Journey Information to Pantelleria, Italy

Ask anybody who’s been there, they usually’ll let you know there’s one thing magical about Pantelleria. A volcanic island within the Mediterranean, Pantelleria is a satellite tv for pc island of Sicily, however it’s technically nearer to Tunisia than Europe. In the summertime, its inhabitants swells as Italians flock to the island in search of solar and the possibility to swim within the glistening azure sea and soak within the thermal sizzling springs. The luxurious panorama is characterised by Mediterranean scrub and dotted with dammusi, conventional stone houses with white domes that date again to the interval when the island was dominated by Arabs. Vineyards, caper vines, and olive timber produce prized wines, capers, and olive oil.

This magical island has drawn wealthy and well-known folks to its shores, together with Giorgio Armani, who owns a villa there the place he often spends the summers. Don’t anticipate the form of see-and-be-seen vibes you’ll discover on Capri and the Costa Smeralda, although. Pantelleria is the form of place to go once you wish to escape the stress of each day life and get in contact with nature.

“Pantelleria is greater than only a vacation spot: it is an expertise the place nature’s uncooked magnificence meets the enduring traditions of the island’s life,” says Gabriela Favara, who grew up visiting the island together with her household, the winemakers behind Donnafugata, one in all Sicily’s main wineries. I lately visited Pantelleria with Gabriella and fell in love with it, so I requested her and Linda Sarris, a Palermo-based chef and journey guide who organizes retreats in Pantelleria, to share their insider ideas for the island. Learn on for every part it’s essential to know to plan a visit there.

Greatest Resorts & Resorts

Le Case del Principe

“Lease a dammuso home at Le Case del Principe in Kattibuale for a non-public stick with your personal terrace overlooking the ocean,” suggests Sarris. “It’s one of many only a few locations on the island with direct entry all the way down to the water.” This selection is nice for teams, as there are homes that may accommodate as much as seven visitors.

Parco dei Sesi

“For these in search of extra facilities, take pleasure in catered meals, a shared swimming pool, or therapeutic massage therapies within the completely designed areas on the 12-room boutique property at Parco dei Sesi on the west coast positioned contained in the Sesi archaeological web site that dates again 5,000 years,” says Sarris.

Pantelleria Dream Resort

At this four-star resort unfold over 4 hectares, every suite occupies its personal little dammuso. Loosen up by the infinity pool and pool bar, take pleasure in easy meals within the restaurant, and watch the sundown over the Mediterranean at this tranquil spot.

Greatest Issues to Do

Admire the long-lasting Elephant Arch.

“Don’t miss the long-lasting Elephant Arch, a geological marvel that embodies the spirit of the island,” says Favara. “This gorgeous construction is a pure rock formation that resembles the trunk of an elephant dipping into the Mediterranean Sea.” She suggests swimming and snorkeling right here, taking a ship out to discover the hidden coves, and naturally, photographing this pure marvel from each angle.

Get a pure spa remedy on the Lago di Venere.

Favara and Sarris each suggest visiting the Lago di Venere (Venus Lake), a volcanic lake shaped hundreds of thousands of years in the past that’s recognized for its wealthy mineral content material. “Slather your self with the gentle, therapeutic mud from the Lago di Venere lake and let it dry within the solar earlier than rinsing off within the calmly effervescent thermal water springs for the perfect pure spa remedy, leaving your pores and skin silky easy,” Sarris says.

Do a wine tasting at one of many island’s wineries.

“Reserve forward at one of many island’s prime cantinas for a tasting of fragrant dry zibibbo wines and sweetly balanced passito at Cantina Basile or Marco De Bartoli in Bukkuram, Abbazia San Giorgio in Mueggen, or the Donnafugata property in Khamma,” suggests Sarris.

Savor a bacio pantesco.

“A go to to Pantelleria isn’t full with out savoring a bacio pantesco,” Favara notes. “This delicate pastry, with its crispy shell and wealthy, candy filling, embodies the island’s distinctive culinary traditions. Happiness for the senses!”

Go to the Giardino Pantesco.

