Cove
Cala Rotonda
A wide inlet on Favignana's west coast, with a natural arch, an Odyssean legend and superb late-afternoon light.
Also known as: Approdo di Ulisse · Porto di Ulisse
At a glance
- Type
- Cove
- Coast
- West
- Seabed
- Riva mista di sabbia, ciottoli e roccia.
- Snorkelling
- Praticabile nelle giornate di mare calmo, lungo i fianchi rocciosi della cala.
- Accessibility
- Accesso di difficoltà media, con superfici irregolari nel tratto finale.
- Parking
- Gravel clearing at the end of the access road; the last stretch is on foot.
Who it suits
- Sunset seekers
- Confident swimmers
- Anyone wanting a wide, less vertical cove
How is it today?
See whether this cove is among today's best picks for wind and sea conditions.
Sea conditions
Why go there — Cala Rotonda
- A wide inlet with a natural arch
- The tradition linking it to Ulysses' landing
- A mixed shore of sand, pebbles and rock
- Western light and sunsets
Photo gallery
Cala Rotonda: the cove in short
Cala Rotonda lies on the western side of Favignana and is tied to one of the island''s best-known popular traditions, which places Ulysses'' landing here: hence the local names Approdo di Ulisse and Porto di Ulisse, and the name of the natural arch closing one side of the inlet.
The cove is wide and regular in shape, with a mixed shoreline of pebbles, sand and rock and with walls that partly shelter its flanks. The rock arch, often called the Arch of Ulysses, is a landscape feature within the cove rather than a separate place: it is seen from the shore or from the water, and is one of the main reasons the cove is included in boat tours around the island.
It is reached along the road heading west, with an unpaved final stretch; a bicycle or scooter is the most convenient option, leaving the vehicle in permitted areas and walking the last part. Surfaces can be uneven, so closed shoes are recommended.
Facing west, Cala Rotonda is especially popular in the late afternoon, when the sunset light falls directly into the inlet. It is also the side most exposed to westerly winds: with mistral or westerlies the sea can build and access to the water becomes awkward. There are no verified permanent facilities, so bring water and equipment with you and leave the cove clean.
Practical information
- Type
- Cove
- Coast
- West
- Seabed
- Riva mista di sabbia, ciottoli e roccia.
- Snorkelling
- Praticabile nelle giornate di mare calmo, lungo i fianchi rocciosi della cala.
- Accessibility
- Accesso di difficoltà media, con superfici irregolari nel tratto finale.
- Parking
- Gravel clearing at the end of the access road; the last stretch is on foot.
Best winds
- Vento da Est
- Tramonto
Practical tips
- The last stretch of road is unsurfaced: ride carefully
- Afternoon offers the best light
- Bring water: there are no supplies nearby
What to know before you go
- Uneven surfaces on the final approach
- With westerly winds the swell enters the cove
- No facilities on site
Strong points
- Natural arch and open landscape
- Mixed shore, easier than many rocky coves
- Ideal at sunset
Good to know
- Unsurfaced final road
- Exposed to westerly winds
- No facilities
Best time to go
Late afternoon, with easterly or northerly winds.
Getting there: Cala Rotonda
Strada verso ovest con tratto finale sterrato; bici o scooter e ultimo tratto a piedi.
Parking
Gravel clearing at the end of the access road; the last stretch is on foot.
Coordinates: 37.923952, 12.284375
Open in MapsBefore you go
The pages that help you plan the visit.
Frequently asked questions
Want to know if today is a good day?
Smart Cala compares wind, sea and temperatures to tell you whether today is the right pick.
You may also like
Other coves and beaches in Favignana worth considering for the same day.
Cove
Cala Graziosa
Piccola cala rocciosa del versante orientale di Favignana, tranquilla, senza servizi e adatta a nuotatori esperti.
Cove
Cala Preveto
Piccola insenatura della costa di Favignana, senza servizi e poco frequentata.
Cove
Scivolo
Punto di costa rocciosa di Favignana con roccia inclinata verso il mare, senza servizi e adatto a nuotatori esperti.
Cove
Cala San Nicola
Piccola insenatura della costa di Favignana, senza servizi e poco frequentata.
Cove
Cala del Pozzo
Piccola insenatura rocciosa sul versante nord-ovest di Favignana, silenziosa, senza servizi e con acqua molto limpida.
Cove
Scalo Cavallo
Antico piccolo approdo sulla costa orientale di Favignana, oggi tratto roccioso appartato e privo di servizi.