Pantelleria

Pantelleria combines a striking volcanic landscape with a vibrant wine-growing culture that is still alive today, archaeological traces and unusual natural experiences. Particularly characteristic is the traditional Vite ad Alberello cultivation method of the community of Pantelleria: in 2014, it was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Those planning a trip to Pantelleria can therefore combine nature, activity, history and local products within a compact thematic area.

Volcanic Lake, Thermal Water and Coastal Landscape

The Parco Nazionale Isola di Pantelleria covers around 80% of the island. Pantelleria is an active volcanic complex; at the surface, fumaroles and hydrothermal hot-water springs can be found scattered across the island. Lago di Venere, also known as the Mirror of Venus, lies in the north within the national park. The volcanic lake is fed by three thermal springs, whose water temperature ranges from 35 to 58°C, and is also an important habitat for migratory birds.

You can find further landscape highlights at Balata dei Turchi, a bay at the foot of cliffs that reach almost 300 metres in height in some places. An approximately four-kilometre-long unpaved road leads from the main road to the sea. Arco dell'Elefante can be reached both from the sea and from land. Other special natural sites include Grotta di Benikulà, a natural sauna carved into the rock. The hot waters of Gadir offer natural bathing opportunities.

Hiking and Active Exploration

Pantelleria's network of trails comprises 23 routes with a total length of just under 130 km. The routes cover natural-history, geological, historical and rural themes and range from point-to-point hikes to circular trails. Trail No. 972 connects Punta Spadillo, Bagno dell'Acqua and Montagna Grande. The route is 13 km long, is classified as difficulty level E – Hiking – and has a walking time of 3 hours and 30 minutes.

The park's trekking selection consists of circular trails; the medium-length to long routes range from 7 to 15 km. Most of the national park's trails can also be explored on selected routes by mountain bike or e-mountain bike. On the Kaggiar route, an old Roman road leads through dense Mediterranean maquis. Before setting out on a hike, Pantelleria National Park recommends checking the actual walkability of the trails at the park's information points.

Viticulture, Dammusi and History

The vines cultivated using the Pantescan Alberello training method grow in hollows approximately 20 cm deep. These collect rainwater and protect the grapes from the wind. Zibibbo grapes from the Alberello vineyards are used to produce Passito di Pantelleria. Visitors can take part in agricultural experiences such as the grape harvest or caper harvesting; other activities include a tasting at a winery and a sunset walk among rows of Zibibbo vines.

The Dammuso architectural style is characterised by dry-stone walls and a domed roof and is considered a natural response to the volcanic landscape and harsh climate. Local festival culture includes the Cappero Fest and the Pantelleria Carnival. A cultural route dedicated to the practice of Vite ad Alberello can be completed by car or bicycle within a day.

Archaeology also offers various points of interest: the route passes through Pantelleria's most important settlement phases, from prehistory to the end of the Roman Empire. The Sesi archaeological park – Sese del Re or Sese Grande – is one of the historical and archaeological sites to visit. The village and necropolis of Mursía are classified by the national park as a site of international value, while the Punic-Roman sanctuary at Lago is classified as a site of national value.

Special Experiences on the Water

At Gadir, guided dives with marker buoys lead through a field of more than 100 Punic, Greek-Italic and Roman amphorae. The small harbour of Gadir is also home to three shipwrecks from the 3rd to 1st centuries BC, lying one above the other. Pantelleria is served by Pantelleria Airport (PNL). Numerous buses and electric minibuses operate along the island's main roads.

For further searches on the portal, you can also discover Selinunte (Selinunte), Ciavolo (Ciavolo), Triscina (Triscina), Buseto Palizzolo (Buseto Palizzolo), Karuscia (Karuscia), Trapani (Trapani) and Marausa (Marausa).

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Pantelleria - Island of Sicily.

To the higher-level travel overview: Trapani.