Pantelleria - Best Beaches to Swim (BONUS: Google Maps Guide)
- thesimoneroe
- Jun 18, 2023
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 10, 2024
Pantelleria is a stunning island filled with breathtaking beaches. With its crystal-clear waters, fine sandy shores, and rocky coves, Pantelleria is a dream destination for lovers of the sea and sun. Unlike the more well-known Italian islands, there are no crowded beaches or resort towns here. What Pantelleria offers its visitors is unspoiled nature and secret coves where you can still enjoy solitude.
So, how do you discover these beaches, often hidden between volcanic cliffs and crystal-clear seas? Follow us as we explore this still little-known paradise.
Pantelleria: The Island of Volcanic Landscapes and Secluded Coves
Pantelleria doesn't reveal itself to just anyone. Its charm lies in its mysterious nature and landscapes shaped by volcanic eruptions. Unlike islands with long stretches of fine sand, here you’ll find black pebble beaches, rocky bays, and steep cliffs dominating the scenery. Each cove feels like a reward for explorers ready to venture off the beaten path. The island is full of secret beaches, often accessible by foot or boat, just waiting to be discovered. Follow the guide…
PLAGES DU NORD-EST DE L'ÎLE
Cala del Bue Marino
Cala del Bue Marino is one of the most popular beaches on the island of Pantelleria, due to its proximity to Pantelleria Centro and its easy access.
The shallow water and the smooth, low cliff make it easy to get into the sea. These features also make it comfortable for families with children.
This cove is particularly interesting because of the presence of a sea cave where the monk seal used to find refuge during breeding season.
Campobello
The road to the Campobello beach is unpaved, but can be traveled with a medium to small car, such as a Fiat Punto. Afterward, a short path between the rocks, which can only be traversed on foot, leads to the beach.
This beach, quite suitable for children, is characterized by low rocks that gradually slope into the sea.
The sea depth ranges from 15 to 30 meters. Here, sponges and corals of beautiful pink hues thrive, accompanied by snapper, amberjack, sea bream, grouper, and lobster, making for a spectacular underwater scene.
Kattibuale
Khattibuale beach (sometimes called "Kattibuale" without the "H") is located not far from the Venus Lake.
This long coastal strip, full of coves and sea access points, is sheltered from the sirocco wind and is particularly appreciated by families with children due to its easy entry into the water and the presence of low, flat rocks.
Venus Lake
Nestled in the wild heart of the volcanic island of Pantelleria, the splendor of Venus Lake fascinates anyone who ventures to its shores. This volcanic lake, fed by natural thermal springs, reveals turquoise waters with changing reflections, seemingly trapping the Mediterranean sky. According to legend, the goddess Venus once gazed into this shimmering surface before meeting Adonis, giving this magical place its poetic name. More than just a natural curiosity, Venus Lake is a true sanctuary of well-being: its mineral-rich mud offers natural treatments renowned for their therapeutic properties and their ability to rejuvenate the skin.
Surrounded by volcanic hills and vegetation typical of arid lands, this site invites you to relax and marvel. After a refreshing swim, you can enjoy a hike around its shores or spend a moment in quiet contemplation in this tranquil setting. More than just a landscape, Venus Lake offers a sensory experience: the perfect union of earth, water, and history. Here, Pantelleria reveals one of its most beautiful facets in a harmonious blend of nature and mythology.
Cala Cinque Denti
Cala Cinque Denti, a small gulf sheltered from the sirocco wind, is located between Punta Pozzolana and Laghetto delle Ondine.
Access from land is not easy due to the steep slope of the path and the presence of large rocks that have fallen from the ridge, so this bay is mainly accessible by sea. However, the beauty of the place erases any effort made to get there. It is one of the favorite stops for sailors on days marked by southern winds. However, the beach is not suitable for children.
Cala Cinque Denti takes its name from the high coastline cut by large rocky points that have fallen from the cliff, making it quite steep in some places. Sheltered by its hill and protected from the sirocco, the bay offers clear waters tinged with emerald and turquoise, particularly cool on the hottest days. From here, the boldest swimmers can venture to the enchanting Scarpetta di Cenerentola ("Cinderella’s Slipper") cave, a magical spot accessible only by sea.
Laghetto delle Ondine
Laghetto delle Ondine is one of Pantelleria's iconic spots. Accessible by both sea and land, though with some difficulty, it is a shallow "mini" saltwater lake, fed by the sea, which rises and crashes against the cliffs during storms.
Indeed, the surrounding sea has very deep waters with moderate to strong currents. It is especially popular in summer when the sea is rough, constantly replenishing the water inside.
A mythical scene from the movie "A Bigger Splash" was filmed on this beach.
Punta Spadillo
Punta Spadillo is dominated by a magnificent lighthouse built at the end of the 19th century. On this promontory, the unique panorama composed of rocks overlooking the sea offers a breathtaking view of the Sicilian Channel. The path leading to the lighthouse passes by the volcanological museum, inaugurated in 2010. Several hiking trails also start here, allowing you to explore the island.
