Visit Pantelleria Italy: Plan Your Perfect Island Itinerary

Welcome to Pantelleria, the untamed jewel of the Mediterranean, nestled between Sicily and Tunisia. This volcanic island is pure magic for travelers craving something real: ancient dammusi homes with sunset views, natural hot springs tucked in the hills, and vineyards that spill out Zibibbo grapes for legendary passito wine. If you’re here to visit Pantelleria, expect more than just a pretty coastline, think bold flavors, black lava cliffs, and a rich blend of Arab and Sicilian culture that hits every sense. Our guide covers it all, from the best caper dishes to hidden coves and the top spots for Sicily wine tours & wineries, so you can experience every drop of what makes this island unforgettable.

Visit Pantelleria Italy: Best things to do

1- Explore the volcanic beauty of Specchio di Venere

You can’t visit Pantelleria without stopping by Specchio di Venere, the Mirror of Venus. Tucked inside an ancient volcanic crater, this surreal lake reflects the sky so perfectly it feels like you’re floating between worlds. Warmed by natural hot springs and surrounded by wild, lunar-like hills, it’s the ultimate place to sink into a sulfur-rich mud bath, take a dip, or just sprawl out on the edge doing absolutely nothing. It’s steamy (literally), peaceful, and photogenic, deal if you’re into wellness, romance, or just need a break from doing things.

2- Wander around Gadir

Gadir is a slow, steamy dream on Pantelleria’s east coast. This old fishing village hides some of the island’s easiest-to-reach hot springs, natural pools carved straight into dark volcanic rock, just a few steps from the sea. The water’s warm, loaded with minerals, and totally free to enjoy. Soak with a view of the horizon, feel the bubbles on your skin, and let the sea breeze do the rest.

3- Walk to the lighthouse at Punta Spadillo

Punta Spadillo throws you straight into Pantelleria’s wild side. On the island’s eastern edge, this raw stretch of land is home to a weather-worn lighthouse and old military outposts, all reachable by a rocky trail with nonstop sea views. Volcanic cliffs drop into crashing waves, the wind kicks up salt and silence, and the whole place feels like it’s been left just for you. Before heading back, detour to Laghetto delle Ondine, a natural pool carved by the sea, ideal for a quick swim and a full reset.

4- Discover the best beaches

At Cala Levante and Cala Tramontana, on the island’s eastern tip, it’s all about plunging into glassy water from sun-warmed volcanic rock. These rocky coves are a snorkeler’s dream, with caves, fish, and visibility that goes on forever. Pack a towel, a bottle of something cold, and claim your spot. And if the sky’s clear? Look east, that faint outline on the horizon is Tunisia.

5- Discover the mythical Elephant Arch

On Pantelleria’s southeast coast, the Elephant Arch doesn’t need an introduction, it’s a lava-formed rock shaped like an elephant dipping its trunk into the sea, and yes, it’s just as unreal as it sounds. This spot hits all the right notes: dramatic waves, raw volcanic cliffs, and the kind of backdrop that makes your photos look edited (they’re not).

6- Tour the Giardino Pantesco

While you’re at Donnafugata, make time for the Giardino Pantesco, a stunning circular stone garden that feels like something out of another century. Built to shield citrus trees from Pantelleria’s fierce winds, this walled microclimate shows off ancient farming know-how rooted in Arab tradition. It’s not just beautiful, it’s brilliant, a living symbol of sustainability, resilience, and the island’s deep connection to the land.

7- Discover Scauri

Scauri, on Pantelleria’s rugged west coast, serves up sweeping views and slow island rhythms in one go. Grab a seat at a waterfront spot, order a glass of local Zibibbo, and load up on caper-packed dishes that taste like sunshine and sea spray. The harbor’s perfect if you’re into fishing trips or want to rent a boat and cruise over water so clear it feels like flying. And just a short drive away, the hot springs of Gadir are waiting, warm, wild, and carved straight into volcanic rock.

8- Relax at Laghetti delle Ondine

Laghetto delle Ondine is Pantelleria at its rawest, a natural seawater pool tucked into jagged lava rock on the island’s northeast tip. Fed by crashing waves and framed by black stone, it’s perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or just floating with no one around. Even in peak season, it stays blissfully quiet, miles away in spirit from vineyards and mud baths. If you’re craving something wild, off-grid, and unforgettable, start here.

9- Take a wine-fueled day trip to Trapani

If you’re up for extending your adventure beyond Pantelleria, visit Trapani Sicily, just a night away by ferry. This sun-soaked stretch of western Sicily is a dream for wine lovers. Follow the coastal Strada del Vino, where the best Trapani wineries pour bold Muscat of Alexandria and rich passito wines that pair perfectly with flaky pastries and just-caught seafood. Add charming towns like Marsala and Erice into the mix, and you’ve got a slow, golden wine route that beautifully echoes Pantelleria’s own vineyard roots, but with a whole new landscape to taste.

10- Dive deeper and visit Sicily

Once you’ve soaked in the volcanic magic of Pantelleria, keep the momentum going and visit Sicily, where rolling vineyards, coastal towns, and deep-rooted wine traditions take center stage. Western Sicily, especially around Trapani and Marsala, is packed with flavors that echo Pantelleria but add their own twist: oak-aged Marsala, sun-drenched Zibibbo grapes, and breezy seaside cellars. It’s the perfect add-on to your island escape, more wine, more sea views, and a deeper dive into everything that makes Sicilian culture so bold and delicious.

Good to know before visiting Pantelleria