Step into the heart of Pantelleria’s hiking soul
Many of Pantelleria’s trails lie within its National Park—an untouched, protected area featuring 13 adventurous routes. Among these, we’ve chosen 3 trails that truly capture the island’s wild essence, revealing hidden and at times magical landscapes.
Montagna Grande loop trail
A trail that shifts with every step, climbing to the island’s highest peak through woods, wind-swept ridges, and lava-sculpted terrain.
Starting from Sibà Alta, sweeping views of Mediterranean scrub welcome you. Follow the marked paths and leave behind the scent of the sea to enter the cool forest, where arbutus trees and holm oaks weave natural archways.
As you ascend, maritime pines line your way. At the summit, the view opens wide: Monte Gibéle and Kúddia Attalóra—two craters that unveil the island’s volcanic heart. On the clearest days, your gaze reaches as far as the African coast, shimmering beyond the blue sea breeze.
Descending, the soul listens to echoes of the Second World War: an old military tower and ancient lava flows, wind-sculpted and weather-worn, emerge from the silence.
The journey ends at Kúddia di Mida, where the Mirror of Venus reflects the sky in a steaming thermal lake, wrapped in volcanic rock and shifting colors that captivate the senses.
The Mirror of Venus trail
Before leaving Lake Venus, pause to take in this natural oasis of rare beauty.
Here, time seems to slow down, and silence is broken only by the wind and the rustle of damp plants like limonium, with its delicate purple flowers.
The trail first climbs toward the Costa di Zinedi, then descends into the Cannachi Valley, where remnants of the Second World War blend into the native wildlife.
A little further along, you’ll reach Monte Gelfiser—“the Mountain of Fissures”—an ancient exploded volcano that unveils a lunar, almost mystical landscape. Among crevices and lava fields, each step becomes a dialogue with the untamed force of Pantelleria.
Small rural hamlets dot the path, like Bugéber, in the island’s northeastern region, just above Lake Bagno dell’Acqua. Farther on, you’ll find the tiny church of Santa Chiara (1570), where an old seismograph now lies unused.
Following the Khaggiar lava flow, the scent of salt and scorched rock accompanies you to Cala Cinque Denti. There, the horizon opens once more over the sea, giving you the vision of a setting sun reflected in warm orange across the waves.
The Khaggiar Lava Flow loop
This circular trail takes you through the geological heart of Pantelleria, starting at Cala Cinque Denti, a small cove sheltered from the sirocco wind.
Here you walk along an ancient Roman-paved trail, surrounded by rocks and formations shaped by past eruptions.
Despite the arid terrain, nature reclaims its space: from cracks in the black stone, you’ll see strawberry trees, wild asparagus, and lichens adding a vibrant green touch to the landscape.
Just ahead lies Cala Cottone, a secluded cove perfect for a refreshing swim during the warmer months. Climbing toward Punta Spadillo, along the island’s northeastern coast, you’ll still see traces of World War II: a lighthouse—once an artillery outpost—now offers a panoramic viewpoint over the island.
The trail ends at the Khaggiar lava field, where you’ll find the Laghetto delle Ondine, a natural sea pool protected by rocks and steeped in a near-magical atmosphere. Follow your steps back via an old wartime mule track, with the feeling that you haven’t just walked a route—but completed a journey through Pantelleria’s primal elements. By the end of the trail, you’ll know this island still has many stories to tell.
Every trail in Pantelleria is a challenge that brings with it an unparalleled sense of freedom. Here, you’ll feel as though you’re not just following a trail—but tracing a path to your very soul. It’s a discovery of a destination, yes, but also of yourself.
If you’ve made it this far, you must be a true outdoor trekking enthusiast. We recommend this itinerary: PPunta Spadillo and its museum: walk through Pantelleria’s volcanic wonders