Punta Spadillo is a popular diving site thanks to its exceptional rocky and coral-filled seabeds, providing unique thrills, especially for beginners due to its shallow depth (10 to 20 meters). However, the seabed quickly drops to 30 meters and then plunges over 180 meters deep. The strong currents in the area make it suitable only for experienced divers. Thus, diving can be done either by staying at the edge of the underwater cliff, almost suspended in the void, or slightly deeper to discover large volcanic rock formations.
For underwater photographers, the splendid interplay of light between the rocks and the beautiful schools of parrotfish is worth noting. You can also spot red gorgonian sea fans, bonitos, tuna, large black groupers, octopuses, sunfish, manta rays, and amberjack.
Cala Cottone
Cala Cottone is named after the fact that this cove used to serve as a small port for shipping the cotton produced on the island, a crop that has since disappeared.
Located on the northeast coast of the island of Pantelleria, in a particularly wild and isolated area, its beauty begins with the twenty-minute walk leading to this enchanting bay. Unlike other more popular coves on the island, this cove is not often visited, partly due to its relatively difficult access. There is no direct road to the cove; it is typically accessed via a rocky path, requiring good physical condition, or by sea, which is the easiest and most spectacular option.
This small bay, with rocks smoothed by the sea, is ideal for those who enjoy walks amidst the lush greenery of the preserved Mediterranean scrubland.
The sea around Cala Cottone is a clear azure blue. The water's transparency is exceptional, offering excellent underwater visibility, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. The seabed is rich in marine life, including rockfish and, occasionally, rays or small schools of rarer fish. The marine biodiversity around Pantelleria is well-preserved, and Cala Cottone is no exception.
It is one of the many "Buvire" scattered across the island, brackish water sources formed by the mixing of seawater and rainwater. In the past, before cisterns were introduced in the Dammusi, these were the primary sources of water for non-drinking purposes.
Cala Gadir
A picturesque village with a small fishing port, Cala Gadir is also one of the most popular spots on the island due to the presence of two very famous attractions: the natural spa with large hot water pools and the underwater archaeological site, which contains many fragments of Punic and Roman amphorae dating from the 3rd to 2nd century BC, located 18 meters deep.
This thermal site of fundamental importance is believed to have been discovered by the Punics. There are two reservoirs carved into the rock where the temperature reaches 55°C. In addition to the therapeutic properties of the water, the algae that spontaneously grow on the walls of the pools are particularly effective for respiratory care.
Additionally, thanks to an easy descent into the sea, the immersion begins along the ridge where you can see colorful sea sponges and other typical marine life forms. This is the only place in the Mediterranean where thousands of "Menola Spicare Maena" fish gather to spawn in June, producing a phenomenon similar to the glassfish in the Red Sea. This attracts many dolphins, whose graceful movements can be observed from the nearby coast.
PLAGES DU SUD-EST DE L'ÎLE
Cala Tramontana
Cala Tramontana, along with Cala Levante, is one of the most frequented seaside spots on the island, both for its beauty and its ease of access.
The seabed, rich in color, slopes gently, making it easy even for less experienced divers to explore the crystal-clear waters. This dive is ideal for photography.
It begins at the edge of a landslide accessible by boat, gradually descending. You'll be surrounded by white sea bream, groupers, dottybacks, and even the very rare black moray eels. At a depth of 45 meters, you’ll encounter fields of red and white gorgonian sea fans, where schools of prickly mackerel and sea bream graze undisturbed by divers. Scattered fragments of Punic amphorae lie on the sandy bottom. In fact, more than 3,000 Punic bronze coins, dated between 264 and 241 BC, which were probably used to fund a Carthaginian military campaign against the Romans, were discovered here. These coins are now displayed at the Pantelleria castle.
Cala Levante et Arco dell'Elefante
Famous and visited every year by many tourists and locals, the Arco dell’Elefante (“Elephant’s Arch”) is one of the island's most beautiful symbols, featured on all the postcards. It gets its name from the shape of the lava rock, which resembles an elephant’s trunk gently dipping into the water.
Easily accessible, this iconic spot on the island is especially magnificent. The water is transparent, and swimming under the arch brings an inexplicable sense of joy. Moreover, if the weather isn’t suitable for swimming, you can admire the site from the perimeter road.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Arco dell’Elefante, Cala Levante is a small port sheltered from the mistral winds. Separated by a rocky ridge, Cala Tramontana and Cala Levante protect each other from the wind. In the past, Cala Levante was used as a shelter to protect ships from the strong sirocco winds.
Today, it is one of the island's most popular swimming spots because the sea is more accessible here than in other coves. You can swim, picnic, or enjoy a drink on the village bar's panoramic terrace. For those who prefer to relax comfortably, platforms have been built where you can enjoy the privileged view.
As if that weren’t enough, it’s one of the areas with the most beautiful seabeds, making it a coveted destination for divers.
