Lampedusa, the beautiful island of the Mediterranean: what to do and see

Everything you need to know about what to do, what to see, what to eat and where to sleep in Lampedusa, the smaller island of Sicily.

The largest island of the Pelagians is called Lampedusa, it has the shape of a small oneSicily and it is the southernmost emerged land of allItaly. Surrounded by the intense blue of the Mediterranean Sea, Lampedusa has many names, all linked to some of its peculiarities. It is the island of turtles because the Caretta Carettas lay their eggs here, it is the island of the wind because when Aeolus blows it makes itself felt, and even a lot, and it is the beautiful island because its wild soul, combined with its tender hearted, he is able to move even the hardest souls.

Read also: 5 smaller islands to see in Sicily

I had the pleasure of discovering the island of Lampedusa during my itinerary#A HugOfSicilyin which, for this stage, I collaborated with theLampedusa Tourist Hub and with Lampedusa Today, and now I tell you about it.

HOW TO GET TO LAMPEDUSA

Lampedusa is located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, about 200 kilometers from the coast of Sicily and just over 110 kilometers from those of Africa. The fastest and most practical way to reach the island is by plane.

The companyFLY DATcarries out direct and daily connections, all year round, from the cities of Catania andPalermo(the flight duration is approximately 60 minutes for both routes).

WHERE TO SLEEP IN LAMPEDUSA: Find all offers for accommodation

If your city of origin is in northern Italy, keep in mind that, during the summer season, direct charter flights are activated from the main northern airports.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN LAMPEDUSA

To visit the island of Lampedusa well and be able to experience its best attractions you need at least 7/10 days. The advice, once you arrive, is to rent your own vehicle and explore independently. There are so many coves that you will find waiting for you in every corner and, in the following list, among the "best things to do and see in Lampedusa", I will show you the ones that I loved the most.

Rabbit Island and beach

The famous Rabbit Island is perhaps the most famous attraction in all of Lampedusa. Located in the south-western part, this small emerged land extends for just over 4 hectares and is a protected nature reserve. Sometimes, when the tides allow it, it is possible to get there via a strip of sand that emerges from the water and maintains a land connection between the two coasts.

Rabbit Island is rocky and wild, and is also the place chosen byCarette Carette, an endangered turtle species, to lay their eggs. Its name is linked to a curious story, which has nothing to do with rabbits!

WHERE TO SLEEP IN LAMPEDUSA: Find all offers for accommodation

Captain Smith, who produced the first nautical chart of these areas, called the island “Rabit Island” which, in Arabic, meant “island that connects” or connecting. A wrong interpretation, probably also due to a typographical error such as the doubling of the "b", meant that Rabit Island became Rabbit Island which, in English, means Rabbit Island.

Guitgia beach

The blinding blue of the body of water in front of Guitgia beach is one of those views that is impossible to forget. Located a few hundred meters from the new port, Guitgia has white sand and areas equipped for all needs.

The Tabaccara

It is said that among the clear waters of Tabaccara, the boats seem to fly. And the reality differs little from the legend. Located just south of the Isola dei Conigli, Tabaccara is a famous inlet dominated by very white seabeds and crystal clear waters. Boats often find shelter here, also because this is a perfect place to enjoy a nice swim when taking a boat ride.

As they stop, the boats project shadows which, reflecting on the very white seabed, appear to be completely detached from the "mother" object. And so that very particular phenomenon occurs that everyone now calls "the flying boats of Lampedusa".

Sanctuary of the Madonna of Porto Salvo

The Madonna of Porto Salvo is the Patron Saint of the island of Lampedusa and her Sanctuary is one of the most important places, spiritually speaking, for the people of Lampedusa.

Located next to Cala Madonna, the current Sanctuary was built where the old one once stood, commissioned by the colonizer Bernardo Maria Sanvinsente and built insideseveral caves.

WHERE TO SLEEP IN LAMPEDUSA: Find all offers for accommodation

The caves are still present today and, to be honest, make the place highly suggestive.

Lampedusa Turtle Group

Among the best things to do and see in Lampedusa, a visit to the "Lampedusa Turtle Group" stands out, the recovery and rescue center for turtles in difficulty.

Located in Punta Sottile, the "Lampedusa Turtle Group" takes care of the rescue of all those Loggerheads that are accidentally captured by nets at sea. And, unfortunately, there are a lot if we consider that the data speak of 150 thousand specimens every year.

Curiosity! Right next to the Lampedusa Turtle Group is theGateway to Europe, a monument erected in memory of the migrants who died at sea.

35th parallel of Lampedusa

Perhaps not everyone knows that the 35th parallel passes through Lampedusa. In his honor, an inscription was erected in the northern part of the island, along the wonderful and solitary Strada Panoramica (not far from Punta Cappellone).

READ ALSO: The best beaches in Sicily

Boat tour of the island

You can't really say you know an island if you don't look at it from the perspective of the sea. The boat ride is, without a doubt, among the best things to do and see in Lampedusa. At the old port you will find several agencies that carry out the excursion: some last the whole day, others a few hours. Personally I relied onOverseas Lampedusaand I had a great time to say the least (I absolutely recommend it).

Capo Ponente, Capo Levante and Capo Sottile

They are the three points of the island, of this small Trinacria which is so similar to Sicily due to its geographical shape. From Capo Ponente you can enjoy the most beautiful sunsets on the island, at Capo Levante you can observe the old lighthouse, at Punta Sottile you can walk on the point which is, by far, the southernmost in Italy.

WHERE TO SLEEP IN LAMPEDUSA: Find all offers for accommodation

Archaeological Museum of the Pelagian Islands and Historical Archive

Among the best things to do and see in Lampedusa are, rightfully, a visit to the Archaeological Museum of the Pelagie Islands and the Historical Archives, both located on the seafront of Via Roma, in the center of the town.

The archaeological Museumit houses interesting finds linked to the Pelagian Islands as well as a section dedicated to migrations (Migration Museum). The Historical Archive, on the other hand, is a real collector of images, texts and documents relating to Lampedusa.

Cala Creta and Mare Morto

Among the numerous and wonderful coves found on the island of Lampedusa, Cala Creta and Mare Morto stand out for some characteristics.

READ ALSO:What to eat in Sicily, traditional dishes

Cala Creta, in addition to being a silent and secluded cove, is a very small village with houses, mostly dammusi (like those ofPantelleria), extremely picturesque. Mare Morto, on the other hand, stands out for its blissful solitude and a sea that, despite the winds and currents, is always, perpetually, calm.

WHERE TO SLEEP IN LAMPEDUSA

On the island of Lampedusa you will find numerous facilities to stay in, the prices of which change depending on the number of stars, the location and the amenities included. Personally, during my stay I stayed at the B&BGio's HouseI felt great, pampered like at home.

La Casa di Giò si trova a 5 minuti dal centro ed a pochissimi metri di distanza dalla spiaggia della Guitgia, tra le più famose dell’isola. Gli ambienti sono puliti e pittoreschi, le camere ampie e comode e lo staff davvero gentile e accogliente. Eccellenti anche le colazioni e, soprattutto, le torte homemade.