Pantelleria
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 21 January 2024
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Situated around 175 kilometres south west of the Sicilian mainland, the island of Pantelleria is actually closer to Africa than Italy but it's officially governed as part of the Province of Trapani.
The strategic geographical position of the island has seen it fought over and ruled by a variety of civilisations throughout history including the Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans. These eras of historic and current rule have all left their mark on the island's culture from its architecture to its food and dialect. |
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Making your way around Pantelleria
Measuring 83 km² it's a place that requires motorised transport in order to explore it properly. There's a local bus system in place but you can also rent cars or scooters once you're there. Before my visit I arranged a car rental and it was there waiting for me when I arrived at the airport; I just had to sign some forms and off I went.
I visited Pantelleria in April and I was really glad I'd chosen springtime because the island was covered in wild flowers. The volcanic activity that formed the island in the first place creates its own unique shapes and hues; when blended with the spring flowers it was a veritable riot of colour.
I visited Pantelleria in April and I was really glad I'd chosen springtime because the island was covered in wild flowers. The volcanic activity that formed the island in the first place creates its own unique shapes and hues; when blended with the spring flowers it was a veritable riot of colour.
The Mirror of Venus
The most famous sight on the island is the Specchio di Venere, ("Mirror of Venus"), a beautiful lake with vivid shades of blue where you can swim in hot springs. Although there are no real beaches to speak of on the island, it's still possible to swim in crystal clear water in some of its bays. One of the best ways to enjoy the water is by hiring a boat or taking a private sea tour.
The main, in fact, only town is simply known as Pantelleria. This is where most of the accommodation options are situated and the best place to eat and drink. There are bars and restaurants around the port as well as enough shops required to serve the local population of nearly eight thousand residents.
Some scenes from the film Il Postino were shot on Pantelleria (along with other Italian islands like Procida), but if you want to really get a flavour of the place before you visit, I'd recommend watching the 2015 film "A Bigger Splash", starring Tilda Swinton and Ralph Feinnes, which is set on the island.
The main, in fact, only town is simply known as Pantelleria. This is where most of the accommodation options are situated and the best place to eat and drink. There are bars and restaurants around the port as well as enough shops required to serve the local population of nearly eight thousand residents.
Some scenes from the film Il Postino were shot on Pantelleria (along with other Italian islands like Procida), but if you want to really get a flavour of the place before you visit, I'd recommend watching the 2015 film "A Bigger Splash", starring Tilda Swinton and Ralph Feinnes, which is set on the island.
Isola di Pantelleria
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Province: Trapani
Region: Sicily Population: 7,702 Size: 83 km² Highlights: Specchio di Venere Recommended accommodation: Blue Moon Hotel |
Pantelleria Travel
As alluded to above, Pantelleria has its own airport and this is certainly the best route onto the island. You can fly from the Sicilian airports of Trapani or Palermo with journey times of 40 and 45 minutes respectively. The airport is located around ten minutes' drive from the main town. If you prefer not to fly, there are also ferries available from Trapani with a journey time of 2 hours and 10 minutes.