Cala Rotonda / Martingana
Cala Martingana is located in the southeasternmost part of Pantelleria, known as "Dietro l’Isola" ("behind the island") because it is on the opposite side of the island from the town center. It is accessible via a winding paved road full of hairpin turns.
Martingana is perfect for those seeking tranquility and unspoiled landscapes. The small inhabited area consists of a few houses scattered among terraced vineyards. It’s a very secluded place, almost completely uninhabited in winter and only sparsely populated by tourists in summer.
The diving area at Cala Rotonda nearby is only accessible by sea, as the cliffs are very high and steep. By boat, the view is extraordinary, with numerous caves and coves where the water is crystal clear and showcases beautiful colors.
The sea here is sublime, with incredible backdrops and teeming with fish. A massive lava flow of volcanic rock rises from the coast and ends at 40 meters deep in the sand, forming two large, monumental walls that rise from the sandy seabed and end just a few meters below the surface of the sea. This landslide, full of life, is home to brown groupers, giant moray eels, octopuses, sea urchins, spiny lobsters, lobsters, red snappers, amberjacks, and especially double-crowned feather duster worms—perfect subjects for stunning photos and a great point of pride for Martingana.
At the top of the rocky tongue, about 25 meters deep, lies a lithic anchor, evidence of ancient shipwrecks. On the sandy bottom, abandoned pieces of old fishing trawls are visible, now covered with sponges and typical Mediterranean madreporic encrustations.
Punta Limarsi
Characterized by the presence of a lighthouse, this point on the island is ideal for visitors seeking tranquility and a close connection with nature.
Due to strong currents, diving in this area is suitable for experienced divers, who will be amazed by the rich density of vegetation and fish (moray eels, octopuses, starfish, etc.). The rocky seabed is very rugged, dropping abruptly to depths of over 40 meters. At around 20 meters deep, you can observe moray eels, groupers, and lobsters in their holes.
Balata dei Turchi
This beach is accessible via a winding, bumpy road and then on foot. The difficulty of access makes this beach unique and preserves its wild character.
With towering cliffs and crystal-clear water, this cove, nestled in Mediterranean scrub among black obsidian rocks, has been used as a landing spot since the arrival of pirates on Pantelleria. Its name, "Balata," comes from the Arabic word "Balat," which literally means "stone slab." Indeed, framed by imposing cliffs that can rise up to 300 meters high, the Balata dei Turchi cove is a wide expanse of stones that gently stretch from the rocks into the sea.
The seabed, initially rocky and then sandy, is fascinating and wonderful.
PLAGES DU SUD-OUEST DE l'ÎLE
Grotta dell’amore
Between Punta Molinazzo and Punta Sciaccazza, in the sheer rock face that plunges into the sea, there is another cave, the Grotta dell’Amore.
Inside, a small marine lake hides, from which a comforting hot spring emerges.
Cala Nikà
Accessible by boat or after a long walk, this is one of the most beautiful and picturesque coves on the island. Here, cold Mediterranean currents suddenly meet bursts of thermal water, leaving swimmers both surprised and amazed.
From the cove, if you swim to the left, just past a large rock, there’s a cave where the water temperature can reach 70°C. This local thermal spring promotes the growth of various types of algae.
This unique spectacle makes the spot perfect for snorkeling. About 200 meters from the coast, the seabed suddenly drops to around 12 meters deep. The sea is teeming with fish, making it ideal for underwater photography.
Punta delle Tre Pietre
Punta Tre Pietre is located near the port of Scauri. The beach is accessible via a footpath over lava rocks.
The beach, consisting of lava rocks, is not very comfortable for lounging. However, the seabed, which becomes immediately deep, is exceptional. In these crystal-clear waters, you’ll find corals, colonies of axinellids (orange tree-like sponges with cylindrical branches), schools of amberjack, sometimes of considerable size, and moray eels.
The nearby caves, with their beautiful colors, are accessible by swimming.
Scauri
Access here is very easy. You also have the option to rent boats to tour the island and visit the lovely coves. Additionally, the presence of bars, restaurants, and essential goods makes it suitable for those not particularly accustomed to the wild outdoors or packed lunches!
The port of Scauri is the second largest on the island and was the former port used by the Romans. Sheltered from the Levant, Tramontane, and Mistral winds, the area becomes dangerous with the Scirocco winds.
For diving enthusiasts, at the entrance to the port, at a depth of between 6 and 10 meters, lies the wreck of a ship from Africa dating back to the 5th century BC, which had come to Pantelleria to collect a load of unique pottery produced on the island. It likely sank due to a fire.
The seabed here, which can reach depths of around 40 meters, is home to many marine species, such as amberjack, feather duster worms, snappers, and lobsters.
PLAGE DU NORD-OUEST DE L'ÎLE
Punta Suvaki
Punta Suvaki is located between Punta Fram and Cala dell'Altura. You can reach it by taking the road from Pantelleria to Scauri, then following a dirt path that must be walked, just before the intersection at the Madonna delle Grazie neighborhood.
Comments