ABOUT PANTELLERIA
I see the history of the island as a never-ending theatre Play where since the first Act ( its eruption and creation from the deep depth of the earth billion of years ago), the island has never stopped living in different ways. Acts of geological formations or Acts of human conquests… Due to its central position, the island is at the crossroads on shipping routes between Africa and Europe. It was governed first by the Phoenicians, the Punics, Romans, the Arabs, the Normands, the Spanish empire ect to finally become part of Sicily. Its extremely rich history makes its the jewel it is today, why this island is so appreciated. Time seems that it has stoped a while ago. Our moderns lives being so hectics and chaotic, this paradise in europe offers a wonderful Nature, ancient traditions still. Here below are some guidelines to understand where you are stepping into but we will tell you the best part when you come to visit us.
Grande Dammuso
Dammusi are typical ancestral domed habitations inherited from the arabs (once owners of the island) only existing on the island of Pantelleria. This jewel of sustainable architecture takes the advantages of the qualities of the land and is meant to blends itself in the landscape to isolate men from extreme weather conditions . Thick walls support the large dome roofs channeling the rain water into under-grown cisterns and maintain an even inside temperature all year along of about 20 degrees. Lime-wash rooftops help to keep the temperature fresh in the warm summers.
The island of Pantelleria, ancient island of Calypso, still beautiful for its African vegetation and the freshness of its valleys, and its waters... (Alphonse de Lamartine)
Fisherman at balata dei turchi at the end of the day.
With the underwater and earthly volcanic activity still very present, the island appears to be a kind of natural and open-air spa.
Take a dip in the thermal waters of Cala Nikà or just lay down for hours in the
bubbling waters of Lago Specchio di Venere after having covered your body with its dark, smoothing and healing clay.
The traditional practice of cultivating head-trained bush vines, ”vite ad alberello” is now part of the UNESCO Heritage
Pantelleria can be rough and extreme. Strong winds may sweep up the land for days. To protect their crops, local farmers are growing and trimming their trees particularly low and build “giardini arabi” to protect their precious fruit.
“...I don’t think there is a place in the world more ideal than Pantelleria to think of the moon. And Pantelleria is much more beautiful. The endless plains of volcanic rock, the calm sea, the houses with its windows where you can see in the windless nights the lights of the African lighthouses..bottom of the seas asleep..an ancient amphora with stoned garlands and the remains of some wine corroded over the years..baths in a smokey conch in waters so thick you can walk on them...” ( Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
Montagna Grande, highest peak of the island, looking east.
Breath and let the scent of wild essences and steams of the fumaroles take over your emotions and transport you to another dimension. Let the strong wind break the silence of nature and let it decide what you will do today
SECRET PLACE…
...The most beautiful photo doesn’t do it justice... (Henry Quartier Bresson)
Pantelleria makes you work for her charms. You will probably have to sweat to reach your perfect rock spot and you might get lost finding your restaurant in the mountains at night. But time will cease to matter as you stare at the sun setting behind the coastline of Tunisia, sitting on your rooftop with a glass of local zibibo wine. And will you never forget the taste of the tomatoes or the homemade passito wine, bought from an old couple at their tiny house in Rekale and the never ending aperitivo hour with your friends or loved one?
