Pelagie Islands
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Latest page update: 23 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Although officially in Italian waters and under the jurisdiction of the Sicilian province of Agrigento, the Pelagie Islands (Isole Pelagie), are geographically at least, closer to Tunisia on the African mainland than they are to Sicily.
This, along with other factors has caused political controversy for the islands with the attempts by asylum-seekers to repatriate to Europe. It's a problem that the main island of Lampedusa has been saddled with for many years, as has the smaller Linosa, although to a lesser extent. |
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Outside of Italy, the above factors contribute to a reluctance of foreign visitors to make their way to the Pelagie Islands but most Italians see this as an idyllic spot for their holidays, with the island of Lampedusa by far the main focus of that travel.
Lampedusa is home to Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach), which was once voted as the world's best beach on Tripadvisor and you will indeed have to travel far to find one more spectacular. That said, there are dozens of other beaches on Lampedusa that rival the best in Italy and this is what attracts huge numbers of visitors every summer. Even during the autumn months of September and October, you'll find Lampedusa doing a roaring trade and an island full of life.
Lampedusa is home to Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach), which was once voted as the world's best beach on Tripadvisor and you will indeed have to travel far to find one more spectacular. That said, there are dozens of other beaches on Lampedusa that rival the best in Italy and this is what attracts huge numbers of visitors every summer. Even during the autumn months of September and October, you'll find Lampedusa doing a roaring trade and an island full of life.
History
There are two more islands in the archipelago, one of which is one of my personal favourites. The island of Linosa is one of the most remote locations you can find in Italy, perhaps rivalled only by fellow Sicilian islands Alicudi or Pantelleria. However, it is that very feeling of remoteness where the charm starts and then continues as you enter the main town with its beautiful, brightly-coloured houses that give way to a rugged, spectacular landscape of strange, jagged volcanic shapes.
When I decided to put this website together and made it my mission to visit everything of note in Italy, the place that I had to wait the longest to visit was the Pelagie Islands. I hate flying but the maritime connections are significantly slower to have forced me on to a flight to Lampedusa. As I visited in October, I was quite unlucky with a period of rough seas (although the overhead conditions were great), and had to wait several days for my chance to visit Linosa but I'm incredibly glad I found the time and patience for it as it was such a rewarding experience.
When I decided to put this website together and made it my mission to visit everything of note in Italy, the place that I had to wait the longest to visit was the Pelagie Islands. I hate flying but the maritime connections are significantly slower to have forced me on to a flight to Lampedusa. As I visited in October, I was quite unlucky with a period of rough seas (although the overhead conditions were great), and had to wait several days for my chance to visit Linosa but I'm incredibly glad I found the time and patience for it as it was such a rewarding experience.
Highlights and nearby attractions
The one remaining island in the archipelago is the uninhabited rock of Lampione which you can just about see from Lampedusa. Time and circumstance have yet to provide me with an opportunity to visit but given my pleasant surprises of Linosa and Lampedusa, I would be foolish to strike this from my list and as soon as I've been there I'll be reporting back, somewhere around here.
Isole Pelagie
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Province: Agrigento
Region: Sicily Population: 6,556 Number of islands: 3 Recommended accommodation: Hotel O'scià (Lampedusa) |
Pelagie Islands Travel
As mentioned above, I believe air travel is the best way into the Pelagie Islands and you'll find a surprisingly modern, busy airport in Lampedusa. It's so close to the town centre that you fly right over some of the beaches and gasp at the colour of the water. The closest Sicilian airport is Palermo which is a flight time of an hour, but just 35 minutes further away is a flight to Rome. Ferry connections are available as well from the Sicilian port of Porto Empedocle with a journey time of four hours 15 minutes with Liberty Lines.
Lampedusa
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Lampedusa, the southernmost island of Italy, is closer to Africa than Sicily. Known for its stunning natural beauty, it features turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches, including the famous Rabbit Beach, often ranked among the world’s best.
The island is renowned for its marine biodiversity, particularly the endangered loggerhead turtles that nest on its shores. Surprisingly for its size, Lampedusa has its own airport which makes it reactively easy to visit. During the summer months it's one of Italy's favourite holiday spots with its incomparable array of stunning beaches. |
Lampedusa
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Linosa
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Linosa, a small volcanic island in the Pelagie Archipelago, lies in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and Tunisia. Known for its dramatic black lava landscapes, vibrant wildflowers, and crystal-clear waters, it is a serene haven for nature lovers.
The island's volcanic origins are evident in Monte Vulcano, its extinct central crater, and the rugged coastline dotted with coves perfect for snorkeling and diving. Linosa is also a key nesting site for the endangered loggerhead turtles. One of the most charming and remote islands in Italy, it's bursting with character, particularly with its brightly-painted houses. |
Linosa
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Lampione
Lampione Island
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Lampedusa Beaches
Cala Madonna, Lampedusa
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