Sicily & Her Islands + Sardinia

PANTELLERIA

Hundreds of thousands of years ago a great explosion in the heart of the Mediterranean produced a subterreanean volcano now known as Pantelleria.

Pantelleria nowadays is rich in hills and mountains, which were formed from minor volcanic craters. Pantalleria echoes its turbulent past and actual secondary volcanic activity is present over the entire territory. The fumaroles (Steam jets) inside caves are considered real saunas such as ‘Bagno asciutto’ at Siba. There are also thermal water springs, which reach the sea through the cave of Sataria and along the shores of the beautiful Lake of Venus.

Pantelleria is also rich in vegetation: pines, oaks and forest trees over six metres tall. The Mediterranean bush alternates wild olives, blueberry, rosemary and Indian figs. Vineyards and capers are cultivated in terraces divided by dry stones. Try the delicious Passito, the exquisite raisin wine, or taste the best capers of the Mediterranean.

And the beautiful transparent sea, that catches nuances and gradations of blue from the most pale to the deepest blue caress the rocky outcrops that form the back drops to spectacular dive sites.

DAMMUSI OF PANTELLERIA

The unique “contradas” of the countryside are characterized by striking names of Arab origin evoking African atmospheres: Khaddiuggia, Margana, Mursia, Sataria, Nika’, Rekhali, Muegen, Tracino, Khamma, and others. Here the inhabitants of Pantelleria have built their house, the “Dammuso”. These are made with thick drystone walls and dome-shaped roofs used to collect rainwater which was conveyed to underground tanks. The floors in the oldest dammusi are of terracotta bricks or majolica hand decorated tiles. The dammusi with their strikingly white dome vaults make Pantelleria’s landscape unique.

We have a selection of Dammusi situated both in the different settlements and in the countryside with spectacular sea views, at easy reach of basic facilities. They can be self contained one, two, three bedrooms dammusi, most of them with covered terrace and garden.

DIVING PANTELLERIA

The seascape around Pantelleria makes exciting diving and some of its best sites are only a short boat trip from Cala Levante dive centre. At Cala Tramontana dive site parrot fish are a surprising yet common fish to find here and grouper are also frequently spotted. Dolphins are often sighted from the dive boat and the rare Mediterranean monk seal still exists in the area. Archaeological finds are an added interest to each dive, large intact amphorae remain scattered around much of the coast line and Diving Cava Levante has set up an underwater archaeology course for those who wish to discover more about the rich history of the Island.

THE DIVE CENTRE

Cala Levante is a PADI Dive Centre. It nestles in a small bay flanked by vineyards, a stones throw away is a bar and restaurant that overlook the sea.
The centre is well equipped and operates a very large RIB for speedy transport to the dive sites. PADI courses are offered from Open Water to Dive Master levels. Speciality courses include underwater photography and underwater archaeology.

For further information or to book please call 0208 744 0474 

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