Surroundings
The island of Pantelleria is located in the middle of the Strait of Sicily, just 37 nautical miles from Africa and 47 from Sicily. It has a surface area of 83 km², it is 13.7 km long and 8km wide.
The main towns on the island are central Pantelleria and Scauri, which are the island’s two ports of arrival, but there are also little hamlets whose names still recall their Arab domination, such as Khamma, Kattibugale, Kariuscia and Bukkuram.
The island is of volcanic origin and there are still traces of secondary volcanic activity, such as the Favare (which emit aqueous vapour) or the stufe, natural grottos that emit high temperature water vapour and are found in the areas of Kazzen and Benikulà.
There are also many thermal springs scattered across the island, such as the Lago di Venere, Cala Gadir and the Grotta di Sataria.
The island has a varied, multi-form coastline. It is extremely high and falls dramatically to the sea in some places and is smooth and low in others, interrupted by magnificent little bays and numerous grottos that can be reached by boat.
The splendid seabed that is part of Pantelleria’s marine environment is one of the most unspoilt in the Mediterranean and is considered a paradise by divers.
But Pantelleria is not only sea. With its picturesque landscapes and variety of natural vegetation it offers visitors the unforgettable experience of nature walks (in the Montagna Grande Natural Park, the Passo del Vento trail, the Cuddia di Fossa del Russo and the Gibele Crater) and trips to a wide range of archaeological sites.
It has an extremely varied cuisine, which shows the influence of the various peoples who have dominated the island.
The queen of agriculture on Pantelleria is the world famous Zibibbo grape, a sweet sugary grape used to produce the equally famous dessert wine - moscato passito. The caper is king, and is considered one of the best in the world.
All of these cultivations can be pruned low to the ground, in order to be better protected from the wind.
Good to know
The dammuso, which is today the architectural symbol of Pantelleria, was created in the 10th century and evolved during subsequent centuries. Its walls, which are extremely thick, are made of lavic stone and its cupola-shaped roof channels rainwater into cisterns that built nearby.
The last stretch of road (approximately 100 m) leading to the villa is unpaved.
As is typical of the dammusi, some of the bedrooms are built in alcoves.
Upon request we can provide car or boat hire, organise excursions in the many areas of natural and archaeological interest on the island or arrange food and wine tours.
A car is essential for a stay on the island.
The first thing you should do as soon as you arrive on Pantelleria is to take a boat trip.
There is a wonderful view of the two coastlines and the reflections of the unspoilt sea on the black rocks.
Pool open from 15th of May to 15th of October