The archipelago known as Isole Pelagie is located on the Italian and Tunisian shores in the southernmost point of Italy. Included are Lampedusa. The Sacramento rock and the island of bunnies. The smell of Africa permeates these islands despite the fact that we are in Sicily. These are similar to those seen on the continent of Africa. Herodotus refers to the islands as “the islands of the high seas,” and the Pelagie Islands captivate visitors with their pristine waters and white sand. The two main islands might differ greatly from one another. Lampedusa, which is well known for the influx of migrant workers and illegal immigrants, is barren of flora and primarily made up of a dry and rocky terrain.
Geographical importance of Isole Pelagie
The islands of Pelagie as well as Lampedusa particularly was a spot of rest and water sources for vessels from the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Saracens and Crusaders. It was also habitable and visited at the time of conflicts in Punic. The island came back to the spotlight on the 14th of July 1551 with the sinking of the fleet commanded by Andrea Doriain, in which thousands of people lost their lives. In 1630, Charles II of Spain granted Giulio Tomasi the title “Prince of Lampedusa”. However, his “official” story begins in the 1800s in the early 1800s, when Salvatore Gatt, head of the Maltese colony, established the island’s cultivation of crops.
The current story of the town started by the Bourbon colonization in 1843 which was the year that the captain Bernardo Maria Sanvisente landed in Lampedusa with 120 people (90 men and 30 women) mostly craftsmen and farmers. The remarkable organizational abilities of Sanvisente helped the town expand both numerically and economically. It grew from 120 people to over 2000 within five years.
What Activities are Available on the Isole Pelagie?
With its white sands and azure waters the Lampedusa’s Isola dei Conigli (“Rabbit Beach”) was recently considered the top beaches in the entire world. Thanks to the three volcanic cones (Monte Vulcano Monte Rosso, and Monte Nero). Linosa’s Gaia Pozzolana is covered in gorgeous black sand.
You may even catch a glimpse of wildlife! The beaches of the Pelagie Islands are habitat of endangered loggerhead turtles as well as other endangered (and endangered) animals.
Looking for some adventure? Consider a water-based activity like Scuba diving, or go lost in the islands looking for the ideal beach with a private setting.
Also we should not forget another of the most popular activities in not just Sicily and Sicily, but all over Italy eating. Lampedusa and Linosa offer incredible fresh seafood dishes and the islands’ North African influence means you’ll encounter dishes that are not readily available elsewhere in Italy such as spiced couscous.
Most important islands of Isole Pelagie
The most famous is Isole Pelagie. The island is famous for its clear, crystal-clear waters. The island is compact and can be walked around completely in a single day.
1: Lampedusa
The first is that the city’s central area is beautiful and charming. If you are looking for a more tranquil spot you can visit close by Cala Croce and Cala Madonna. The most famous and beautiful beaches include Cala Pulcino and Spiaggia dei Conigli. If you are looking to explore the island in a vehicle, then follow the stunning Lampedusa Panoramic Road that runs towards Cala Creta along the northern coast. The views here are special and unforgettable.
2: Linosa
About 40 kilometers to the north of Lampedusa, Linosa is decidedly smaller, but it is also quite different. The coasts are generally steep and comprise a variety of cliffs. The island’s landscape is stunning. The small town is a true gem. You will find the typical houses with colors that stand out beautifully against the ocean. Also, you must not miss going on a boat ride across the beaches of Linosa. At Piscine as well as Sacchitella you will be able to see some of the most famous turtles in Linosa.
3: Pantelleria
When you arrive in Pantelleria the first impression is that of taking an excursion through time. If you choose to explore the island you’ll discover ancient archeological sites like The Acropolis in San Marco and Santa Teresa and the usual megalithic structures known as Sesi.
Pantelleria thus is a singularity of the less populated Sicilian islands since there are no beaches. It may be a bit odd that the most popular location to swim in is at the Mirror of Venus, a stunning thermal lake.
How to Travel to the Isole Pelagie?
The journey to the islands of Pelagie is not as difficult as you think. The connections during summer are regular and efficient. It is important to remember that the archipelago is located in Agrigento. The Province of Agrigento and it is located in Agrigento, the temple city where ships depart to go to the islands. Lampedusa as well as Linosa (the two only cities in which hotel accommodations are available) can be reached via Agrigento as well as from close Porto Empedocle. If you are from northern Italy the most practical option to travel to the islands of Pelagie is via plane. There are a variety of direct flights to Lampedusa with departures from various cities (Milan, Bergamo, Rome, Parma, Pisa and Bologna).
Where can I find a place to sleep on the Isole Pelagie?
Lampedusa provides a variety of accommodation options that range from hotels to resorts of all kinds. The way includes bed and breakfasts as well as holiday homes. Linosa and Pantelleria offer smaller, more authentic accommodation including the distinctive dammusi that are used for holiday houses.
How to get around the Isole Pelagie?
The most effective way to get around Lampedusa is to travel by car. We suggest using bikes. Pantelleria is perfect for traveling on foot. The most effective method of exploring the Pelagie beaches and bays is via boat.
Conclusion
It is believed that the Isole Pelagie are the southernmost archipelago of Sicilian islands located in Italy that is part of the municipality of Agrigento. It comprises five islands. Some islets and rocks Lampedusa, Linosa, Lampione and the Isola of the Conigli as well as the Scoglio del Sacramento. There are only two islands that seem to be habitable and therefore accessible to tourists as a tourist location. While the rest are well-known for the amazing excursions. You can hike or snorkeling, or simply sit back and unwind. In reality the islands of Pelagie are not historical sites so they do not have specific archeological sites to explore.