Le Pelagie Hotel
SITES OF INTEREST
"Island of Lampedusa" Nature Reserve
The Isola di Lampedusa oriented nature reserve is a nature reserve established in 1995 by the Sicilian Region , located on the largest of the Pelagie Islands , in a special protection area (SPA) and site of Community importance, between the Vallone dell'Acqua to the west. and Cala Greca to the east, and also includes the Isola dei Conigli " the beautiful beach of Lampedusa which in 2013 was classified as the most beautiful beach in the world at the Travelers' Choice Beaches Awards, organized by TripAdvisor which elects the most beautiful beaches of all the world.
The beach of Conigli can only be accessed on foot, along a steep path about 750 m long. For its use it is necessary to respect timetables and behavioral rules, contributing to the conservation of the sea turtle and enjoying a true corner of paradise.
Inside the Reserve it is also possible to follow some paths for the exploration of the coast and the valleys and for the observation of flora and fauna. Of great naturalistic and landscape interest is the itinerary that follows for about 1.5 km the articulated natural path of the Vallone della Forbice, the longest and most spectacular canyon, of great vegetational interest, which ends in the enchanting beach of Cala Pulcino, where the sea takes on an intense turquoise color. Very suggestive is the path that from Cala Stretta leads to the fascinating beach of Cala Galera, where in the homonymous valley the residual aspects of the Mediterranean scrub and some splendid centuries-old specimens of Juniper and Carob are preserved. Full of exciting viewpoints on the west coast of the reserve is the path that follows the forest trails above the crests of the Deep Valloni and dell'Acqua, crossing the plateau of C.da Sanguedolce, where the interventions of reconstitution of the Mediterranean scrub are visible. started by the Forestry Company of the Sicilian Region. Finally, following a path that connects stretches of old paths with some military tracks opened during the Second World War, you can admire the enchanting panorama overlooking the Tabaccara Cave.
The reserve is assigned under management by the Territory and Environment Department of the Sicilian Region to Legambiente Sicily.
For info on excursions and regulations within the reserve, visit: http://www.legambienteriserve.it/isola-di-lampedusa-2/visitare-la-rn-isola-di-lampedusa/
Lampedusa Island Nature Reserve
Established by the Sicilian Region in 1995, the "Isola di Lampedusa" Nature Reserve is managed by Legambiente Sicilia. The protected area extends for approximately 360 hectares along a wide, unspoiled stretch of the island's southern coast and preserves the most significant fauna and flora in the area, including numerous species known only to Lampedusa.
The reserve's landscape is characterized by its typical valleys, including Vallone dell'Acqua, Profondo, della Forbice, and Tabaccara, incisions that cut deep into the surface and open out to the sea in suggestive hanging valleys or the splendid beaches of Isola dei Conigli, Cala Pulcino, and Cala Galera.
Located at the end of the Vallone della Forbice, not far from the renowned Isola dei Conigli (Rabbit Island), nestled within a picturesque ravine, Cala Pulcino is a beach of white sand mixed with pebbles smoothed by the sea, boasting a beautiful, crystal-clear sea with shallow waters. The cove is also surrounded by several caves, making the landscape even more evocative. Easily accessible by sea, it can also be explored via hiking trails within the Nature Reserve. The most evocative of all is undoubtedly the one starting from Casa Teresa, passing through the Lampedusa Island Nature Reserve, which will take you there in about 30 minutes. Due to the length of the trails, the beach remains relatively uncrowded. However, reaching it is well worth the effort, as you will be greeted by a corner of paradise that deserves to be seen, offering unique experiences.
Among the breathtakingly beautiful, unique views, Tabaccara stands out, naturally. It is also located on the southern side of the island, next to Rabbit Island, with which it shares an irresistible charm. Tabaccara is not just a simple cove, but a natural pool, a corner of paradise, a truly magical place. It feels as if the boats can fly. For this reason, it is also known as the bay of " flying boats." The best way to get there is by boat, to fully experience the sensation of "flying" over the water. The coastal area of Tabaccara is quite large. The depth of the sea varies from a few dozen meters to a few meters closer to the coast. At the end of the bay is a cave, where the constant trickle of freshwater allows seagulls and other birds to quench their thirst and rest, creating a unique and natural landscape.
