I am black stone, salty wind, profound silences. I am my purest beauty.
Pantelleria is a rugged and magnetic island. Its truest corners are not easily reached: you must walk and explore.
Here, you feel the island’s breath. Cliffs challenge the sea, craters keep embers of fire, valleys where time seems to stand still.
Reaching its deepest places requires patience, listening, and a slow pace. Pantelleria is an island to be told, traversed, and that captivates you.
Arco dell’Elefante A natural icon of the island, this majestic lava formation, resembling an elephant’s trunk dipping into the water, is one of Pantelleria’s most powerful symbols of primordial force. Although popular, at dawn or dusk it returns to a silent, mystical state, perfect for a swim or a contemplative pause along a coastline full of surprises.
Balata dei Turchi A large ledge jutting over deep sea. Wild, rugged, yet irresistible. Once a landing used by pirates and smugglers, today it’s one of the most captivating spots for those who love off-the-beaten-path walks or diving into dark, deep waters. Access requires care, but the reward is a landscape of volcanic rock walls, absolute silence, and an open horizon..
Cala Cinque Denti A small, untamed gem nestled between sheer cliffs and sculpted lava. Its name comes from five sharp rock points that resemble teeth rising from the sea. Accessible only by boat or challenging trails, it rewards adventurous spirits. The water is crystal-clear, the seabed teeming, the scenery untouched—a nearly primordial experience.
Martingana Coast Located in the island’s southeast, its name comes from rock formations reminiscent of a traditional boat. Wild and perfect for sea adventurers or those wishing to combine trekking with culture: it lies close to the Byzantine Tombs archaeological site. Ideal for anyone seeking the true meaning of “isolation.”
Khaggiar and the Interior The island’s agricultural soul reveals itself in hidden terraces, solitary dammusi (stone dwellings), ancient stone paths, and gardens that have endured for centuries. Pantelleria’s inland valleys, such as Khaggiar, offer an immersive encounter with rural island life. Perfect for slow walks and nature-watching.
Cave of the Brigands Situated on Montagna Grande, this is one of the island’s most inaccessible and fascinating caves. Its name evokes tales of secret refuges and ancient escapes tied to Pantelleria’s history during the unification of Italy. Reachable by foot, the Brigands’ Grotto feels timeless: small, sheltered, and enveloped in silence.
The wind is the island’s great architect: it has sculpted rocks, shaped pathways, and carved the stone.
Favara Grande, a phenomenon of secondary volcanism, is one of the few places in Italy where you can observe geothermal activity with the naked eye.
The Pantelleria Island National Park, established in 2016, is the first national park in Sicily and covers 80% of the island.
The bush-trained vine is a cultivation method that was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2014.
Pantelleria’s ancient name was Cossyra, from which the name of the endemic flower Serapias cossyrensis originates—an orchid that grows on Montagna Grande.
Pantelleria is home to many endemic plants and rare species; in particular, there are two species of sea-lavender on the shores of Lake Specchio di Venere.
You can explore Pantelleria on foot via 200 km of trails that once served as the old mule tracks of local farmers.
Tradition holds that the icon of Our Lady of Margana arrived at Balata dei Turchi; she, alongside Saint Fortunatus, is the island’s patron. A procession in her honor takes place every October.
Night Trekking on Montagna Grande: Walk in the dark, guided only by the stars, to feel the island’s heartbeat in the silence among maritime and Aleppo pines, accompanied by an authorized guide from the National Park.
Boat Excursions Along the Coast: Discover caves and coves inaccessible by land as you glide over volcanic waters.
Wild Sunset Picnic: With a backpack, local Pantelleria delicacies, a blanket, and the sky igniting behind the rocks.
Hiking Essentials: Pack hiking boots, a water bottle, and a hat—these are must-haves for every excursion.
Stay on Marked Trails: Always follow the signposted paths of the National Park and check route conditions and feasibility at the Park’s information points before you set out.
Avoid Midday Heat in Summer: The sun can be very intense on the black rocks. We recommend autumn and spring as the best seasons for trekking and biking on the island.
Consult the Locals: The people of Pantelleria will share untold stories of these places and reveal exactly where the wind moves across the island.