8Pantelleria – The Black Pearl of the Mediterranean

Closer to Tunisia than to mainland Italy, Pantelleria is one of the most unique islands in the Mediterranean. Formed by volcanic activity, its landscape features natural hot springs, black lava cliffs, and ancient terraces of caper bushes and vineyards. 

The island’s stone dwellings, called dammusi, are architectural treasures, blending perfectly with the rugged terrain. Take a dip in the Specchio di Venere (Venus’s Mirror), a natural thermal lake said to have been used by the goddess herself. Pantelleria is ideal for travelers seeking solitude, authenticity, and raw natural beauty.