Sicily's wildest secret: closer to Tunisia than Italy, and unlike anywhere else in the Mediterranean.
By Rafaela Goldlust
A rugged volcanic island in the Sicilian strait with deep Arab roots, its own dialect, and stone dammuso houses instead of hotels. Known for Zibibbo grapes, sweet Passito wine, and prized capers.
🎟️ Activities
Arco dell'Elefante, 91017 Pantelleria TP, Italy
The island is 100% volcanic, so there are no sandy beaches. The best way to see every little corner is by renting a gomone (small boat) and spending the day exploring the coast (just like the Italians do). Some rocks are famous (Arco dell'Elefante) and some spots have thermal waters.
🎟️ Activities
91017 Pantelleria, Free municipal consortium of Trapani, Italy
To park the gomone and enjoy the sea.
🍝 Restaurants
91017 Pantelleria, Free municipal consortium of Trapani, Italy
Winery + restaurant, beautiful, great for aperitivo and/or a nicer dinner! My favorite!
🍝 Restaurants
Località Punta Karace, 5, 91017 Pantelleria TP, Italy
Favorite for seafood, very classic Pantelleria spot! People say it's Armani's favorite restaurant!
🍝 Restaurants
Contrada Scauri Basso, Salita San Gaetano, 11, 91017 Pantelleria TP, Italy
Another Pantelleria classic (for traditional pantesco food), and has a beautiful sunset before dinner
🍝 Restaurants
Via Scauri Porto, 5, 91017 Pantelleria TP, Italy
Fancier, at the Scauri port, next to Kaya Kaya and Cornutazzi. Spectacular food, and a bonus for the more lively ones — sometimes there are after-dinner parties!
🍝 Restaurants
Lungomare Paolo Borsellino, 84, 91017 Pantelleria TP, Italy
Best gelato! It's not exactly gelato, but it's the best granita I've ever had! Every year I come back excited to end a day at sea with a coffee or pistachio granita, my favorite. If you want to feel like a real Sicilian, go for the lemon granita in a brioche. She has a little granita and gelato shop in the center of Pantelleria, but the coolest thing is to get the granita from the van she takes to the Scauri port.
🍝 Restaurants
91017 Pantelleria, Free municipal consortium of Trapani, Italy
Tanit/Cornutazzi (changes name every year, but the vibe stays the same): cool bar with great drinks for pre/post-dinner aperitivo
🍝 Restaurants
Via Porto di Scauri, 91017 Pantelleria TP, Italy
Best spot for a drink after a day at sea. Super charming!
🍝 Restaurants
Parco dei Sesi e Muro Alto, 91017 Località Mursia TP, Italy
Drinks on top of a dammuso with a sunset! Very cool and a very pantesco experience!
🎟️ Activities
Str. Perimetrale dietro Isola, 5, 91017 Scauri TP, Italy
Little shop in Scauri.
🎟️ Activities
Via Roma, 21, 91017 Pantelleria TP, Italy
In the town of Pantelleria itself, super cool and very Italian clothes and accessories (think friulane slippers, embroidered/printed kimonos, different beach bags, unique linen clothing designs).
🎟️ Activities
Martingana, Free municipal consortium of Trapani, Italy
To park the gomone and enjoy the sea.
🎟️ Activities
R292+QF, 91017 Pantelleria, Free municipal consortium of Trapani, Italy
To park the gomone and enjoy the sea.
🎟️ Activities
Lago di Venere, 91017 Pantelleria TP, Italy
For those who enjoy more "inland" outings, Lago di Venere on the island is also nice!
🏨 Housing
Via Monastero snc Scauri TP, 91017 Pantelleria TP, Italy
If you prefer a hotel over renting a dammuso, this is an option!
🏨 Housing
strada perimetrale Ovest 95, 91017 Pantelleria TP, Italy
If you prefer a hotel over renting a dammuso, this is an option!
🏨 Housing
Via Palazzetto Errera, 91017 Pantelleria TP, Italy
If you prefer a hotel over renting a dammuso, this is an option!