LampedusaPelagian Islands · Italy

All About Lampedusa

As the southernmost island of Italy, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Lampedusa is an extraordinary destination bar none. The largest of the Pelagian Islands, it is 11km long and 3km wide. Closer to Africa than Europe, Tunisia is 113km away, whereas Malta is 176km from Lampedusa. Famously known as the ‘gateway to Europe’, recent years have seen Lampedusa come under the spotlight due to the arrival of refugees on the island from across the continent.

For the 6000 plus strong Lampedusa population, fishing and tourism are the primary sources of income. Tourists looking for an unorthodox vacation will find the island’s rugged landscape, which juxtaposes beautifully against the blue sea, to be uncanny yet alluring. A muse for artists, writers, filmmakers, and seekers of the offbeat, Lampedusa is the ultimate escape far, far away from the unwanted hassles of daily life.
 

Routes and Ferries to Lampedusa

Even though the island is in the middle of the Mediterranean, ferry tickets to Lampedusa are forever in demand. Liberty Lines has boats start from Porto Empedocle and bring tourists from Sicily four times a week, all year round. Tickets for this 4 hours and 15 minutes journey average at €65 per adult. Six times a week, a boat from Linosa arrives at the island. The one-way ticket price for this one-hour voyage is €20. Ferryscanner offers ferry tickets to Lampedusa on both these routes.

Located near the main town and the port, Lampedusa Airport sees maximum traffic during the summer months. Flights from Palermo take one hour and arrive throughout the year. Seasonal connections to the island are available from Rome, Milan, Naples, and other Italian cities. Passengers can either catch a cab upon arrival or opt for a private pick-up arranged by their hotel.
 

Port of Lampedusa

The Port of Lampedusa is 10 minutes away from the center. Divided into two harbors, Porto Vecchio and Porto Nuovo, it has separate sections catering to different vessels. Punta Guitgia at the entrance is mainly for mooring boats. Punta Salina is the port’s busy marina, while Cavallo Bianco is where you’ll arrive when traveling with ferry tickets to Lampedusa. There are several restaurants and commercial activity near the ferry terminal. Taxis and mini busses typically wait next to the port at scheduled ferry arrival times.
 

Best Beaches

There is a beach for every kind of sun-seeker in Lampedusa, from celebrated sandy stretches to secluded inlets, where reaching the shoreline is half the fun. The best way to enjoy the beaches of Lampedusa is to select one at a time and then spend the entire day admiring its many attractions.

Cala Guitgia

A cove within the port of Lampedusa, Cala Guitgia is the nearest beach to the city center. Attracting beach-goers of all ages with its aquamarine water, it’s often hard to find a spot on the sand after 11:00 during the summer months. A lovely place for kids to watch passengers traveling with ferry tickets to Lampedusa, the beach also has toilets, loungers on rent, and eateries in its vicinity. The hotels in the background are an excellent budget choice if you want to stay next to a beach in Lampedusa.

Cala Pulcino

Cala Pulcino is a true challenge for adventurous beach hunters. To arrive, one must first take a 15-minute moped ride to the closest parking. From there, it’s a 40-minute gentle walk to the beach. Of course, taking a boat is a more straightforward but less satisfying route to Cala Pulcino. If walking, get there early, as boats start to crowd the cove by noon. A pebble strip with no amenities, you’ll find that the beach offers a scenic and refreshing passage into the sea.

Mare Morto

A gem among the beaches of Lampedusa, Mare Morto is a gorgeous cove that not many know about. Ten minutes to the northeast of the port, the beach is tiny and rocky, yet comes with all possible facilities. You can rent two loungers with an umbrella here for €20. Free showers, free parking, and a small café selling drinks and food allow visitors to spend many hours under the sun. The beach isn’t the best place for kids due to its stony nature. Adults should bring water shoes to move around or swim to the nearby cave comfortably.

