CityScrolls
New Member
I decided to write my first trip report here on the forum about a destination that didn’t come up in the forum search results. However, I believe it’s perfect for slow travel, so allow me to introduce you to Pantelleria.
Pantelleria is a small volcanic island nestled in the middle of the Mediterranean, closer to Tunisia than to Sicily, which administers it. For those of you who love the Canary Islands, think of this as Lanzarote's little sister.
We took a cheap direct flight from Milan Bergamo with Volotea (~1h40) and returned on a DAT flight to Palermo (~40 minutes – yes, much slower because it’s not a jet plane). The runway is small, and the landing can be challenging due to its size and the strong winds. Upon arrival, we rented a car, which I consider essential for getting around the island. We rented a lovely apartment on the high outskirts of the capital, Pantelleria. Even in the largest town on the island, shops and restaurants follow a tight schedule, so it's important to plan accordingly. The food options are quite limited, so this island may not be the best choice for foodies.
Let’s explore! Here are the spots we enjoyed the most (links to Google Maps). The last two truly blew my mind, as I had never encountered anything like them in my travels before.
Pantelleria is a small volcanic island nestled in the middle of the Mediterranean, closer to Tunisia than to Sicily, which administers it. For those of you who love the Canary Islands, think of this as Lanzarote's little sister.
We took a cheap direct flight from Milan Bergamo with Volotea (~1h40) and returned on a DAT flight to Palermo (~40 minutes – yes, much slower because it’s not a jet plane). The runway is small, and the landing can be challenging due to its size and the strong winds. Upon arrival, we rented a car, which I consider essential for getting around the island. We rented a lovely apartment on the high outskirts of the capital, Pantelleria. Even in the largest town on the island, shops and restaurants follow a tight schedule, so it's important to plan accordingly. The food options are quite limited, so this island may not be the best choice for foodies.
Let’s explore! Here are the spots we enjoyed the most (links to Google Maps). The last two truly blew my mind, as I had never encountered anything like them in my travels before.
- Mirror of Venus: this is the iconic lake fueled by warm sulfurous springs. The color of the water is otherworldly, and people were swimming and enjoying the praised healing properties of the mud.
- Coastal hikes: we did the ones around Laghetto delle Ondine and Cala Cottone . An otherworldly volcanic landscape with various plants and breathtaking sea views at every turn.
- Hike to active volcanoes: If you're keen to see steam and fumes rising from the ground, this is possible here.
- Hot Springs at Gadir: Two or three small ponds nestled next to the volcanic rocks where the seawater meets the hot springs offer a truly relaxing experience. We lost track of time here, but this isn’t the only spot where hot waters meet the sea. Imo, a better place is:
- Sorgenti calde di Nikà: Yes, the descent is challenging, and one needs to be cautious of the sharp volcanic rocks. However, once you reach sea level, you’re rewarded with a small cove nestled between the steep black cliffs, where the entire seawater is heated! Much warmer than the Indian Ocean! It’s simply incredible!
- Bagno Asciutto Grotta Di Benikulá: this is a natural sauna! After about 15 minutes on a delightful hiking trail with panoramic views over the western part of the island, you reach a small cave, still steaming even in the hot weather that day. It's a clear sign that, if you're brave enough to enter, you're likely descending straight into the depths of hell.t's pitch black inside, and due to the thick steam, there's no way to use a flashlight. You have to rely on your hands to navigate and find a spot to relax. But once you step outside, it's pure heaven: you feel completely rejuvenated. And you want ot go back.
