Pantelleria Island

Pantelleria, also historically known as Cossyra, is an island located in the strait between the island of Sicily and the coast of Tunisia, belonging to the province of Trapani. Pantelleria is a volcanic island, marked by the craters of extinct volcanoes, the highest of which is Montagna Grande, as well as thermal springs and numerous sites where hot steam and gas escape from the ground.

Due to strong winds blowing from the African continent, the island received its name, which in Arabic means “Daughter of the Wind.”

History

The first inhabitants of Pantelleria were members of Iberian and Ligurian tribes, followed by settlers from Phoenicia and Carthage, who built an acropolis on the hills of San Marco and Santa Teresa, along with city walls, aqueducts, and freshwater reservoirs.
After 255 BC, the island became part of the Roman Empire and served as a place of exile for high-ranking officials. In 700 AD, Arab tribes seized the island, and in the early 12th century, Pantelleria came under the rule of Roger, the ruler of Sicily. From the beginning of the 14th century, the Aragonese ruler Luis de Requeséns controlled the island, and in 1553, it was annexed by the Ottoman Empire.

The island returned to Italy only at the end of the 19th century and was officially incorporated into the country in 1912.

Neolithic Monuments

During your visit to Pantelleria, it is fascinating to explore the remains of Neolithic settlements located about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the port:

• A megalithic stone wall;
• Ruins of ancient human dwellings;
• A complex of 57 ancient burial towers, elliptically shaped, ranging from 20 to 65 feet (6 to 20 meters) in diameter.

Household artifacts from this period, including pottery, jewelry, and more, are on display at the Historical Museum of Syracuse.

Outdoor Activities

The island attracts visitors with its beaches covered in black pebbles or volcanic sand. Pantelleria is a popular destination for active travelers:

• Diving enthusiasts explore the eastern shores, home to exotic fish, underwater ruins of Phoenician port structures, and hot mineral springs;

• Hiking and cycling are also popular across the island’s plains and mountainous areas, particularly in the Isola di Pantelleria Nature Reserve or up to the summit of Montagna Grande, where you can catch a glimpse of the African coast.

Boat trips around the island offer breathtaking views of caves, grottos, and uniquely shaped rock formations:

• Elephant Arch (Arco dell’elefante), resembling an elephant drinking water;
• Five Teeth Bay (Cinque denti), characterized by rugged, inaccessible cliffs;

• Ondine’s Pool (Laghetto delle Ondine), a natural pool surrounded by dense pine thickets.

Thermal Springs and Mud Therapy

One of the island’s most famous spots, rich in healing mud, is the saltwater lake known as the Mirror of Venus (Specchio di Venere). Here, visitors can enjoy bathing in the salty waters and applying natural mud masks.

Several hot springs are also located near spa centers, such as the Grotta di Sateria in the village of Shiba.

Gastronomic Tours

The island is home to several groves of olive trees, vineyards, and caper plantations. Fields of aromatic herbs such as thyme, rosemary, lavender, oregano, and mint are also widespread.
Travelers should not miss the chance to try the island’s unique local dishes:

• Pasta “Ravioli Amari“, stuffed with ricotta cheese and mint;
• “Pesto Pantesco” sauce, made from olive oil, garlic, basil, chili pepper, and tomatoes;
• Mustazzoli, a sweet pastry made from puff pastry, cinnamon, candied oranges, honey, and semolina, among others.

The island also produces wine from rare grape varieties, including the sweet Moscato Passito di Pantelleria and Moscato di Pantelleria.
We also recommend reading about pesto sauce (pesto).

Hotels

Pantelleria Island enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate that draws many tourists each year. The high season on the island runs from June through October. In May and November, the average air temperature is around 68–72°F (20–22°C).

More than 110 accommodation options have received positive reviews.

3-Star Hotels

Three-star hotels are located within walking distance of the beaches and offer comfortable stays at affordable prices.

Mursia E Cossyra Hotel

The Mursia E Cossyra Hotel, built along the rocky coast, features a private beach area and two main buildings, one of which houses upgraded rooms. All rooms come with air conditioning and modern appliances. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool, wellness and fitness center, tennis court, and spacious terraces. The hotel offers free parking, complimentary internet access, and facilities for guests with disabilities.

Local cuisine delights guests, while evening events provide entertainment. The hotel also organizes hiking tours, diving excursions, and sightseeing trips.

Blue Moon Hotel

The Blue Moon Hotel welcomes guests to comfortable rooms with high-level service, excellent soundproofing, split air conditioning systems, and open terraces.

The hotel offers free parking, complimentary internet access, and accommodations for travelers with disabilities.

4-Star Hotels

Four-star hotels are located close to the beaches and provide a wide range of wellness-focused services.

Hotel Village Suvaki

Rooms at the Village Suvaki feature spacious terraces or balconies with sea views. Guests can relax at the pool, in the spa, or in the hotel gardens, and enjoy fitness facilities, a private beach area, and sunbathing.

Children can have fun in the playrooms and outdoor playgrounds. The hotel is accessible for guests with disabilities and offers entertainment programs for kids and adults, bike rentals, walking tours, and diving activities. It’s a family- and pet-friendly hotel.

Pantelleria Dream

Located in a rural area, Pantelleria Dream is just a 13-minute walk from the beach. Each room offers a spacious terrace with views of the sea or garden, air conditioning, and minibars. Guests can enjoy the swimming pools and a massage center. The hotel organizes excursions and diving activities and is welcoming to guests with disabilities, families with children, and pets.

5-Star Hotels

Pantelleria is home to a luxury hotel ideal for newlyweds, active travelers, and couples without young children.

Sikelia Luxury Hotel

Nestled in a lush garden, the Sikelia Luxury Hotel offers a variety of room types with spacious verandas for relaxation. The restaurant features multiple menus, including diet, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Guests can enjoy the wellness center, swimming pool, and full accessibility for those with disabilities.

Apartments and B&Bs

Resort Acropoli

The Resort Acropoli offers apartments equipped with modern kitchens, barbecue facilities in a lush garden, a pool, a sauna, and a jacuzzi. Rooms are fitted with split air conditioning systems and all necessary appliances.

The beaches are an 8-minute walk away, and the therapeutic Mirror of Venus lake is just 3 miles (5 kilometers) away. This resort is ideal for families with children, pet owners, and guests with disabilities.

Madilia

Surrounded by a garden, Madilia is just a 15-minute walk from the beach. Each unit includes a small kitchen area with essential appliances and either a veranda or a spacious balcony. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning and televisions.

How to Get There

Pantelleria, located about 105 miles (170 kilometers) south of Trapani, can be reached by ferry or by plane.

By Ferry

Ferry companies Siremar and Ustica Lines operate crossings to Pantelleria Island from the port of Trapani 13 times a week. A ticket for an adult costs approximately €34 (about $37). Transporting a car along with two passengers costs around €200 (about $218).

For pricing and schedule information, visit www.directferries.com.

By Plane

You can reach Pantelleria by air with flights operated by www.ita-airways.com—tickets are best purchased directly through the official website.
A direct flight from Palermo or Trapani takes about 45 minutes, with tickets costing approximately €50 (about $54).

Official website of Pantelleria Airport: www.aeroportodipantelleria.it