Cala Madonna

Cala Madonna is a beautiful beach inside a creek, with still waters even when the sea is rough. This petite strand is 5 minutes away from the port and offers plenty of distinct areas for sunbathing. Not all lounging spaces are by the water, so come early if you want a spot on the actual beach. The sand at Cala Madonna is slightly grainy, but the water is clear in the morning, perfect for observing schools of fish swim around. Free parking, sunbeds on rent, and options to pick up a refreshing drink or a snack further make this a must-visit beach in Lampedusa.

Cala Francese

An easy-to-reach beach near the airport, Cala Francese is a great place to spend the day with the family. The water here is transparent, calm, and ideal for snorkeling. The seabed consists of pebbles mixed with sand. It might help to wear water shoes if you’ve got sensitive feet. Amenities at Cala Francese include bathrooms, parking, and restaurants. The beach is small and cozy and gets crowded by the afternoon.
 

Things to Do

Activities in and around Lampedusa revolve around appreciating the island’s dramatic landscapes. Whether spending a day at a world-famous beach or savoring a soul-satisfying meal, things to do in Lampedusa might seem modest at first, but they will undoubtedly leave you impressed.

Take an Island Cruise

Boating is life in Lampedusa, and thus, taking a boat tour of the island is a fun excursion to do with the family. These trips range from 2-3 hours to a half or a full-day boat ride. During the tour, you get to see the island’s fantastic topography, visit beaches accessible only by water, and swim in its grottos. For a slightly more immersive experience, book a week-long cruise from Lampedusa that sails to Linosa and Lampione. Travelers eat and sleep on board and spend time visiting various swimming locations in the Pelagian archipelago.

Scuba and Snorkel

Lampedusa is one of the best destinations in the world for scuba diving and snorkeling. The Mediterranean Sea has excellent underwater visibility, up to 40 meters at most places near the island. Dotted in every direction are diving spots where one comes across parrotfish, barracudas, snappers, turtles, and underwater caves. At Punta Parrino, there are roman remains on the seabed. Several boat tours also take visitors to dive near the island of Lampione, 16km from the coast of Lampedusa.

Spend a Day at Isola dei Conigli

An unmissable thing to do in Lampedusa is a visit to Rabbits Beach that overlooks Isola die Conigli. Rabbit Island is an islet whose name has nothing to do with rabbits but was a mistranslation from Arabic. The sandy strip facing this deserted natural landmass is a beach-lovers hotspot and one of the few places where Caretta Caretta turtles lay their eggs. The islet’s waters are a heavenly location for snorkelers. Further adding to Isola dei Conigli’s magic is the opportunity to dive 15 meters and witness the famous underwater La Madonna del Mare statue.

Visit Porta d ‘Europa

An artistic representation of Lampedusa, Porta d’ Europa is a 5×3 ceramic and iron open doorway that stands atop a hill near the city’s port. Designed by Mimmo Paladino, the sculpture is a reminder of all the refugees who tried to reach Europe but lost their lives along the way. It also signifies acceptance and welcoming everyone, irrespective of where they come from. A humbling experience made special thanks to the sunset views from this vantage point, a visit to Porta d‘Europe is compulsory when on the island.

Eat at Gastronomia Martorana

Gastronomia Martorana is a classic island eatery on Via Roma that serves the most delicious snacks in Lampedusa. From behind its glass display, numerous fried, freshly-made local specialties such as arancini and octopus salad tempt patrons to try more than one dish. Food lovers can relish pizzas, pasta, and even kebabs here, without having to spend much on a tummy-filling lunch. There is limited seating at the restaurant, but you can always come in the morning and get food packed for a day at the beach.
 

Transportation Around Lampedusa

For tourists arriving via ferry tickets to Lampedusa, renting a car or a moped is the fastest way to travel around the island. Bikes are cheaper, with rentals costing €20 per day on average. For a bit more exercise, you can look into getting a bicycle. The main village itself is small and fun to navigate on foot.

Taxis are available for transportation between the harbor, airport, and your accommodation. Up to four people can travel in a taxi from one point to another for a total of €20. Night rates are usually double. Another economical transit option is the bus service between the town and Rabbit Beach during the summer months.