana, located off the western coast of Sicily. Although it is not considered the homeland of the legendary Odysseus, it was the director who chose it for shooting certain scenes of his new epic film featuring Matt Damon, Zendaya, and Tom Holland.
The first reviews of the film are already prompting tourism experts to suggest that Favignana may soon experience a real tourism boom, similar to the one that the series “The White Lotus” once triggered.Read also:
“Butterfly of the Mediterranean”
Favignana is often called the “butterfly of the Mediterranean” because of its unusual shape. The island extends approximately 19 km from north to south, and its maximum width is only 9 km. Despite its compact size, it surprises with many natural beauties. Thanks to the small area, almost all the sights can be seen in just a few days by bike.
It is unknown why Nolan chose this particular island among hundreds of Mediterranean islands. Perhaps the director was drawn to its picturesque rocky bays and unique coastline.
One of the locations featured in the film is Cala Rossa – a place that many consider one of the most beautiful bays in the entire Mediterranean Sea.
Turquoise sea, reminiscent of the Caribbean
Cala Rossa is a rugged, rocky coastline surrounded by high limestone cliffs that resemble huge stone blocks, as if left here by ancient gods.
The sea here is so clear and richly turquoise that Favignano is often called “the Italian Caribbean.”
Another popular bay is Cala Azurra, where the shallow waters with crystal‑clear water are perfect for swimming.
Those who love spectacular landscapes worthy of an adaptation of the Odyssey should visit Bue Marino. Once, a limestone quarry operated here back in the days of Ancient Rome, and today this place impresses with its sheer white cliffs plunging into the deep blue sea, as well as numerous sea caves where you can take refuge from the heat.
The contrast between the light-colored rocks and the deep blue of the water is truly breathtaking.
Best transport – bike
Most of Favignana consists of cliffs and small bays, so there aren’t many sandy beaches here.
The most famous of them is Lido Burrone – a wide beach with golden sand, a gentle entry into the sea, and crystal‑clear water.
This is the most convenient place to spend the whole day: there are cafes nearby, and you can easily rent sun loungers.
One of the main advantages of the island is its almost flat terrain. Thanks to this, a bicycle is considered the most convenient mode of transport, especially since the roads here are narrow and not well suited for a large number of cars.Advertisementad
From the island’s main town, Favignana Town, which is known for its picturesque harbour, hilltop fortress, and honey‑coloured Baroque church, you can reach Cala Rossa Bay by bicycle in about 15 minutes, Lido Burrone in 10 minutes, and you can get to Skalo Cavallo Bay — which is less well‑known among tourists — in a few minutes more.
That is why renting a bicycle has long become a kind of mandatory tradition for visitors to the island.
Furthermore, Italy remains one of the safest tourist destinations in Europe. According to the Traveler Safety Index, the country received 92 points out of 100 based on travelers’ own assessments.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.