Island of stars: Pantelleria by night

At night, Pantelleria doesn’t sleep.

When the sun dives into the sea and the wind slows its pace, Pantelleria reveals its most intimate side: the night. Darkness here is genuine—deep, untouched, and pure.

The island is one of the best places in the Mediterranean for stargazing, thanks to its location at the heart of the sea and its minimal light pollution. A true haven for those who love to gaze at stars and constellations.

Fiori selvatici illuminati dalla luce lunare tra le scogliere, con il cielo stellato sopra una cala nascosta di Pantelleria
Coste vulcaniche di Pantelleria al chiaro di luna con il mare calmo e il cielo stellato all’orizzonte

Images created with the support of Artificial Intelligence

Top Places to Stargaze

  • Montagna Grande (836 m) - The island’s rooftop. From here, the sky unfolds like an endless dome—ideal for spotting constellations such as Cassiopeia, Orion and the Summer Triangle. Perfect for sunset trekking followed by a starry descent.

  • Lake of Venus - On calm, windless nights the heavens reflect on the water’s surface: a double firmament for a double thrill. Far from any artificial glow, it remains one of Pantelleria’s most magical settings.

  • Gadír Thermal Pools - Soak in naturally heated waters beneath the night sky. The contrast between warm earth and cool evening air makes for an unforgettable experience.

  • Cala Cinque Denti o Punta Spadillo - Black-lava cliffs frame a deep indigo sky. Absolute silence. Excellent for long-exposure photography or peaceful, undisturbed stargazing.

  • Dammusi with Rooftop Terraces - Sleeping—or dreaming—under the stars on a whitewashed dome is one of Pantelleria’s most iconic experiences. Several traditional dammusi now feature dedicated terraces for nightly sky-watching.

Experiences to live under the stars

Guided Astronomy Sessions - From July through September, local associations host telescope-led evenings with expert commentary on constellations. Many events take place within the Pantelleria National Park.

Sunset Dinner or Aperitivo with Stargazing - Wineries and dammusi offer tastings that culminate in an astronomy session—whether in the vineyard or on a panoramic terrace.

Night Trekking - Short, guided routes that launch at sunset and end beneath a canvas of stars: from Montagna Grande to Favara Grande, or the ascent of Gibéle.

Night Swim in Thermal Waters - Gadír and Nikà are perfect for an after-dark dip—especially in September, when the sea holds summer warmth and the skies grow crystal clear.

Astronomical tidbits

  • Cassiopeia: the luminous “W” of autumn.

  • Summer Triangle: Vega, Altair & Deneb—the stars of star-crossed lovers.

  • Milky Way: visible to the naked eye during the darkest months.

  • Planets: Jupiter, Saturn and Mars often shine bright without a telescope.

  • Shooting Stars: The Perseids blaze across the sky from mid‑July to mid‑August.

Pantelleria is recognized among Italy’s most remarkable Dark Sky locations by international astrotourism experts (Source: In A Faraway Land).

Travel tips

  • Choose spots away from settlements:: the best stargazing is in the island’s rural districts and its northeast corner.

  • Mind the moon phase: new‑moon nights are ideal for Milky Way sightings.

  • Pack wisely: a red‑beam torch, a mat or sheet to lie on, a lightweight sweater (summer nights can be crisp) and binoculars or a small telescope.

  • Book in advance: astronomy experiences fill up quickly in high season.

  • Download a sky app: SkyView, Star Walk or Stellarium will help you navigate the constellations.

Every night tells a new story: just look up. Pantelleria gives you the truest of lights—the stars.