Lampedusa and Linosa

Linosa island, near Lampedusa, has black, volcanic rocks, as an explosion of lava.

Linosa , Faraglioni – Ph Mannarano

Its beaches are arduous and black, and open onto an intense green sea, perfect to discover its wonderful seabeds. In the heart of its inhabited area, foreshortenings of daily life and histories told by the islanders.

Piscina Naturale, Linosa – Ph Mannarano

Lampedusa is at the same time harsh and wonderful. The urban center of the island, offers everything for the tourist entertainment: delicious restaurants along the beach, tourist accommodation, rental of means of transport (cars, bicycles, electric or gasoline scooters).  There are places with a stillness and silence ideal if you really want to isolate yourself. Get a Mehari and drive in the interior of the island: here different styles mingle while fully respecting the spirit of the island, extremely sophisticated  in the use of light and color.

With its 12 beaches, you have a good choice! Do not miss Island of Rabbits, Cala Galera, Cala Francese, Cala Greca, Cala Creta. They say the overlooking Cala Creta takes your breath away … undoubtedly the essence of Lampedusa goes straight to your heart.

Island of Rabbits – Isola dei Conigli

Just a few meters  far from the west coast of Lampedusa, in front of a stunning sandy beach, is the Isle of Rabbits.

Contrary to what you may imagine, this little piece of rocky and wild land, shows no trace of rabbits. It is much easier, however, to run into a specimen of loggerhead turtle laying eggs in the nearby beach. It is named Spiaggia dei conigli (Rabbits Beach) due to its proximity to the Island,  and it’s one of the last places chosen by this rare reptiles as their nesting site.

Actually the name of the Island and of its namesake beach is believed to be due to a mistake in interpreting an ancient cartography that reported the name Rabit Island, improperly translated from the English word rabbit  (coniglio).

More likely the word “rabbit” does not indicate the small animal, but results from a very similar Arabic phoneme, which can be translated with the meaning of “connection”, with reference to the isthmus that sometimes comes out between the islet and the coast.

Name aside, what is certain, in this delectable dream place, is the triumph of the magnificence of nature, the beauty of the beaches, the view and the amazing crystal-clear blue water that turns into a real natural swimming pool.