We have selected for you the best things to see and do in Lampedusa, from aboat trip to hiking trails among the coves of the Nature Reserve.
You can reach Lampedusa by ferry from Porto Empedocle, in Agrigento, or by plane with departures from all over Italy.
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1. Tour of Lampedusa by boat with lunch
In Lampedusa, you cannot miss a boat ride along the island's coves and caves, which can only be reached by sea.
Several itineraries are available along the Lampedusa coast, touching on destinations such as Rabbit Island and Tabaccara. In addition, you can opt for a lunch on board with a full menu of raw or cooked fish, accompanied by water and wine. The price is 70€ per person.
If you want to spend a day on a boat in total relaxation, we recommend a sailing trip along the south coast of the island, enlivened by music and live shows until sunset, also for children. The price starts from 50€ per person
2. Dolphin sighting at sunset
Dolphins tend to follow fishermen's boats, looking for food, and with any luck, they are easy to spot near the island's coastline.
The best way to spot dolphins is aboard a boat at sunset, we recommend two specially designed experiences priced between 40€ and 50€ per person:
- Sunset boat aperitif with dolphin sighting and swim stops in Lampedusa (book HERE)
- Sunset boat trip with dinner and dolphin sighting in Lampedusa (book HERE)
During your tour you will have the opportunity to take a swim in the sea, perhaps with a dolphin
3. Rabbit Island: snorkeling and excursions
Rabbit Island, repeatedly named the most beautiful beach in Italy, is part of the Lampedusa Nature Reserve and on its namesake beach it is possible to admire rare marine species and practice surface snorkeling.
We suggest taking a boat trip to explore the island's surroundings and take a dip in its waters, even at sunset. The price starts from €45 per person.
From Lampedusa: The island can be reached by swimming from Rabbit Beach. You can get to the beach in 20 minutes by car or by "blue line" bus from Brignone Square
4. Sea Turtle Recovery Center
The Lampedusa Turtle Recovery Center has been providing care and assistance to sea turtles since 1990 in collaboration with fishermen, tourists and law enforcement.
The Center, staffed exclusively by volunteers, is accessible daily , and volunteers will explain the turtles' life cycle and how care is taken. Given its financial difficulties, the facility receives numerous donations from visitors each year to support the cause
5. Flying boats at the Tabaccara
La Tabaccara Island, near Rabbit Beach, is known for the phenomenon of "flying boats," due to its transparent waters. Its name is thought to derive from the tobacco and cigar trade that once took place in its caves.
This cove is accessible only by sea. To reach it, you can rent a boat or participate in daily excursions departing from Lampedusa. In addition, we recommend surface snorkeling in the cove's waters, which is also suitable for young children
6. Fresh pasta lunch in Cala Guitgia
Cala Guitgia, a short walk from Molo Favaloro, is the closest beach to the small town of Lampedusa and has hosted Claudio Baglioni's O'Scia Festival for years.
Entering the port of Lampedusa and turning left, you can access the beach for €25 for two sunbeds or use the free stretch of beach closest to the road, which is often very crowded, however.
From 12:00 to 14:00 you can enjoy freshly cooked pasta directly on an Ape Car and seasoned according to ancient Lampedusian recipes. Alternatively, a short walk from the beach you can opt for lunch at the Sirio restaurant
7. Chick Cove: a stone beach
Cala Pulcino, on the southern side of the island, is a stone beach that can be reached either by sea or by walking a path of about 40 minutes from the Dammuso Casa Teresa.
The beach is not very busy and some parts of it are closed to the public. We recommend that you wear a comfortable pair of shoes and bring water, as there are no services on the beach
8. Madonna Cove and the Sanctuary
Famous for the Shrine of Our Lady of Porto Salvo, Cala Madonna is a short distance from Cala Croce and is one of Lampedusa's most popular beaches.
Free and private beaches are available, and the cove can be easily reached by car along Via Madonna. There is also a small kiosk at the entrance to the beach for a lunch or aperitif overlooking the sea
9. Aperitif at the Sun Tree Lookout
Albero Sole is the highest point on Lampedusa (133 meters) and is one of the island's most beautiful lookouts. It is also called "U Signuruzzo" for the small crucifix that stands in its main lay-by.
We recommend visiting the Belvedere at sunset, accompanied by an aperitif at Sprizzando bar, suitable for families and groups of friends.
Tree Sun can be reached on foot starting from the height of the Rabbit Island junction, and it is recommended that you wear comfortable walking shoes on the way
10. Linosa Island: between creeks and Natural Pools
Linosa is a volcanic island of only 400 inhabitants. Here you can visit the quaint little colorful houses in the center of the island or take a boat ride from the harbor to its coves and sea caves.
Among the most interesting places on the island, we recommend visiting Cala Pozzolana di Ponente, a black sand beach surrounded by lava rocks, and the Piscine Naturali, a 45-minute walk from Linosa's main village.
The island can be reached from Lampedusa by hydrofoil at a price of about €20 one way, departing from 7:30 am and returning until 6 pm. We recommend that you purchase your ticket shortly before departure
11. Trekking in the Nature Reserve
If you are an adventure lover, you can opt for several dl trekking routes in the Lampedusa Nature Reserve.
Among the various routes, we recommend the Cala Stretta - Cala Galera Trail, which will take you through the Lampedusa coastline with its sea caves and cliffs. This trail lasts about 3 hours and is also suitable for families.
Other well-known trails are the Tabaccara Trail, about 6 kilometers to Tabaccara Bay, and the Casa Teresa Trail, which will take you to the oldest dammuso on the island. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes during the walk
12. Gateway to Europe
Between Cala Spugne and Porto Vecchio, the Gateway to Europe is a ceramic and iron monument about five meters high dedicated to all the people who lost their lives at sea trying to reach Lampedusa.
The Gate can be easily reached on foot from the center of Lampedusa by following the signs for Porto Vecchio
13. Snorkeling in Lampione Island
Lampione Island is part of the Pelagie Islands Marine Protected Area and is rich in marine life such as groupers, starfish, octopuses and sea turtles. On the island you can take a dip in its coves or explore its seabed by snorkeling.
You can reach the island by sea by speedboat or by an excursion organized by diving centers for diving enthusiasts. While sailing to Lampione, you may also be lucky enough to spot dolphins
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