Grotta del Genovese - Levanzo: prehistoric rock art in the heart of the Egadi Islands
A journey through time among 12,000-year-old paintings and carvings
The Genovese Cave is one of the most important sites of prehistoric rock art in the Mediterranean, located on the island of Levanzo in the Egadi Islands. Inside, graffiti and paintings dating from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods are preserved, depicting animals, human figures and hunting scenes.
Accidentally discovered in 1949, the cave can now be visited only with authorized guides, and is a must-see for those who love history, archaeology and direct contact with the oldest traces of man in Sicily.
How to get to Genovese Cave
The cave is located in the western part of Levanzo, in an isolated area surrounded by nature. It can be reached in two ways:
- By sea, via boat or dinghy excursion with disembarkation in the cove below and short walking trail.
- Overland, with a guided trek from Cala Dogana along a scenic trail (about 1 hour walk, recommended only with experienced guide).
The internal visit is possible only by reservation with an authorized guide. This ensures the protection of the site and an immersive experience, accompanied by detailed explanations.
The prehistoric graffiti in the cave.
Inside Genovese Cave are red ochre paintings and engravings made by prehistoric humans over 12,000 years ago. The walls tell scenes of daily life: deer hunting, tribal dances, and enigmatic symbols still studied by archaeologists today.
In addition to stylized animals (deer, cattle, tuna), there are human figures with ritual poses, a very rare element in Italian rock contexts. Conservation is excellent due to the protected environment and limited number of visitors.
Practical information for the visit
- Visit duration: about 1 hour
- Guide required (reservation recommended well in advance)
- Recommended for adults and children 10+
- Not accessible to those with reduced mobility (walking section required)
The visit can be part of a combination tour that also includes snorkeling or trekking, for a full day of sea and culture.
What to see nearby
After visiting the cave, you can continue exploring the island with other nearby fascinating stops:
- Cala Calcara: white cliffs and deep sea in a hidden cove
- Cala Dogana: the main village, perfect for a beachfront break
- Minnola Cove: snorkeling among nature and submerged Roman amphorae
Levanzo is a small island, but it holds an amazing variety of landscapes and historical evidence.
Discover also the submerged archaeological sites of Levanzo
Did you enjoy the Genovese Cave? **Also discover** Cala Minnola, where you can snorkel among Roman amphorae and transparent seabed. The Egadi Islands are a real museum–in and out of the water!
