Volcanic island: hot springs and volcanic phenomena

The volcano is part of Pantelleria: it guides and listens. Its manifestations—thermal springs, fumaroles, caves—tell of an inner geography, made of deep silences and slowly rising warmth.

The Volcano’s Breath The volcanic nature of the island is alive. It reveals itself in the hot waters that flow spontaneously, in the steaming soil, in the black rocks sculpted by time. Pantelleria’s volcano lies submerged, yet it is always present. You feel it beneath your feet, sense it in the air. A constant, silent presence.

Top Natural Wellness Spots in Pantelleria

Specchio di Venere A thermal lake inside a volcanic caldera Commonly known as the Venus Mirror, its official name is Lake Bagno dell’Acqua. It is the island’s only salt lake, fed by thermal springs along its southern shore. Located within a volcanic depression, the Caldera dei Cinque Denti, it contains gas-rich waters ranging from 34 to 58°C. Its nearly circular shape (450 x 350 m) and seasonal variability make it a rare ecosystem and a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare plants like Limonium secundirameum, typical volcanic fauna, and migratory birds such as flamingos.

Grotta di Benikulà A natural sauna in the rock Also called Bagno Asciutto, this rock fissure emits thermal steam and lies hidden among the slopes of Sibà. A vivid example of secondary volcanism, it invites you to sit in the dimness, close your eyes, and sync your breath with the earth’s. Inside, humidity condenses on the walls, and temperatures can reach up to 100°C, all naturally regulated. It’s an internationally recognized geosite for its geomorphological, hydrogeological, and volcanological value.

Favára Grande Where the earth breathes “Favára” is the local term for fumaroles: Cracks in the earth where geothermal heat escapes. On the southern slopes of Montagna Grande, steam jets rise from a living fault, reaching nearly 100°C. Once used by farmers to collect steam to water animals, today Favára Grande is a powerful testimony to the island’s geothermal energy and a site of scientific and geotourism interest.

The area is safe, but avoid lingering near emissions and prefer visiting on windy days.

Gadír Port Where the sea is warm Once a fishermen’s shelter, now a quiet seaside village housing rare wellness gems: natural thermal pools perfect for open-air relaxation, even in winter.

Nestled in the black rock, these waters reach 40–55°C. The name “Gadír,” from Arabic, means “pond” or “stream.” This coastal stretch is also an underwater archaeological site: two Roman shipwrecks dating from the 3rd to 1st centuries BCE, filled with Punic and Greco-Italic amphorae, lie just offshore.

Kuddìa di Mida A breathing volcano Adormant volcanic cone at 577 meters above sea level on the north slope of Montagna Grande. At its perfectly circular summit,active fumaroles vent steam and volcanic gases, with temperatures up to 100°C. From here, views span the island: Venus Lake, coastal coves, cultivated inland stretches. Climbing Kuddia Mida is more than a hike, it’s an immersion in the living geology of the island.

Montagna Grande A summit grown over time I The island’s highest point at 836 meters. An ancient volcanic edifice now cloaked in vegetation, offering panoramic views. It’s the heart of the National Park’s trail network, traversed by routes showcasing Pantelleria’s nature, geology, and biodiversity.

Monte Gibele A former volcanic crater A significant volcanic cone in the island’s center.Younger than Montagna Grande, it’s the remnant of an extinct crater. Its gentle, rounded shape stands out in the landscape. From its trails, broad views of the inland and sea open up: a prime spot for observing Pantelleria’s volcanic morphology. Still geologically active, it lies on a fault line, contributing to the island’s slow evolution.

The Island’s History is the Volcano’s History

Fire, water, earth, air. Pantelleria was born from their union, shaping its rough, wild landscapes over millennia. A pearl suspended between Europe and Africa, sculpted by lava and molded by the wind.

The island emerges along an active rift in the Sicilian Channel, where the African plate slides beneath the European one. The current 836-meter-high landmass is just the tip of a massive volcanic structure extending deep below the sea.

Main types of eruption? Effusive: slow and steady, producing fluid lava flows. Explosive: sudden and violent, reshaping the land. It was the latter that marked Pantelleria’s history.

Around 44,000 years ago, one of the Mediterranean’s largest Plinian eruptions formed the young caldera, also called Cinque Denti. A fiery cloud reached Lesbos’ coasts. Pantelleria was blanketed in green ash, the famous green tuff. Life was wiped out. A new beginning. Nature returned slowly, adapting to the island’s magmatic identity.

Pantelleria’s soil tells this story, and more. It’s made of obsidian, a unique black volcanic glass called pantellerite. Its dense, viscous lava glistens in sunlight thanks to mineral crystallization. An example: the Khaggiàr flow, born 7,000 years ago from Kùddia Randázzo’s cone, a black expanse, seemingly still, yet rich in biodiversity and geological life.

At the system’s center lies Monte Gibelè, the most emblematic of the 50 volcanoes scattered across the island. After its last major eruption, its magma chamber went silent. The result? Nearby Montagna Grande, located on a fault, is rising a few millimeters each year—a slow, ongoing reshaping of the island.

