Holiday apartment in Pantelleria – volcanic lake, alberello vine-growing and cultural heritage

Pantelleria is an active volcanic complex. At the surface, volcanism is currently manifested, among other things, by fumaroles and hydrothermal hot-water springs that occur throughout the island. The Parco Nazionale Isola di Pantelleria covers around 80 percent of the island.

Landscape and nature

In the north of the island lies Lago di Venere, also known as the Mirror of Venus. The volcanic lake is located within the national park and is fed by three thermal springs, whose water temperatures range between 35 and 58 °C. At the same time, Lago di Venere is an important habitat for migratory birds. The distinctive landscape of Pantelleria also includes the Grotta di Benikulà, a natural sauna carved into the rock.

Balata dei Turchi is a bay at the foot of cliffs that are almost 300 metres high in some places. An approximately four-kilometre-long unpaved road leads from the main road to the sea. The Arco dell'Elefante can be accessed both from the sea and from land. The hot waters of Gadir offer natural bathing opportunities.

Culture and vine-growing

One of the most distinctive cultural traditions is the cultivation of Vite ad Alberello. The traditional agricultural practice of the community of Pantelleria was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. The vines trained in the Pantescan alberello form are cultivated in hollows approximately 20 centimetres deep. These collect rainwater and protect the grapes from the wind.

Passito di Pantelleria is made from Zibibbo grapes grown in Pantelleria's alberello vineyards. Visitors can take part in agricultural experiences such as the grape harvest or caper harvesting. The traditional building form of the dammuso is also part of the island's cultural character: A dammuso is distinguished by dry-stone walls and a domed roof; this building form is a natural response to the volcanic landscape and harsh climate. Traditional festivals on Pantelleria include the Cappero Fest and the Pantelleria Carnival.

Paths and routes

Pantelleria's network of paths comprises 23 trails with a total length of just under 130 kilometres. The routes cover natural-history, geological, historical and rural themes and include both point-to-point hikes and circular routes. The park's trekking selection consists of circular routes; the medium-length to long routes range from 7 to 15 kilometres.

Trail No. 972 connects Punta Spadillo, Bagno dell'Acqua and Montagna Grande. The 13-kilometre hiking route has difficulty level E – hiking – and a stated walking time of 3 hours and 30 minutes. Most of the national park's trails can be explored on selected routes by mountain bike or e-mountain bike. The Kaggiar route includes an old Roman road that passes through dense Mediterranean maquis.

Several routes focus on cultural themes. The cultural route dedicated to the Vite ad Alberello vine-training practice can be completed by car or bicycle within one day. The archaeological route passes through Pantelleria's most important settlement phases, from prehistory to the end of the Roman Empire. Pantelleria National Park recommends that hikers check the actual accessibility of the trails at the park's information points.

Archaeology and underwater finds

The village and necropolis of Mursía are classified by the national park as a site of international value. The Punic-Roman sanctuary at the lake is classified by the national park as a site of national value. At Gadir, guided dives with marker buoys lead through a field of more than 100 Punic, Graeco-Italic and Roman amphorae.

Getting there and getting around

Pantelleria is served by Pantelleria Airport, whose airport code is PNL. Numerous buses and electric minibuses operate along the main roads on the island. These two elements are just as much part of the practical character of the area as the various paths, coastal points, natural sites and historical sites.

When comparing holiday apartments in Pantelleria, check the exact location, accommodation type, occupancy, included services, price components, and booking and cancellation conditions on the respective listing pages. These details belong to the individual offer and should be clear before booking. The preferred form of accommodation also remains tied to the specific listing, rather than being inferred from the place name. This creates a verifiable comparison of the listed offer information.

More location pages: Marausa, Guarrato, Locogrande, Ciavolo, Macari Di San Vito Lo Capo, Alcamo, Marinella, San Leonardo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Trapani.