Holiday apartment in Lampedusa – beaches, nature and marine conservation

Lampedusa reveals its special character where sandy beaches, protected marine areas and paths through the coastal landscape come together. Spiaggia dei Conigli is located in the Riserva Naturale Isola di Lampedusa, as well as in the Special Area of Conservation ITA040002 and the Special Protection Area ITA040013. Improvements and pedestrianisation are planned for the access path.

Coast and nature

The Area Marina Protetta Isole Pelagie marine protected area also includes Lampedusa and protects a variety of marine and coastal habitats. These include, among others, Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows. Lampedusa Turtle Rescue is another initiative dedicated to protecting the marine environment; since 1990, it has been caring for and rehabilitating injured sea turtles.

The east and southeast coasts of Lampedusa feature sandy beaches. Cala Pulcino lies on the southern side, where several caves can be visited. Cala Greca is a very small bay with white sand, while Porto N’Tone is described as a very small beach with fine, white sand. Scoglio del Sacramento can be viewed from above via a path that begins on the right after the end of the road from Ponente.

Trails and activities

The Riserva Naturale Isola di Lampedusa has paths for exploring the coast and the valleys, as well as observing flora and fauna. One of these paths begins at Cala Stretta, follows the coast for part of the way and offers views of the Vallone di Cala Galera. Another path connects sections of old trails with former military tracks and offers views of the Grotta Tabaccara.

Hiking trails lead to the summit of Monte Rosso and to Monte Nero on Lampedusa. The island can be explored by bicycle in a single day. A boat tour around Lampedusa takes three to four hours. Lampedusa also offers opportunities for diving and snorkelling; clear water, diverse seabeds and rich flora and fauna are cited as particularly favourable conditions. The underwater statue Madonna del Mare can be reached on an easy dive at a depth of 14 metres.

Spiaggia della Guitgia is connected to the town by public transport.

Culture and remembrance

The Museo Archeologico delle Pelagie offers a chronological tour through four halls. The same museum displays finds from a Roman fish-processing facility in Cala Salina. Another symbol of the island’s history is the Porta d’Europa, a monument between Cala Spugne and Porto Vecchio commemorating people who died while attempting to reach the coast by sea.

The Festa di Maria Santissima di Porto Salvo festival takes place every year on 22 September. The festival procession begins at the Santuario della Madonna di Porto Salvo and proceeds through the island’s streets.

Cuisine

One dish also directly reflects the island’s location in the Mediterranean: on Lampedusa, fish couscous is prepared with prawns, lobster and seafood added.

More places to discover: Fiumenaro, Siculiana Marina, Borsellino, Montevago, Località Maragani, Villaggio Mosè, Racalmuto, Caltabellotta.

To the broader travel overview: Agrigento.