Teresa's House
The Dammuso Grande di Casa Teresa, located in the Ponente district, is the oldest and most characteristic vaulted structure on Lampedusa's soil, as well as the largest, best preserved, and therefore most famous. Built around 1870, it represents Lampedusa's architectural legacy, combining history, culture, and nature in an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility.
The dammuso is composed of several rooms constructed of natural stone and domed roofs to better insulate the interior from the harsh island climate, while also collecting rainwater. Having served farmers for decades as both a dwelling and a storage facility, it was acquired in 1994 by the Sicilian Region to create a museum that would showcase the lifestyle of the island's first settlers in rural areas. Restoration completed in 2006, the area remains accessible to the public free of charge every day, presenting a documentary exhibition dedicated to the Lampedusa dammuso, the restoration and use of archaeological sites, and the island's outstanding landscapes.
Today, Casa Teresa is much more than a simple restored building. It has become a symbol of Lampedusa's cultural identity, a place where history and cultural identity merge with modernity, and where visitors can immerse themselves in the past and better understand the traditions and lives of Lampedusa's first inhabitants, fostering awareness and the full appreciation of the island's resources.
The Gate of Europe:
Inaugurated on 29 June 2008, the "Gate of Europe" is a monument dedicated to migrants who face endless adversities, who come to the island in search of a more dignified life.
It is a refractory ceramic door five meters high and three meters wide, made by the Italian sculptor, the artist Mimmo Palladino.
The Monument, located in the "white horse" area between Cala Spongne and "Porto Vecchio" is dedicated to the memory of the migrants who died at sea, in an attempt to reach the coasts of the island.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Porto Salvo
Lampedusa is not just a sun-drenched destination, but a place where spirituality and devotion have found a precious refuge. Alongside the golden beaches and breathtaking views, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Porto Salvo reveals a more intimate side of the island, a transcendental atmosphere that blends with natural beauty. This sanctuary represents not only a testimony of faith, but an embrace of light that envelops those who approach it.
The origins of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Porto Salvo date back to 1202, when fishermen and sailors, their destinies inextricably linked to the sea, sought comfort and protection in times of danger. Thus was born the desire to erect a sacred place in honor of the Virgin Mary, as the "Savior of the Port," hence the name Porto Salvo. This profound connection between faith and the sea, which inspired the construction of the sanctuary, still welcomes faithful and visitors today with its atmosphere of devotion and serenity. The sanctuary is, in fact, much more than a place of prayer; it is a symbol of hope and solidarity. The Madonna is considered a mother and a guide for all, regardless of faith or origin, becoming a place of welcome for anyone seeking refuge, comfort, or moments of tranquility.
Historical evidence is found in the report that Governor Bernardo Maria Sanvisente sent to Ferdinand II, which states that the grotto was divided into a Catholic church and a Muslim mosque. During World War II, however, the sanctuary was destroyed by bombing, leaving the statue of the Madonna unscathed. The war left no victims on the island, and the devout Lampedusans, grateful for this, rebuilt the sanctuary.
The feast of the Madonna of Porto Salvo, celebrated on September 22nd each year, is very special. The sacred statue is carried on the shoulders of the faithful, who, with loud shouts of "hurray," march through the streets of the island. The atmosphere is filled with faith and joy, with prayers, songs, and moments of communion shared by all. The Feast of the Madonna is a ritual that unites the community and demonstrates the deep bond between the people of Lampedusa and their heavenly protector.
Church and Statue of Our Lady of Porto Salvo
The initial stop on the procession held on the feast of the Madonna of Porto Salvo is the parish church of San Gerlando, located in Piazza Garibaldi, almost at the center of Via Roma. It is the island's main church, where all celebrations take place. During the construction of the first building, it was decided to block the passage to the ancient underground tunnels that connected the area to others in various parts of the island: these latter served as shelter for the civilian population during the bombings of World War II.
Inside the church is the "Milagro" crucifix, created by Cuban artist Alexis Machado from fishing oars and donated by Pope Francis in commemoration of his 2013 visit. Outside the building is the Mosaic of Humanity, inaugurated on June 20, 2018, and constructed by artist Roberto Joppolo. It is an internal structure in the shape of a Latin cross, composed of many polychrome ceramic tiles representing the faces of humanity and converging toward the figure of the Holy Father, a symbol of universal brotherhood.
