Lampedusa Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip to the island in Sicily
Table of Contents
Lampedusa
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Latest page update: 7 September 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Lampedusa
Lampedusa has a broad hotel offering for its size, shaped by its beaches, boat trips and summer holiday atmosphere. The best-reviewed properties focus on comfort, outdoor spaces and convenient access to the harbour, Cala Guitgia and the island’s coves, including the famous Spiaggia dei Conigli.
Hotel Martello, near the harbour and Cala Guitgia, is one of the most established choices, appreciated for its welcoming atmosphere, comfortable rooms and reliable service, making it a practical base for exploring the island (€€€). Hotel Baia Turchese, set close to the shoreline, offers a traditional seaside stay with terraces, a pool and consistently positive feedback for both hospitality and location (€€€). For guests seeking a stay with broader facilities, Hotel Cupola Bianca Resort provides spacious grounds, a relaxed setting and attentive service, earning strong reviews from those looking for comfort and well-kept outdoor areas (€€€€).
Hotel Martello, near the harbour and Cala Guitgia, is one of the most established choices, appreciated for its welcoming atmosphere, comfortable rooms and reliable service, making it a practical base for exploring the island (€€€). Hotel Baia Turchese, set close to the shoreline, offers a traditional seaside stay with terraces, a pool and consistently positive feedback for both hospitality and location (€€€). For guests seeking a stay with broader facilities, Hotel Cupola Bianca Resort provides spacious grounds, a relaxed setting and attentive service, earning strong reviews from those looking for comfort and well-kept outdoor areas (€€€€).
Where is
Where is Lampedusa?
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Located as it is, closer to the coast of Africa then to Italy, Lampedusa isn't always the first place that comes to mind when considering places to visit in Sicily, that though, severely underestimates the draw of this beautiful island.
There are three islands in the archipelago known as the Pelagie Islands (Isole Pelagie) with Lampedusa by far the largest and most populated with a total of just over six thousand inhabitants. Its most famous sight: Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach) regularly features in lists of best beaches in the world. |
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Getting there
Compared to other beach destinations in Italy, Lampedusa has less of an international feel to it and is most definitely Italian, ironic considering its location close to Africa. Perhaps the main reason for this is that you need to start your journey to Lampedusa from an Italian airport or an Italian sea port. It does have its own airport, a very nice, modern one that offers domestic flights to Rome, Venice, Turin, Genoa, Verona and Bergamo on the Italian mainland, or Palermo, the Sicilian capital.
Although it is possible to take a ferry or hydrofoil to Lampedusa from Porto Empedocle, close to Agrigento, the four hours and 15 minutes it takes make less sense than the one hour flight from Palermo which is the favoured way in.
Visitors to the other inhabited island in the archipelago, Linosa, can take a hydrofoil from Lampedusa, a journey time of one hour and definitely worth the effort for a day-trip. The final, uninhabited island in the group is Lampione, for which you need to take one of the private excursions that you'll find offered around the ports. You can actually see Lampione from Lampedusa's western side and the journey time there is significantly shorter than that to Linosa.
Although it is possible to take a ferry or hydrofoil to Lampedusa from Porto Empedocle, close to Agrigento, the four hours and 15 minutes it takes make less sense than the one hour flight from Palermo which is the favoured way in.
Visitors to the other inhabited island in the archipelago, Linosa, can take a hydrofoil from Lampedusa, a journey time of one hour and definitely worth the effort for a day-trip. The final, uninhabited island in the group is Lampione, for which you need to take one of the private excursions that you'll find offered around the ports. You can actually see Lampione from Lampedusa's western side and the journey time there is significantly shorter than that to Linosa.
Isola di Lampedusa
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Province: Agrigento
Region: Sicily Population: 6,488 (in 2025 - source) Size: 20 km² Highlights: Spiaggia dei Conigli, Porto Vecchio, Porto Nuovo Recommended accommodation: Hotel O'scià |
What People Ask About Lampedusa, Sicily
Is Lampedusa worth visiting?
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Discover Lampedusa
In fact, the Spiaggia dei Conigli takes its rightful place at the top of the Italy Review list of best beaches in Italy. There are plenty of other beaches besides that and everywhere you look there are dazzling shades of blue sea, spectacular at times, with the Tabbacara area particularly awe-inspiring.
There is one main town on the island, also called Lampedusa, at the centre of which is Via Roma. This is the main street in the town and a place where you'll find dozens of places to eat, drink and shop. From Via Roma you can walk down to Porto Vecchio, a fishing port where you'll find a beach and further places to eat, while just around the headland on the other side of Via Roma is Porto Nuovo, a marina mainly for private yachts which is dotted with its own restaurants.
There is one main town on the island, also called Lampedusa, at the centre of which is Via Roma. This is the main street in the town and a place where you'll find dozens of places to eat, drink and shop. From Via Roma you can walk down to Porto Vecchio, a fishing port where you'll find a beach and further places to eat, while just around the headland on the other side of Via Roma is Porto Nuovo, a marina mainly for private yachts which is dotted with its own restaurants.
Lampedusa is blessed with a good selection of accommodation, especially given its size, but the island certainly isn't over-developed. You can take a bus from the town to the various beaches and as soon as you leave the town's environs you find an almost desolate, rocky landscape. You can walk for miles in Lampedusa, exploring the various bays and beaches, if that's your thing (it's mine), or take various types of guided tours either by land or by sea.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Lampedusa
- Rabbit Beach (Spiaggia dei Conigli) on Lampedusa is widely celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Its soft white sand and clear turquoise waters are framed by steep cliffs, creating a stunning natural setting. The beach is also a protected nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles, adding ecological significance to its appeal.
