LinosaPelagian Islands · Italy

All About Linosa

The Italian island of Linosa has a very mellow atmosphere compared to its neighbor Lampedusa. Smaller in size, it oozes a special kind of tranquilness that further amplifies the impact its fertile landmass has on first-time visitors. Although Romans, Arabs, and Saracens have all ruled over Linosa, it remained deserted for centuries. In the mid-1800s, however, Ferdinand II ordered 30 odd people to settle here.

Today, Linosa has 400 permanent inhabitants. Fishing, agriculture, and tourism are the main trades on this volcanic island. Closer to Africa rather than Europe, the island’s vibe is an amalgamation of African and Italian ethos, most visible in the food and the flat-roofed houses and steps painted in pastel colors. Travelers can easily visit Linosa for a day from Lampedusa. But if you want to experience the real enchantments of the island and its people, plan a weeklong break at the very least.
 

Routes and Ferries to Linosa

Besides the six sailings per week from Lampedusa, Ferryscanner can help you book ferry tickets to Linosa from Porto Empedocle. Costing about €45 per trip for an adult, the boats take three hours to reach Linosa from the Sicilian port town. Typically, there are 4-5 sailings per week from Porto Empedocle to Linosa. Liberty Lines operates the vessels on both these routes.

The nearest airport to Linosa is on the island of Lampedusa. Flights arrive here throughout the year from Palermo. Connections increase during summers with planes from Rome, Milan, Verona, Bologna, Genoa, and other Italian cities. Upon arrival at Lampedusa, passengers need ferry tickets to Linosa for a transfer. The one-hour journey costs roughly €20 one-way, per person.
 

Port of Linosa

In tune with the island’s unassuming personality, the Port of Linosa is a small and barely functional harbor. Linosa’s central marina is by the city center, used only by the locals to dock their boats. The ferry terminal is a few minutes to the east. Passengers with ferry tickets to Linosa should come out on the boat deck during the last few minutes of the trip. The view of Monte Nero and Pozzolana Di Ponente from the ferry is a memorable sight that sets the right mood for the rest of your stay.
 

Best Beaches

Beaches in Linosa are more like alcoves that provide tourists with a place to splash around in the Mediterranean Sea’s warm waters. Unconventional in nature, Linosa’s beaches have an inimitable character that makes them genuinely exclusive.

Faraglioni di Linosa

This black volcanic rock beach on the island’s eastern coast has transparent shallow water and an out-of-this-world appearance. Easy to reach, Via Faraglioni is the direct road that connects the craggy shoreline with the village. If visiting with children, be careful when entering the sea. It is further advisable to wear water shoes for extra protection.

Pozzolana Di Ponente

Arriving with ferry tickets to Linosa, the first beach you will come across is Pozzolana Di Ponente. Idyllically located at Monte Nero’s base, the beach has a sensational backdrop comprising black and yellow cliffs. A home for loggerhead turtles to lay their eggs, the black sand of the coastline here clashes beautifully with the water’s blueness. Sunbeds are available on most summer days, and beach-goers shouldn’t forget their snorkeling gear. There is a concrete platform to sunbathe if you do not want to go in the water. While at the beach, set aside an hour to climb up Monte Nero for magnificent views.

Baia Del Conte

Baia Del Conte’s rugged surroundings will appeal mainly to offbeat travelers. This enclosed saltwater area is like nature’s swimming pool. Located near the lighthouse, you are better off taking a boat to the beach. Baia Del Conte has two tiny flat surfaces where swimmers can lie down and soak in the sun. The water at this wild headland is clear and refreshing. However, there are no facilities nearby.

Le Piscine

Set alongside the north coast of the island, one can reach Le Piscine only by land. The beach consists of rock pools with calm waters that invite sunbathers to take a refreshing dip. There aren’t any amenities at this secluded spot, because of which not many day-trippers come here. Do bring along water and snacks if you plan to spend a few hours at Le Piscine. As for directions, ask any of the residents who will gladly share the easiest route to the beach.

La Secchitella

Less of a beach, La Secchitella is more of a diving site. It’s best to visit here via boat, even if all you want to do is snorkel or swim. For divers, though, surprises await below the water. A canyon with caves and lava rocks, the whole area is brimming with colorful fauna. Amberjacks, wild tuna, turtles, barracudas, snappers, and groupers are a common sight here. Making every dive at La Secchitella worth its while is a wreck at a depth of 25 meters. As the archipelago’s most famous dive site, boats from Lampedusa come here regularly.
 

Things to Do

With very few things to do in Linosa, the island attracts travelers who are content with life’s simple things. When searching for a hint of excitement, let your mood dictate your activities. You can read a book by the sea, practice photography, or head on out to explore the island’s original marvels.

Take a Boat Trip

Sea lovers who arrive with ferry tickets to Linosa will find a boat trip around the island very much to their liking. Ask the folks at the harbor as there is always someone ready to take tourists out into the water. You can decide upon the time and the price on the spot. Boat trips include visits to swimming locations unreachable by land. If interested in diving, visit any one of the two dive operators in Linosa.

Climb Up to the Volcanic Craters

What better way to admire the volcanic history of Linosa than by climbing up its craters, right? There are three options, of which Monte Vulcano at 187 meters is the most popular. The hike to the top is simple enough and features rich vegetation along the way. Remember to carry sunscreen, a hat, water, and snacks for the trip.

Dine at Trattoria da Anna

There are only a few restaurants in Linosa, so try and eat in all of them during your stay. The food is typically made of locally sourced ingredients, making it organic and fresh. For a truly memorable meal with sunset views, check out Trattoria da Anna. The family-run restaurant is one of the best, known for its homely ambiance and heart-warming dishes. Try the stuffed squid, Lenosana lentil soup, spaghetti with amberjack eggs, and you will not be disappointed.

Walk Until Punta Beppe Tuccio

Situated in the northeast corner of Linosa, Punta Beppe Tuccio is the island’s working lighthouse. A white building featuring a tower and the keeper’s residence, the lighthouse dates back to 1890. While it is not possible to climb up, you can still admire the 17m tall lighthouse and the views from this scenic point. The 1.5km walk from the center takes roughly 30 minutes.

Mingle with the Locals

Residents of Linosa sit by their doorways in the evening, chitchatting with anyone eager for a talk. The locals are a welcoming bunch, and mingling with them is a wonderful way to learn more about island life. And if you are fortunate enough, they might even invite you inside their house for a delicious homemade meal.
 

Transportation Around Linosa

Linosa is only 5.5 square kilometers in area, which means you can comfortably walk from one end of the island to another. There are plenty of hiking trails that lead to picturesque locations.

Outsiders are not allowed to bring cars to the island during the summers. A few local tour organizers have minibusses. It is also possible to rent scooters during a stay. If wanting to visit a particular beach, speak with the fishermen and arrange for a drop and pick-up by boat.