Not to Miss

Kuddia Gelfiser Named from Arabic for “mount of cracks, this extinct cone in the island’s southeast is surrounded by wild, silent terrain. Its rocky fractures reveal the forces that shaped Pantelleria’s land—ideal for geology lovers, hikers, and nature photographers.

Kuddia Gelkhamar One of the island’s most poetic peaks, its Arabic name means moonbeam. This volcanic hill has gentle shapes and Mediterranean flora, offering a quiet, introspective experience. At sunset, shifting colors reveal the metamorphic nature of the rockscape.

Volcanological Museum Housed in a former military barracks at Punta Spadillo, the museum is a hub for learning and discovery. Through maps, sections, and exhibits, it reveals Pantelleria’s hidden geologic foundations.

Mursía Village and the Sesi Necropolis A unique Mediterranean archaeological site dating to the Bronze Age (17th–15th c. BCE), the island’s oldest known settlement. Perched on two coastal plateaus, it was a trade hub, thanks to obsidian. Fortified by a 200-meter-long, 8-meter-high wall, it retains recognizable dwellings. Nearby lie the Sesi, exclusive to Pantelleria, stone funerary monuments from an advanced culture. The standout: Sese Grande.

Khaggiàr Landscape This lava flow is a striking symbol of volcanic force. Originating fromKùddia Randázzo, t carved a deep channel toward Cala Cinque Denti. Now a black, undulating stretch, rugged and mesmerizing, it tells a story of geologic transformation.

Piana Ghirlanda A volcanic basin at the island’s heart. Once a crater, now the agricultural center, where dark soil nurtures orderly rows of zibibbo vines. Dry-stone walls, dammusi, and traditional gardens shape the land. The wind carries scents of capers, oregano, and ripe grapes—a place where nature and human care have coexisted for centuries

Nikà Hot Springs Tra Among dark cliffs, Nikà’s thermal springs offer a magical experience. Hot water emerges from the seafloor, mixing with the sea to form open-air pools reaching up to 70°C. Reachable by boat or a steep trail, these springs promise authentic relaxation in unspoiled surroundings.

Lago delle ondine A tiny emerald carved by the sea, set in black rock beneath Punta Spadillo’s lighthouse. This warm, salty pool near Cala Cinque Denti enchants with silence and shimmering waters. When the Maestrale wind blows, gentle waves dance in. A serene spot to sit, dangle your feet, and watch the sky.

Curiosities

LThe Stone that Speaks of Fire Pantelleria’s volcanic stone, obsidian or pantellerite, is a black, glassy rock formed by rapid lava cooling. A geologic symbol of the island, it was prized in prehistory for tools and jewelry, thanks to its hardness and sheen. Found across the Mediterranean, it reveals ancient trade rooted in Pantelleria.

Gadír's Thermal Pools Small hot water basins in a refined, quiet cove, natural pools carved into the rock, where hot spring water flows near the sea. Perfect even in cold seasons, they offer horizon views where time seems to slow.

Venus Lake: Myth and Beauty* Legend says the goddess Venus would gaze at her reflection here before meeting Bacchus, god of wine and pleasure. Hence the name: this mineral-rich lake mirrors sky and land like a natural looking glass.

The Legend of Saint Fortunato One of Pantelleria’s most symbolic tales, tied to a real event: the last volcanic eruption in 1891, offshore north of the island. It was submarine, with tremors and gas outbursts, deeply frightening the locals. Fishermen turned to Saint Fortunato, whose relics were kept in the Mother Church. They carried them to the port and out to sea, praying for calm. Tradition says the eruption ceased. Since then, Saint Fortunato has been the island’s patron. Every October 16, a procession carries his statue from town to port and out to sea, honoring fallen sailors and reaffirming Pantelleria’s bond with its volcanic heart.

Pantelleria’s Black Earth The island’s skin is volcanic, shaped by eruptions, wind, and human toil. It’s in the lava trails, dry-stone terraces, and patiently tilled fields. This mineral-rich soil has nurtured thriving, altitude-specific vegetation for millennia.

Experiences to Enjoy

The Punta Spadillo trail blends trekking, biking, nature, and geology. It skirts the Khaggiàr lava flow to the coast’s edge and the Punta Spadillo Lighthouse, beacon to arriving ships. To learn more about Pantelleria’s geology, visit the Volcanological Museum with National Park guides.

Or continue down the trail: enjoy views of Cala Cinque Denti and Lago delle Ondine. Along the way, you'll find Battery PT 185 remains—a WWII anti-aircraft/naval post with visible gun emplacements, fire-control station, and barracks.

All around, Mediterranean scrub and native plants enrich the landscape, blending biodiversity with history.

Trails may be uneven and volcanic—wear proper hiking shoes for safety and comfort.

Travel Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes: volcanic trails are stunning but demand steady footing.

• Hot springs are accessible year-round; best in spring and fall, when warmth meets mild weather.

• Respect the land: Pantelleria welcomes you but needs your care—alive, fragile, and generous.

• Bring a swimsuit and towel—you might want a thermal dip.

• Dress in layers: wind shifts often and temperature drops are common, especially at altitude.

• Carry water and a packed lunch if hiking.

• Check wind direction before setting out: in Pantelleria, the wind shapes the day.

• Take your time—every step here tells a story. Don’t rush.

Content created with the support of Gira l’Isola