Only two hours of flight and then here it is with its 20 sq km of barren surface that smells of African land. At a latitude below the 35th parallel, it represents the extreme southern edge of Italy, the southernmost point of Europe. There are numerous inlets lapped by crystalline waters with fish-filled and stupendous seabeds which constitute a precious natural heritage. Whether you come from the sea or from the sky, there are two things that immediately strike the visitor: the sunlight, so warm and dazzling, and the smell of the sea, sometimes delicate, sometimes so intense.
Lampedusa, the largest of the Pelagie Islands (the other two are Linosa and Lampione) geologically African land, ocher colored stone emerging from the sea, from the rocks exposed by the wind after the deforestation suffered in the last century, has the town located in the southeast, close to what until a few years ago was the only gateway: the port. The simple and warm hospitality is also found in the gastronomy, all based on very fresh fish with tasty solutions, the result of a skilful mix of flavors and cultures ranging from Sicilian to Tunisian. In addition to the numerous possibilities of experiencing the sea by witnessing the pace of the sperm whales between February and April, the laying of eggs of the Caretta Caretta turtles, the possibility of participating in traditional peaches such as "paranza, purse seine, bolentino, lampara, trolling, Lampedusa, despite the its desert aspect hosts an interesting wildlife community.
In the high northern cliffs it is possible to admire the evolutions of the "Queen's Hawk" and the "Shag". In spring and autumn migrations offer a spectacle not to be missed: thousands of birds in fact use Lampedusa as a resting place during the crossing.
South side Beaches
Guitgia
Very beautiful, the closest to the centre, to the hotels, the best served but… the most crowded!
To be avoided when the sirocco blows.
Cala Madonna
Famous for Shrine of Our Lady of Porto Salvo, reachable from via Madonna, is located a few meters from the Bay of Cala Croce and even if its beach is not white and the sea is not turquoise, it remains a valid alternative to the more popular beaches, moreover, thanks to its deep inlet, it offers shelter on south-west winds. The services are guaranteed by the presence of a small kiosk.
Rabbit Beach
Don’t be afraid, you can’t go wrong, it is marked by a sign “Rabbit beach” park your vehicle paying attention to no parking (now very popular in Lampedusa!) and start the descent towards what is the most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean, where the Caretta-Caretta turtles have chosen to lay their eggs. When you get to the platform where you can see the beach, stop, look around 360 degrees, freeze time if you can, I assure you that every time it is always a unique emotion. Remember it is a heritage of humanity and must remain so, certain behavioral rules should not be remembered but sadly it must be done. Let us never forget that it is everyone’s heritage, ours and only we can protect or destroy it.
Warning!
Being a Nature Reserve, it is necessary to make a reservation for access to the beach
For any information you can write to info@prenotazionespiaggiaconigli.it or contact the reserve office by telephone at the numbers 0922.971611 – 329.8620267
Cala Croce and Portu ‘Ntoni
Beautiful cove formed by three small coves, all well served, two of white sand (Cala Croce itself and Portu ‘Ntoni) and a rocky one (Baia del Sol). It offers lucky visitors one of the most beautiful blue seas in Lampedusa. Cala Croce beach and Baia del Sol can be reached from both Guitgia which from via Madonna.
The services are guaranteed by various kiosks located along the coast and by an establishment on the beach of Cala Croce.
Cala Galera
The first beach to be inside the Protected Nature Reserve, is accessible by various paths, the simplest is after the campsite, about 800 meters ahead, if you stop to observe the underlying valleys full of vegetation, you can see the bumpy path that will allow you to reach this splendid cove of sand and stones. The wild side makes it a place for the adventurous few in search of tranquillity. In Cala Galera the sea, green in color, is almost always crystal clear due to the deep inlet that shelters it from many winds, the beach is not served, but… it is really worth it!
Cala Pulcino
My favorite is beautiful! The turquoise of the sea, the contrast of the clear rock that dazzles you, the valley behind it full of vegetation make this bay a splendid photograph. It is not easy to access, there are two possibilities: one by going down to the Conigli and going up the promontory on the right, or a longer but easier route, the one that starts from a path that you will find immediately after Casa Teresa (beyond the air force base keep left) passing a barrier , immediately turn left, go down through a beautiful pine forest, bring food and an umbrella and…have a nice day!
To be avoided when the sirocco blows.
South-East side Beaches
Cala Maluk and Cala Spugna
Along the road that runs alongside the airport runway on the south side we find several coves, the largest and most interesting is the bay of Cala Spugne. There are two small beaches, one of sand and fragments of shells and another equipped with sand transported from other places. The seabed is mostly algae and stony but there are large sandy open spaces that make the color of the water an irresistible charm. Generally uncrowded and therefore enjoyable, like the other coves facing south.
We do not recommend it during the sirocco.
Cala Francese
Not-white sand beach, offers a good seabed and is now equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds. You can even move slightly and you will find Sciatu Persu beautifully run by Rosaria and her friendly brothers who will pamper you with coffee, fruit and lots of laughs!
East side Beaches
Cala Pisana
It is the beach for children and more, in Lampedusa, the quay is the trampoline where you can indulge yourself with diving, the beach is nice and clean, the sea is very beautiful but above all full of fish. It can be reached by passing through the centre, in the direction of the airport.
Recommended when the sirocco blows strongly.
Cala Creta
This large bay on the east side of the island can be reached after covering a short stretch of dirt which you take on the right side of the road which leads to Capo Grecale lighthouse. The large Cala Creta sign will inform you that you are in the right place, just continue a few more meters towards the sea. Although the bay is very wide, it is only possible to use a small concrete platform where you can sunbathe and access the emerald green sea. The site is also very attractive for underwater activities and is equipped with a bar, restaurant and sunbed service. Better to visit it from morning until early afternoon when the sun is still high in the sky, or in the evening, when it turns into one of the most romantic places on the island.
Cala Uccello
Among the points of the sea, perhaps the least known and frequented of Lampedusa. Cala Uccello is a small cove facing east that ends in a tiny beach of stones and seaweed but with a beautiful crystalline green sea in front of it. It can be reached by walking all the via Cala Pisana and turning right just before reaching the alternative pier. In the last stretch the road is without road surface.
Recommended when the sirocco blows strongly.
Cala Calandra or Mare Morto
This bay, where the wind almost never blows (hence the name of Dead Sea, due to poor signage and the tightness of the route, it can be complicated to reach. But don’t give up, it’s the same road that ends at Capo Grecale lighthouse. Passed the area of Cala Creta, take the second dirt road on the right and continue in the direction of the sea. Not very busy, it offers a spectacular panorama formed by a cave with the color of the enchanting sea in front of it, two islets, and a natural arch. Without beaches and services, it remains a must, the colors are beautiful and the seabed is always a surprise. They are ideal when a strong Mistral blows. I don’t want to describe them, you will have to discover them but when you go don’t forget your mask and fins!
