introduction to the island

The island of Pantelleria is geographically closer to Tunisia than Sicily. Its strategical position in the straight of Sicily has written its history and its cultural traditions. The volcanic rich soil is the wealth of the locals and has designed the island it is today. “i Panteschi” (the inhabitants of Pantelleria) will tell you the island is more of farmers than fishermen. The volcanic soil make it an extremely fertile land. While fishing has is very often dangerous due to heavy seas. Hot springs, fumaroles reveal their therapeutic properties since as long as men has stepped on it and is today accessible to all of us.

architecture

Dammusi are traditional houses only found on the island of Pantelleria. Its unique architecture has been developed as a response to extreme hot and dry climate of the island. Dammusi are typically characterised by thick lava walls, small windows, and domed roofs channeling rain water to underground cisterns. The island being a protected area, still today these technics has been conserved even if adapted to modern living.

patrimonio culturale dell’ unesco

Pantelleria also called The Black Pearl of the Mediterranean is proud to count its exemplary rural traditions part of the worldwide cultural Unesco heritage. Its specific traditional cultivation practices of winemaking called 'vite ad alberello' are transmitted through generations of winemakers and farmers in local dialect. Still today the hard conditions of labor only allow to respect the use of sustainable methods dating from the Romans times. Terraces create a complex irrigation system still used today and offer a unique and ideal backdrop for the zibibbo wine production.

SAILING

Larger groups can enjoy the slow journey of sailing around the island. Up to 18 people on a traditional wooden sailing boat will definitely be one of the best day of your life. Must be booked in advanced to guaranty a day in August! Comes with skipper and prosecco!

volcanic hikes

At 836 meters above sea level is Montagna Grande, the highest peak of the island. Hikers and trekkers will enjoy the many sentieri across the Mediterranean scrubland, the surprising lush forests and the cooler temperatures up there! A scenery contrasting with the black rocky dry shores. The summit offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea.

wine tasting

Wine tasting in Pantelleria is a human and cultural experience. The hospitality of local wine makers and the quality of their production is exceptional. Enter a world of passion and hard labor intrinsically connected to the history of their families. We have selected the best natural wine producers and winemakers of Zibbibo DOP wine. Discover the “passito” sweet wine highly prized on the island since ancient Rome.

local life, summer vs winter

The island obverses one major touristic seasons. From easter on until beginning of November when the doors of restaurants, bars and vineyards with a peak in July august and September. The 83km2 island is not so small and is appreciated by travellers to be a gem far from mass tourism still today. Restaurants (that can counted on the fingers of two hands!) are often family owned and are found (with a good gps!) scattered in the countryside and not just in the villages. 3 main villages, Pantelleria, Scauri and Khamma / Tracino offer common facilities (small supermarkets, pharmacies, bakeries, restaurants, churches). A small but decent Hospital is located in Pantelleria (town) such as the main harbour. Everyday the ferry brings essential goods from Sicily to sustain the islanders (when the sea allows it). Drinking water is not free and desalinated from the sea and thus very precious. From November to April, the rhythm certainly slows down, most of restaurants and bars shut down until next season. A two wheels or 4 wheels vehicle is more than recommended!

hot springs - natural sauna & fumaroles

We observe three types of active volcanic activity on the island: hot springs as in Cala Nikà or la grotta di Sattaria, the natural sauna cave ( lagrotta di Benikula), the fumaroles of Favare e montagna grande (Vapor coming off the ground) and terrestrial geothermal springs at the Lake of Venus. These particular elements accessible all year along make the island a true gem, a free open air spa. Since antiquity these phenomenon has been used for their healing properties.

ARTIST RESIDENCY

the lake

The Lago di Venere translated as the Lake of Venus is nested in a crater of a Volcano. Rich in minerals, it is a unique ecosystem in the world that has not revealed all its secrets yet. Its deep dark mud is known for having therapeutic properties. Hot springs boiling up to 50 degrees make it a true open air spa surrounded by a lush vegetation of Mediterranean plants.

BOAT TOUR

Discover the island from another angle. Rent a boat (with or without skipper) and access unreachable cliffs, swim in the clearest warm sea, grab a take-away lunch and just enjoy being totally unplugged from reality. An absolute must do to create unforgettable memories.

History & archeology

Strategically located in the straight of Sicily, the island has always been at the crossroad of trades and conquests. The first inhabitants of the island, Phoenicians called Sesioti date back from 5000 years ago. From that time, remains the shapes of their villages in Mursia and their necropolis site (il parco archeologico dei Sesi, right where we are located). The second larger Sese is throning in our property and accessible to curious guests (above picture)

Private museum of filippo panseca

Discover the radical world of the artist Filippo Panseca, multidisciplinary contemporary artist since the 70’s and architect and founder of “La porta del Sole”, now Parco dei Sesi. His studio sets in a former military structure built by Mussolini during the second world war. Today this 700m2 massive concrete structure at the edge of the sea and facing the sunset is the museum of his long life of contemporary Art . (Open to everyone only upon request)

no beach island

Pantelleria has no beach except (by extension) at the lago di Venere. If you like to roll yourself into sand, Pantelleria not be your island! Charming old harbours like Cala tramonta, Cala Gadir host comfortable wooden or concrete decks for lazy sunbathers. Adventurous souls will prefer the hike down Cala Nikà, Laghetto delle ondine or Cala cinque Denti (…) to set their sea-towel for the day.

horse ridding

Discover the island in full immersion in the Nature on the back of the horse. 3 to up to 6 hr horse ride trekking with a guide.