WHAT TO VISIT:
Pantelleria is an enchanting place halfway between Italy and Africa, which has not yet been stormed by mass tourism. Located 110 kilometers south of Sicily and 65 kilometers north of Tunisia, the island is part of the province of Trapani and has a coastline of about 50 kilometers. With an extension of over 80 square kilometers,. The coast has a profile that alternates hills and cliffs and there is no trace of sand, in some bays there are pebbles of volcanic stones. Even the seabed has volcanic origin, which is why they are dark and irregular, but the waters are clear and crystalline.Among the most beautiful and fascinating places of the whole island of Pantelleria there is undoubtedly the Balata dei Turchi, called so for a slab (balata) of lava flow that allows access to the sea. Furthermore, it is said that it was once a natural stopover used by pirates.There is also Cala Cottone, an inlet that until the early 1800s was used as a boarding point for transporting cotton, today it is a pebble beach in a small bay , little frequented by swimmers, the most famous locality of Pantelleria is the Arco dell’Elefante, which has now become the symbol of the island. It is a huge rock of lava stone in the shape of an elephant’s trunk that enters the water creating a large arch. Punta Spadillo locality. The lake is not very deep, so it is also very popular with families with children, but Pantelleria is not just the sea: for those who love hiking and trekking, there is, in fact, the Montagna Grande, at 863 meters above sea level. sea. Here it is possible to take walks in the woods of holm oaks and maritime pines and, once at the top, on fine days you can see the African coast. The Mirror Lake of Venus is a natural lake that occupies the crater of a volcano in the Bugeber district, in the center of the island. The lake is famous for its thermal mud with beneficial properties. There are pools from which water at over 50 degrees comes out. Also Cala Gadir - from the Arabic "basin of water" - includes pools carved into the rock with thermal waters with temperatures ranging from 40 to 55 degrees. These fresh waters contain mineral salts ideal for the treatment of arthrosis and rheumatism. In addition, on the walls of the pools an alga is born, suitable for treating sinusitis, colds and minor respiratory problems.In the southern part of the island we find Cala Nikà, a small inlet from which thermal water flows, which mixes with sea water , reaching 70 degrees. Nearby there are small deposits of sulfur, encrustations of hydrated silica and alum.Sataria is a very large cave, with a natural vault made of pumice stone and brick paving. Here too there are thermal waters that reach 40 degrees and represent an effective natural cure for arthritis and rheumatic pains. The Grotta del Freddo, also known as "Pirtusu du Nutaro", notary’s hole, is so called because it is characterized from a particular event: a blowhole under the windy rock that emits cold air. The temperature of this is around 10 degrees and is generated thanks to its circulation inside the cave. Another wonder of Pantelleria is Kuddia Mida, the only crater on the island with still active fumaroles.

UNESCO HERITAGE:
Pantelleria has several assets that have become part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Starting with the sapling vine which, due to its characteristics, is considered an agricultural practice to be safeguarded, promoted and studied. Protecting the vines are the famous dry stone walls in lava stone, built with unworked stones, arranged and linked in a double row, in contact, without any type of mortar.The Pantelleria gardens are another example of island architecture, they are uncovered buildings in lava stone with a circular plan inside which is kept, closed by a door, often a single citrus tree. The construction was born precisely to protect the plants from the strong winds that blow on the island.The typical houses of Pantelleria are the apartments, buildings in lava stone with domed roofs to collect rainwater, and thick walls, perfect for isolating both from heat than from cold.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Getting to Pantelleria has never been easier! Thanks to air links with the mainland and Sicily, reaching the island of the wind will not be a problem. The planes for Pantelleria guarantee wide-ranging connections, thanks to low cost airlines and large international companies. During the summer season it is possible to arrive in Pantelleria on Saturday with direct flights from Milan, Bergamo, Turin, Venice, Verona, Bologna and Rome www.agenziarizzo.com and the Traghetti delle Isole , which carry out transport by motorboat. There is also a fast connection with hydrofoil operated from June to September by Ustica Lines . All maritime connections depart and arrive from / to Trapani.