- The Marine Protected Area of Lampedusa encompasses the island’s surrounding seas, safeguarding diverse marine species such as sea turtles, dolphins, and vibrant fish. Visitors can explore this underwater world through guided snorkeling and diving excursions, experiencing colourful reefs and underwater caves.
- Cala Croce is a picturesque bay on Lampedusa, known for calm, crystal-clear waters and striking red cliffs. It offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities, with rocky coves that shelter a variety of marine life.
- The Turtle Rescue Centre on Lampedusa educates visitors about the conservation of loggerhead turtles that nest on the island’s beaches. The centre cares for injured turtles and supports efforts to protect the species, providing an insightful experience for those interested in wildlife preservation.
- Cala Pulcino is a quieter, more secluded beach framed by cliffs and natural vegetation. Accessible by hiking trails, it offers visitors a peaceful spot for swimming and enjoying Lampedusa’s rugged coastal beauty away from busier areas.
Tours and Activities
Lampedusa Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Lampedusa
- Ristorante Gallo d’Oro: Situated just off Via Roma in the centre of town, Gallo d’Oro is one of Lampedusa’s most well-regarded restaurants. The menu centres around seafood specialities such as prawn tartare, lobster pasta, and grilled amberjack, all presented with attention to detail. The service is friendly and professional, and outdoor seating is available in the warmer months. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Trattoria La Risacca: Located near the old port, this family-run trattoria has built a strong local following with its generous portions and simple, home-cooked island dishes. Highlights include pasta with swordfish and aubergine, sardine meatballs, and seafood couscous. The atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Cavalluccio Marino: Found along the coast near Cala Croce, this restaurant offers sea views and a quiet setting for dinner. The menu features fresh daily catches, octopus salad, and spaghetti with bottarga, often complemented by local wines. It’s particularly popular in summer, so booking is advised. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Bar dell’Amicizia: A local institution for breakfast or a sweet treat, this bar is famous for its freshly made cannoli, granite, and brioche. It’s also a convenient stop for coffee or an aperitivo while strolling through the centre of town. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
- Sorsi & Morsi: A casual bistro near the centre, Sorsi & Morsi offers a changing menu of Sicilian dishes and light meals, along with a selection of wines and craft beers. It’s ideal for a relaxed evening, with dishes like tuna tartare, caponata, and pasta with pistachio pesto. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
Photo Gallery
Lampedusa Photo Gallery
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Sicily Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sicily
1. Taormina 2. Syracuse 3. Aeolian Islands 4. Palermo 5. Valley of the Temples (Agrigento) 6. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro 7. Aegadian Islands 8. Cefalù 9. Noto 10. Ragusa 👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily |
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Lampedusa
By Rail: Lampedusa does not have a train station. The nearest rail access is on the Sicilian mainland, with the closest major station located in Agrigento. Trenitalia operates regional trains to Agrigento from Palermo, with a journey time of around 2 hours. From there, visitors must continue by road to Porto Empedocle, where ferry services to Lampedusa depart.
By Road: Travellers reaching Lampedusa by car must first drive to the port of Porto Empedocle on Sicily’s southern coast. Porto Empedocle is approximately 130 kilometres from Palermo, and the drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Public parking is available near the port for those continuing to the island without their vehicle.
Nearest International Airports:
Ferry Connections:
Porto Empedocle: Ferries to Lampedusa depart from Porto Empedocle and run throughout the year. The journey typically takes around 8 hours, with longer crossings on standard ferries and faster hydrofoils operating seasonally. Services are more frequent during the summer months.
Linosa: Lampedusa is connected to the neighbouring island of Linosa by regular inter-island ferry services. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour and is available year-round, with increased frequency during the high season.
By Road: Travellers reaching Lampedusa by car must first drive to the port of Porto Empedocle on Sicily’s southern coast. Porto Empedocle is approximately 130 kilometres from Palermo, and the drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Public parking is available near the port for those continuing to the island without their vehicle.
Nearest International Airports:
- Comiso Airport: Situated around 130 kilometres from Porto Empedocle, with a drive time of approximately 2 hours. This small airport offers a limited number of domestic and seasonal international flights.
- Palermo Falcone e Borsellino Airport: Located about 130 kilometres from the port, the drive takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes. This airport is one of the main gateways to southern Sicily, with regular domestic and international services.
Ferry Connections:
Porto Empedocle: Ferries to Lampedusa depart from Porto Empedocle and run throughout the year. The journey typically takes around 8 hours, with longer crossings on standard ferries and faster hydrofoils operating seasonally. Services are more frequent during the summer months.
Linosa: Lampedusa is connected to the neighbouring island of Linosa by regular inter-island ferry services. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour and is available year-round, with increased frequency during the high season.
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Arrival port: Lampedusa
Journey time from Sicilian mainland: 1 hour flight from Palermo Distance from nearest Sicilian mainland port: 224 km |
Arrive by: ferry, hydrofoil, aeroplane
Arrive from: Palermo, Porto Empedocle, Rome, Venice, Turin Fly to: Lampedusa Airport |
Lampedusa Beaches
Cala Guitgia, Lampedusa
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