The Arabs had baptized it Ben El Riah, while today it is simply Pantelleria, one of the most enchanting islands in the Mediterranean: it is located in the Strait of Sicily and is part of the province of Trapani, even though it is very close to the coasts of Tunisia.
Pantelleria has volcanic origins, having been formed more than 45 years ago following the erosion of a submarine volcano: the appearance is almost lunar and wild, softened however by the presence of small lakes, beaches and picturesque Pantelleria gardens. In the latter case, we are dealing with small green corners surrounded by dry stone walls lava stone, built to protect the crops from the wind that often blows the island.
What to see in Pantelleria
I Pantelleria Gardens they are just one of the many things to see on the island, where dammusi also abound, constructions of Arab origin born to cope with the particular climatic conditions of the island, windy, very hot and with little rain. Despite everything, Pantelleria is a fertile land and the presence of sapling vines from which Zibibbo wine is produced proves it: on the island then IGP capers are produced, to which a museum is dedicated in Kazen, not far from the heart of the village of Pantelleria, whose symbol is undoubtedly the Medieval castle, built in lava stone and used as a prison until 1975. The Castle of Pantelleria houses the Imperial Heads of Agrippina, Julius Caesar and Titus. At the foot of the fortress is the small port of Pantelleria, with moored fishermen's boats, in an ancient and romantic atmosphere.
Only 3 km from the village are the Acropolis of Santa Teresa and above all of Saint Mark, where not only the remains of ancient cisterns were found, but also the Imperial heads kept in the Castle.
One of the most iconic places in Pantelleria is the Mirror Lake of Venus, whose name refers to the legend according to which the goddess Venus, before meeting Bacchus, loved to bathe in these waters. It is a small lake formed in a volcanic crater, often populated by pink flamingos and on the bottom of which there are thermal muds: it is no coincidence that on the edge of the lake there are pools where anyone can enjoy a beneficial bath in thermal waters with temperatures approaching 50°, rich in sulphur, sodium and potassium.
Equally enchanting is the Ondine lake, body of water located on the sea, from which it is separated by a low rock wall. The change of sea water is constant, so much so that the waters are really clear and crystalline.
Pantelleria and its underwater treasures
Among the most beautiful places of Pantelleria there is the Benikula Cave, from which steam comes out at about 40°: it can be reached via a path that also crosses Pass of the Wind , Plain of Monastery, between Mediterranean scrub and vines.
The dammusi and the Pantelleria Castle are not the only historical memories of the island, which has a real “Underwater Archaeological Itinerary”: this route allows you to cross 5 centuries of history, among the remains of anchors, amphorae, remains of Roman and Carthaginian wrecks, also located at 36 m. of depth.
Particularly in the waters of Cala Gadir remains of amphorae dating back to the period between the III and II BC have been found, while off the coast of Cala Tramontana more than 3000 bronze coins dating back to the Punic wars (264-241 BC) have been found: it is thought that this booty was intended to finance Carthage's war against Rome.
Then there is the Port of Scauri, in whose waters the hull of a ship presumably dating back to the XNUMXth century AD was found following a fire. The sunken vessel was from Africa and was carrying a cargo of pottery.
A holiday in Pantelleria cannot fail to include a boat tour that allows you to discover some coastal jewels, such as the ancient port of call of the pirates of Balata of the Turks, the splendid Cala Levante, Cala del Bue Marino where the seabed is shallow revealing a lively marine world and the Nika Bay.
Among other things to see in Pantelleria is the site Favare, where jets of boiling steam come out at 100° from the fissures in the rocks: in the past the farmers found a way to make the steam flow towards the stone basins, creating stocks of water where they could water the animals.
Pantelleria is the right destination if you are looking for the corner of Sicilia wilder and more authentic, where nature is wonderfully severe and history mixes with legend.
© Image by Goldmund100, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