A few hundred meters from the Church of Lampedusa, crossing the main street of Via Roma, stands the Statue of the Madonna of Porto Salvo. The monument was commissioned in 1993 by the community to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the colony and the restoration of the statue of the Madonna of Porto Salvo by Sanvisente. Located in Piazza Castello, the statue overlooks the harbor, welcoming sailors arriving on the island.
Madonna of the Sea
Lampedusa's Madonna del Mare is one of the most famous dive sites in the Pelagie Archipelago. Located just outside the bay of Isola dei Conigli, on a 15-meter-deep base, in front of a natural arch encrusted with coral and colorful fish, it's an ideal spot for underwater photographers and those who want to explore life in the deep sea.
The statue was commissioned by renowned journalist Roberto Merlo, after he survived a serious diving accident, to pay homage to the patron saint of Lampedusa, the Madonna of Porto Salvo, protector of fishermen and all those who live by the sea. It was a September 22nd in another era, when the writer was taken ill during a dive, and the entire island, jubilant for the feast of the Madonna of Porto Salvo, stopped to make sure his life was not in danger.
To reciprocate the affection of the population, he had this bronze statue made, blessed in 1979 by Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square, and lowered it in the presence of all the inhabitants. Even Pope Francis, during his 2013 trip to Lampedusa, dedicated a prayer to the Madonna del Mare, which has undoubtedly become one of the most popular diving sites on the island over the years.
Cape Grecale Lighthouse
Immersed in the relentless flow of the Mediterranean, the Cape Grecale Lighthouse emerges on the northeastern tip of Lampedusa, becoming a vital landmark for navigation and a symbol of welcome and solidarity for the island community. Its light, shining constantly in the night, has also been a beacon of hope for those crossing perilous seas in search of a better life. In a world marked by conflict and humanitarian disasters, the lighthouse represents a symbol of peace and compassion, a tangible testament to humanity's ability to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Built in 1859, at 50 meters high, it is Italy's second-highest lighthouse and an iconic symbol of the island. Climbing the 126 steps to the lighthouse balcony offers visitors a unique experience. From up there, the view sweeps across a breathtaking panorama: the wild and unspoiled island, the crystalline waves crashing on the rocks, and on the horizon, like precious pearls, the surrounding islands. On particularly clear days, it's even possible to glimpse the Sicilian coastline, a tangible link to the motherland that underscores Lampedusa's deep historical and cultural connections.
Throughout its more than 160-year history, the Cape Grecale Lighthouse has witnessed a succession of momentous events and social transformations. It has witnessed the rise and fall of two world wars, the advent of revolutionary technologies that transformed maritime navigation, and the arrival of new generations on the island, each bringing their own hopes and dreams. In an age where solidarity and inclusion are more important than ever, the Cape Grecale Lighthouse remains a shining beacon, guiding the path of those seeking safe harbor in life's storms.
Next to the Cape Grecale Lighthouse stands another unique attraction: the Giant Bench, a work of art that invites visitors to pause and contemplate the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings. This imposing bench offers a privileged place to sit and immerse yourself in Lampedusa's enchanting atmosphere, gazing out over the endless horizon of the sea and contemplating the vastness of the sky. The bench becomes a meeting point between man and nature, a place where time seems to stand still and all worries vanish. Visitors can sit, breathe deeply, and let the majesty of the landscape envelop them, offering them a moment of inner peace and serenity.
Sun Tree
Even when visiting by land, Lampedusa offers exceptional views, and one of the best ways to discover these beauties is undoubtedly to take the panoramic road that winds along the entire north coast, starting from the Capo Grecale lighthouse and reaching Albero Sole, passing by Isola dei Conigli, crossing desert landscapes and stopping at lay-bys where the view of the cliffs plunging sheer into the blue Mediterranean is breathtaking.
In particular, at 133 meters above sea level, the Albero Sole (Sun Tree) is the highest point on Lampedusa and one of the best places to enjoy the sunset. Continuing for over a kilometer along the road leading to Isola dei Conigli (Rabbit Island), there is a large concrete clearing where, inside a small stone building, there is a wooden crucifix, much revered by the islanders.
Beyond the safety wall, you can admire the full majesty of the sun disappearing behind the horizon, all in a setting of absolute peace. The view will leave you speechless, as you can admire the Scoglio a Vela sea stack below, the cliffs overlooking the sea, and, weather permitting, even the islets of Lampione and the island of Linosa.
