CULTURE

Pantelleria is the ancient Yrnm, (island of squawking birds), which later became Qawsarah or Cossyra and Bent-el-Rhiah (daughter of the wind).

Its strategic position in the center of the Mediterranean has made it a safe harbor, since the earliest times, during trade by sea, thus allowing the succession of hundreds of populations that have left traces still visible today and considered fundamental in the panorama. world archaeological.

The island was conquered several times by different civilizations: Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, Angevins, Aragonese and Bourbons.
Each folk left traces, from the buildings to the language, making this little pearl in the Mediterranean Sea rich in culture and traditions.

Those who have lived on the island have had to adapt to its nature, which is so particular and unique compared to other areas bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Pantelleria’s people have been able to assimilate new construction techniques from the populations that have succeeded one another in the various dominations, using the material available on the island, such as lava stone and tuff.

The current name derives from the Byzantine term Patelareas, which means land that produce plates.

A SEA OF ACTIVITY

The island of Pantelleria is truly an earthly paradise: breathtaking landscapes, crystal clear sea and wild nature make this small island a real jewel. Volcanic activity and the wind have shaped the coasts of the island, creating coves in lava stone, hidden bays and caves immersed in the sapphire waters of the Mediterranean, a unique and unmissable spectacle.

The island, thanks to its volcanic origin, offers spectacular landscapes and the sea, with its crystal clear and transparent waters, has a rich seabed with a remarkable variety of fish (the lucky ones can come across sea turtles, small tuna and dolphins).

Pantelleria is also a real island of wellbeing. You can immerse yourself in natural pools of thermal waters that reach 40°. Fascinating and panoramic places where you can enjoy natural wellness treatments even during the winter.

“Specchio di Venere” (the only sandy beach on the island) is one of the most fascinating places on Pantelleria. With an incredible heart shape, the lake is a basin of volcanic origin with incredible colors. It is fed in part by thermal springs that flow from the sandy shores and its seabed is rich in precious mud for body care.

But the activities that Pantelleria offers are really many: from trekking to diving, from archaeological sites to food and wine excursions to discover the vast culinary tradition of Pantelleria.

GASTRONOMY

Black cliffs of lava stone overlooking the sea give way to terraces that characterize the island and allow the cultivation of its typical products.

The people of Pantelleria were born as an agricultural people and in the course of its history has been able to shape a territory to obtain unique products of their kind.
The ingenious cultivation in the “Jardini”, for example, protects the vines from the winds and favors maximum irrigation with the few rains that bathe the island.

Malvasia and Zibibbo grapes, a unique typicality that leads to the production of the precious passito, Pantelleria capers, oregano and olives are combined with typical recipes such as that of the fragrant pantesco pesto based on tomato, garlic, basil and chilli pepper and the delicate ravioli with ricotta and mint leaves.
Pantelleria gastronomy is linked to the contacts it had with the different peoples of the Mediterranean who dominated the island, such as the African flavors of fish couscous, seasoned with vegetables and legumes.

Do not forget the desserts: the Pantelleria baci (delicious pancakes stuffed with a cream of ricotta scented with cinnamon), the cannoli stuffed with ricotta, the mustazzoli (puff pastry filled with a mixture of semolina, honey or cooked wine, cinnamon and candied fruit orange peel) and cannateddre, crumbly Easter doves.
Then the tasty jams of grapes, citrus fruits and figs are to be tasted.