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Things to Do in Pantelleria: Lake, Coves, Wine and the National Park (2026)
Things to do in Pantelleria: the Specchio di Venere, boat trips and lava-rock coves, Montagna Grande in the national park, Zibibbo and Passito wines, capers, dammusi and when to go.
The best things to do in Pantelleria are slow ones. Swim off black lava rocks, walk among vineyards and taste sweet wine from sun-dried grapes. This volcanic island lies in the Strait of Sicily, closer to Tunisia than to Sicily. It has no big resorts and few sandy beaches, which is exactly its appeal.
The short answer: swim in the Specchio di Venere, a volcanic lake with warm springs. Then see the Arco dell’Elefante by boat, and hike up Montagna Grande inside the national park. Also taste Passito di Pantelleria, made from Zibibbo grapes. Its low bush vines are a UNESCO-listed tradition. Finally, stay in a dammuso, the island’s domed stone house. Allow at least three or four days.
Last updated: September 25, 2026
Things to do in Pantelleria at a glance
| Experience | Where | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Specchio di Venere | North of the island | A volcanic lake with warm springs and mud |
| Boat trip around the island | From Pantelleria harbor | Coves, the Arco dell’Elefante and swimming stops |
| Montagna Grande | National park, center | Woods and the island’s highest summit |
| Wineries and bush vines | Across the island | Zibibbo, Passito and UNESCO-listed farming |
| Capers | Farms across the island | The island’s protected capers |
| Dammusi | Across the island | Traditional domed stone houses, now often rentals |
The national park and Montagna Grande
Pantelleria is a young national park. A presidential decree of July 28, 2016 created the Parco nazionale Isola di Pantelleria, according to the official Italian gazette (checked September 2026). The park covers most of the island, from the coast to the volcanic peaks inside.
The main hike climbs Montagna Grande, the highest point, through pine and oak woods. Along the way, you pass old craters, lava flows and terraces built with dry-stone walls. In addition, near Sibà, the Bagno Asciutto is a natural cave sauna warmed by volcanic steam. Trails are rocky and exposed, so wear hiking shoes and carry water. Also, avoid the midday heat in summer.
Specchio di Venere and the coast
The Specchio di Venere, or Mirror of Venus, is a lake inside an old crater in the north. Its water shades from turquoise to deep blue, and warm springs bubble up along the shore. Many visitors cover themselves with the lake’s mud and then swim. However, respect the signs, since parts of the shore are fragile.
The coast itself is almost all lava rock. As a result, you swim from ladders, flat rocks and small coves rather than long beaches. Popular spots include Cala Gadir, with hot springs in the harbor. Then there is Cala Levante, facing the Arco dell’Elefante, a rock arch shaped like an elephant drinking. Bring water shoes and a snorkel.
Boat trips around Pantelleria
A boat trip is among the most popular things to do in Pantelleria. After all, many coves are hard to reach by land. Local skippers leave from the harbor in town and stop at grottoes, arches and swimming spots. Then they usually serve a simple lunch on board. Trips depend on the wind, which can be strong on the island; therefore, keep a spare day in your plan.
Zibibbo, Passito and the bush vines
Wine is central to life on Pantelleria. Farmers grow the Zibibbo grape, a type of Muscat of Alexandria. They plant it as low bush vines in hollows. The hollows shelter the plants from the wind and hold moisture. This “vite ad alberello” practice has been on UNESCO’s intangible heritage list since 2014, according to UNESCO (checked September 2026).
The island’s best-known wine is Passito di Pantelleria, a sweet wine made from grapes dried in the sun. In addition, the Pantelleria DOC consortium (checked September 2026) lists Moscato, dry whites and sparkling styles among its wines. Many wineries welcome visitors, but book ahead, since hours vary. For the main island, see our wine tours in Italy and the Etna wine tour from Taormina.
Capers, dammusi and island food
Pantelleria capers are among the most prized in Italy, and they carry a protected IGP label. Farmers pick the buds by hand in summer and cure them in sea salt. You will find them in insalata pantesca, a salad of potatoes, tomatoes, onions, olives and capers. Similarly, look for ravioli panteschi, filled with ricotta and mint. For dessert, try baci panteschi, fried pastries with sweet ricotta.
The island’s traditional house is the dammuso: thick lava-stone walls and a white domed roof that collects rainwater. Today, many dammusi are holiday rentals, and staying in one is part of the experience. Meanwhile, the walled gardens called giardini panteschi protect a single citrus tree from the wind.
How to get to Pantelleria and when to go
You reach Pantelleria by plane or by boat. Flights connect the island with Sicilian airports such as Trapani and Palermo, with extra routes in summer. Alternatively, ferries and hydrofoils sail from Trapani. Schedules change by season, so check them with the carriers before you book. On the island, rent a car or scooter, because bus service is limited.
The best months are June and September: warm sea and fewer crowds. In addition, the grape harvest runs through late summer, and UNESCO notes that picking by hand starts in late July. August is the busiest month. By contrast, from November to March many rentals and restaurants close. For the region, read about things to do in Sicily and Favignana. Also see our Sicily guide and islands and coasts hub.
For a longer trip, consider the private 10-day Sicily tour. Alternatively, join a Palermo street food tour before your flight.
Staying overnight in Pantelleria? Compare places to stay below before you book.
Affiliate links: if you book through them, Italy2Love earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay: for a base nearby, see our independent hotel profile of Agriturismo Le Lanterne, with location, parking and access details checked in October 2026.
Things to do in Pantelleria: frequently asked questions
Does Pantelleria have sandy beaches?
Very few. The coast is mostly lava rock. So you swim from rocks, ladders and coves such as Cala Gadir and Cala Levante.
When did Pantelleria become a national park?
A presidential decree of July 28, 2016 established the Parco nazionale Isola di Pantelleria.
What is Passito di Pantelleria?
A sweet wine made from sun-dried Zibibbo grapes, the best-known wine of the island’s DOC.
Why is Pantelleria on the UNESCO list?
Its way of growing bush vines in hollows, the “vite ad alberello”, joined UNESCO’s intangible heritage list in 2014.
How many days do you need in Pantelleria?
Most things to do in Pantelleria need time, so plan three or four days. Also keep a spare day in case wind cancels a boat trip.
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