On a trip to the Pelagie Islands, you will undoubtedly come across a beautiful spot on earth. The delightful Italian archipelago, kissed by its location in the heart of the Mediterranean, enriched with a remarkable vegetation. The landscapes of the archipelago captivate with a breathtaking diversity that is unparalleled in this region. A haven of peace of dream beaches, dominant rocky landscapes and a beautiful underwater world: this is how you could describe the Pelagie Islands.
An archipelago with many impressions
The “Pelagie Islands”, consisting of the three small islands of Lampedusa, Linosa and Lampione, extend over 25 square kilometres. Although these are relatively small islands, the popular holiday region remains in the memory of many tourists. The three islands not far from Africa boast many natural beauties. With just under 6,200 inhabitants, the archipelago, which politically belongs to the Autonomous Region of Sicily, is considered an idyllic place with many quiet places. Lampedusa is the largest of the three islands with an area of 20 square kilometers. At the same time, it is the southernmost island in Italy.
Because of its proximity to Africa , there are hot desert winds here. With an average of 16 degrees, Lampedusa is still comparatively warm even in winter. On the island of Lampedusa, white sandy beaches alternate with steep rocky cliffs. The contrasting place is simply considered an Eldorado for nature and water lovers. So the 8-kilometre-long island is just made for a beach holiday. It is also known for the hawksbill turtles that lay their eggs in the local bays. In order to protect the endangered animals, large parts of the region have been protected for several years.
No less interesting are the islands of Lampione and Linosa. While the island of Linosa, located in the northern part of the archipelago, is home to almost 500 people, the 4-hectare island of Lampione is uninhabited. Nevertheless, the small Mediterranean island is worth a day trip simply because of its impressive wildlife.
Arrival on Pelagie Islands
From the port of “Porto Empedocle” in the south of Sicily, numerous ferries operate. Throughout the year, there are daily connections to the two islands of Lampedusa and Linosa. Especially in summer, you can commute regularly between Sicily and the Pelagie Islands. Alternatively, you can get to the island of Lampedusa by small plane from some Italian cities, such as Palermo and Catania.
There are also hydrofoils between the islands of Linosa, Lampione and Lampedusa, which make it easy and quick to explore the three individual islands.
Pelagie Islands Tourist attractions
A mecca for nature lovers is the island of Linosa. The island, which originated from volcanic rock, is home to rare plant species that grow solely on the island.
In addition to many different cacti plants, the mastic plant, a species of caper plant, characterises the landscape of the island. Since Linosa is quite sparsely populated, the island offers plenty of idyllic and natural places to relax. The 5 square kilometre island can also be explored on hiking tours. So you will not only come across beautiful flora here, but also mysterious caves and grottos that make adventurous diving expeditions possible.
The coasts of the island have very clear and pure water, which is rarely found in the Mediterranean. Last but not least, the multifaceted island is in possession of three other interesting sights with Monte Nero, Monte Rosso and Monte Vulcano . The three craters, of which Monte Vulcano is the highest at 195 meters, together with the lava sand beach near Gaia Pozzolana, are considered a real volcanic creation.
Divers will definitely get their money’s worth during their holiday on the Pelagie Islands. With whales, dolphins and many species of fish, the local sea invites you to snorkel and dive extensively. If you are looking for some variety, Lampedusa is a great place to choose from. Romantic bathing bays, such as Cala Croce or Cala Maluk, offer pure bathing fun.
Lampedusa also includes the so-called rabbit island “Isola dei Conigli”. Located on the south coast of Lampedusa, the offshore rocky spur has a paradisiacal beach that has even been voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In the marine reserve there are also the loggerhead turtles to marvel at. A real highlight is the Madonna statue “Madonna del Mare”, which lies sunk in the sea just off the coast of the island.
Video Madonna del Mare on Lampedusa
Adventurous exploration tours nevertheless reveal themselves to the visitor on the uninhabited island of Lampione, whose only structure is a lighthouse powered by solar energy. From a geographical point of view, the rocky island belongs to the African Plate. You should definitely see the impressive wildlife of Lampione. In the local nature reserve “Riserva Marina Isole Pelagie” there is a resting place for European migratory birds. Last but not least, the underwater world of the island with its corals, crustaceans and sharks is considered an amazing place for divers.
Pelagic Islands holidays: culinary delights of a special kind
A holiday on the Pelagie Islands is not only a pleasure for the eye, but also for the stomach. Dishes created with freshly caught fish are served in the local restaurants as well as the traditional lentil soup. Lentils are grown on Linosa, along with wine and capers. Inspired by African and Sicilian cuisine, couscous with fish is also on the menus here. Paired with ingredients such as garlic, olive oil and ground almonds, plus a Sicilian white wine, this original dish undoubtedly ranks in the top league of gourmet food.
