Pantelleria – Volcanic Landscape, Cultural Heritage and Nature Trails

Volcanic Landscape and Viticultural Culture

Pantelleria combines a volcanic landscape with a distinctive viticultural culture. The traditional agricultural practice of cultivating Vite ad Alberello by the community of Pantelleria was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. In the Pantescan Alberello training method, the vines grow in hollows about 20 cm deep, which collect rainwater and protect the grapes from the wind. Zibibbo grapes from these vineyards are used to produce Passito di Pantelleria. Visitors can take part in the grape harvest or caper harvesting. Traditional festivals include the Cappero Fest and the Pantelleria Carnival.

Nature Between Volcanism and Thermal Water

Parco Nazionale Isola di Pantelleria covers about 80% of the island. Pantelleria is an active volcanic complex; fumaroles and hydrothermal hot-water springs currently emerge at the surface in various parts of the island. 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, is fed by three thermal springs with water temperatures ranging from 35 to 58 °C, and is an important habitat for migratory birds. Grotta di Benikulà is a natural sauna carved into the rock; the hot waters of Gadir provide natural bathing opportunities.

Coastline and Trails for Active Days

Balata dei Turchi is a bay at the foot of cliffs that reach almost 300 metres in height in some places. An approximately four-kilometre-long unpaved road leads from the main road to the sea and therefore to the bay. Arco dell'Elefante is accessible both from the sea and from land.

Pantelleria's trail network comprises 23 trails with a total length of just under 130 km. It offers natural history, geological, historical and rural themes, as well as point-to-point hikes and circular routes. The park's trekking selection consists of circular routes ranging from 7 to 15 km. Trail No. 972 connects Punta Spadillo, Bagno dell'Acqua and Montagna Grande; the 13 km route is rated difficulty level E – hiking – and has 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.

Archaeological Traces and Underwater Discoveries

Pantelleria's archaeological route passes through the most important settlement phases from prehistory to the end of the Roman Empire. 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 as a site of national value. The Sesi archaeological park – Sese del Re or Sese Grande – is among the island's historical and archaeological visitor destinations. A dammuso is characterised by dry-stone walls and a domed roof; this architectural form is a natural response to the volcanic landscape and harsh climate. At Gadir, guided dives with marker buoys lead through a field of more than 100 Punic, Graeco-Italic and Roman amphorae.

Getting to the Island and Finding Your Way Around

Pantelleria is served by Pantelleria Airport (PNL). Numerous buses and electric minibuses operate along the main roads. If you are hiking, the national park recommends checking the actual accessibility of the trails at the park's information points.

Other Destinations for Orientation

Fulgatore, Tonnarella, Porticalazzo, Triscina, Castellammare Del Golfo, Favignana, Partanna and Salaparuta

To the higher-level travel overview: Trapani.