Pantelleria - between Zibibbo and Passito

In a small patch of land we find a bit of everything: caves and faults, thermal springs and fumaroles, plateaus and volcanic lakes. The island is varied but above all beautiful. A beauty that conquers you at once because of these dark rocks hidden within the green, because of the vegetation that the wind keeps low, because of the still discreet buildings that dot the landscape without altering it, characterised by the white lime domes: the dammusi. A wonderful island to discover, an island where you prefer the land to the sea, where the perimeter road usually runs high and far from the coast. The Salto della Vecchia: an unforgettable panorama, a 300 m high cliff on whose face numerous species of seabirds nest. The bathing spots along the coast: the Laghetto delle Ondine, the thermal springs of Cala Gadir and then Cala Tramontana, the Faraglione and Cala Levante.

A special mention for the incredible Arco dell'Elefante, which is the island's natural monument. We continue with the Balata dei Turchi, where the very ancient obsidian quarry is located. Nica, where the thermal springs reach almost 100 degrees, and again Scauri, the ancient Roman landing. Subaki, Punta Fram, where lava flows have shaped fantastic natural sculptures. Balata dei Turchi: one of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas of Pantelleria. It's a large, smooth slab of lava rock that slopes down to the sea, surrounded by imposing sheer cliffs. Gadir: these thermal springs have been known and appreciated since antiquity; in fact the place where they rise, Gadir, is a name of Semitic origin meaning 'protected place'. The Lago Specchio di Venere: a volcanic-origin basin with incredible colours, fed in part by thermal springs that gush from its sandy shores.

In short, what can I say - Pantelleria truly deserves a visit, even just for a weekend.