Favara recommends visiting the Giardino Pantesco, a backyard maintained by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano on the grounds of Donnafugata’s Khamma property. “It’s a conventional round stone backyard, a marvel of native agricultural innovation,” she explains. “These constructions, constructed from volcanic stones, shield citrus timber from the island’s harsh winds and dry local weather whereas retaining moisture within the soil.”

Greatest Buying

Zillaco

“Cease by Zillaco in the primary city of Pantelleria for distinctive watercolors and illustrations printed on materials by native artist Margherita Borin,” Sarris suggests.

Cosi Tinte

“Cosi Tinte is a brand new store in Scauri the place you could find inventive residence items, tablewares, clothes, or ceramics,” Sarris notes.

Greatest Nightlife

Tanit Lounge Bar

In keeping with Sarris, this informal seashore bar within the port of Scauri is the place to be in the summertime. Come for an aperitivo at sundown and keep for the stay DJ units.

Sesiventi

Sarris additionally recommends this well-liked bar with ample seating on a terrace that boasts sweeping panoramic views of the island’s domed rooftops.

Greatest Eating places

Il Principe e il Pirata

“Pantelleria will not be well-known for its eating scene,” Sarris explains, persevering with, “Actually, most vacationers choose to lease conventional dammusi homes and host gatherings at residence, however you possibly can’t go fallacious at Il Principe E Il Pirata, the island’s greatest Sluggish Meals and Michelin-mentioned osteria for contemporary seafood and nice wines close to the recent springs of Gadir.”

Ristorante Bar La Vela

Seize a desk on the terrace of this no-frills restaurant overlooking the ocean and put together to be blown away by the flavors of conventional Sicilian delicacies. The appetizers, together with the panelle (fried chickpea pancakes) and roasted peppers with almonds, are to not be missed.

Il Gelato di Ulisse

“Cease for a gelato in Scauri Basso for artisan scoops at Il Gelato di Ulisse,” Sarris recommends. “The Napolitana proprietor mixes up intense island flavors like darkish chocolate with capers, a refreshing basil gelato, and one made with passito, an area sun-dried raisin wine.”

Cities to Go to

Pantelleria

“Pantelleria affords a novel stability between important trendy conveniences and untamed pure magnificence,” says Favara. “Whereas the primary city serves because the hub for important providers, the true essence of Pantelleria lies in its rugged, volcanic landscapes and wild attraction.”

Scauri

“Start your journey with the breathtaking sunsets over Scauri, an ideal introduction to the pure fantastic thing about this space. From this facet of the island, you possibly can admire Africa on clear days,” says Favara.

Khamma

“The island’s spirit comes alive in its contrade, corresponding to Khamma and Scauri, which offer fundamental requirements with out compromising the genuine attract of the island,” says Favara. “These small, picturesque villages are good for immersing your self within the native tradition whereas staying linked to the comforts you want.”

Greatest Time to Go to

Pantelleria is a seasonal vacation spot that comes alive in the summertime, when all of the eating places and bars are open for enterprise. In Could and June, not every part might be open but, however in keeping with Favara, the local weather is ideal for out of doors actions like mountaineering and biking. “August would be the busiest month with larger charges for in a single day stays and automobile leases, but when your important purpose is swimming, then the peak of summer season may be greatest for those who plan forward,” Sarris explains.

“In my view, the perfect state of affairs is September. The times are nonetheless lengthy, the warmth of full summer season offers respite, and there are fewer crowds,” Favara says. “Then, you possibly can breathe all of the magic of the harvest that has simply ended. There may be a fascinating environment given by the sensation of the tip of summer season and the laborious work of the grape pickers.”

How you can Get There

The island is served by Pantelleria Airport, a small regional airport with flight connections to and from mainland Italy. In the summertime, ITA Airways affords flights from Rome and Milan, Volotea has flights from Bologna, Bergamo, Venice, and Verona, and DAT connects the island with Palermo, Trapani, and Catania.

How you can Get Round

In keeping with Sarris, public transit isn’t very dependable on Pantelleria and taxis are scarce. It’s greatest to lease a automobile or scooter (however solely if in case you have loads of expertise driving on two wheels).