Italy boasts around 450 beautiful islands – but one has recently been attracting attention for its balmy May weather and glorious wine. Pantelleria, also known as the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean, is located between Sicily and Tunisia and according to visitors is a destination that UK holidaymakers should not overlook.
The island boasts rich history, beautiful landscapes and a vibrant culture. It’s also famed for producing incredible wine, is home to many vineyards and boasts its own traditional vine cultivation technique that’s been passed down generations. In fact, the method known as vite ad alberello was the first agricultural practice to be recognised by UNESCO.
The island experiences lovely weather in May, with the average temperatures hitting a maximum of 26C.
The best way to explore the island is on foot and according to Sicily’s tourism board to explore Pantelleria’s “secrets”, visitors should take a hike through the countryside.
When exploring the areas, travellers will come across various gems, including beautiful gardens, archaeological sites and submerged historical areas that can be explored through diving.
Additionally, the island’s famous landmark, Arch of the Elephant, located on the eastern coast, is also a must visit. The rocky formation that resembles an elephant’s trunk, spans from the island’s cliffs to the sea and is one of Pantelleria’s main tourist sites and most photographed attraction.
One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor said that the natural arch “is a must for all Pantelleria travellers”.
While the island isn’t home to any sandy beaches, its coastline does boast cliffs, rocky creeks and plenty of underwater caves which makes it rather unique. There are also plenty of opportunities to relax by one of Pantelleria’s many lakes.
Specchio di Venere, which translates to Venus’s Mirror, is one of the most prominent lakes on the island. It is the perfect spot for those wanting a tranquil escape. At the enchanting site, visitors can take baths and mud baths in the natural pools that reach temperatures of 50C.
Rated 4.6 stars on TripAdvisor, one person said: “Beautiful, relaxing, entertaining…a different day in the water… and your skin is so smooth when you get out of the thermal waters!!”
Another said: “I was pleasantly surprised by the scenic value of this location. The mud baths, the tepid waters, the lush vegetation and the very good trattoria in the vicinity. A must for any traveller to Pantelleria.”