Pantelleria is a tiny island in the Strait of Sicily. The thing most people want to say about it first is that it’s geographically closer to Africa than Italy, but it’s really equidistant between Tunisia and Sicily, and this is probably a good way to start imagining it: like a wilder, more rugged, volcanic Mediterranean landscape, with its own stony architecture and an incredibly long history of human occupation. Many of the best places to stay on Pantelleria have been converted from the traditional stone dammusi dwellings, which are very square, with roofs which start flat and then dome up. Pantelleria has its share of contemporary hotels too, and new-built dammusi-style resorts.

Pantelleria is beautiful and unique. Its low-lying plant-life allows for spectacular views of the turquoise waters and its bright aquamarine lakes. Many of the best places to stay on Pantelleria have incredible views of the ocean, and the promise of relaxation amidst this uniquely serene backdrop is one of the island's main appeals. It’s also extremely popular with hikers and walkers, and anyone looking for somewhere really unusual to explore, without leaving Europe.

As well as the unique landscape, Pantelleria’s location, between trade routes and continents, has made it historically important far beyond its size. It has castles, mosques and churches, and ruins left by the Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans — imperial portraits of several Roman Emperors have been discovered at the ancient acropolis and are now displayed at the Pantelleria Castle museum. Today Pantelleria’s markets are a colourful mix of Italian, Sicilian and North African wares, and the same can be said for the island’s cuisine. This is also a fantastic place for divers, and some of the hotels have good access to dive schools and diving gear.

Just don't forget that this is a small place with limited accommodation options. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Pantelleria during the peak summer months, you'll need to get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Pantelleria

For a relaxed getaway

• Tenuta Borgia is a collection of traditional dammusi houses, made of stone bricks, and surrounded by palms like pineapples, olive groves and low pine trees. Each house has its own private terrace wrapped with bougainvillea, and inside there are beautiful kitchens and living spaces. Two of the houses have private pools. The decor is traditionally minimal, with whitewashed walls, colourfully patterned tiles, and wrought iron or wood furniture. Perfect for the hot temperatures. Perfect for groups or families.
• Club Levante has been converted from a number of dammusi houses, and is now a simple, but charming collection of 13 rooms and suites, with outstanding sea views and lush natural gardens. The whitewashed interiors are kept cool with stone exteriors and tiled floors, and most rooms open out onto a shaded terrace. There are more secluded terraces around the infinity pool and bar, while the indoor/outdoor restaurant has a friendly buzz. Perfect for promoting laid-back island life.

For a Special Occasion

• Sikelia is a chic contemporary hotel, based on the traditional architectural shapes of the island, so think smooth white walls with rounded edges, vaults and domes. The hotel has 20 rooms and suites, all impeccably designed to make the most of the location, and to impress with their brushed concrete, plush linens, mirrored surfaces and air of cool comfort and style. The restaurant is a fine dining blend of Italian and Arabian cuisine, and the wine cellar is full of locally produced options.

For Families

• Pantelleria Dream is an collection of square, stone dammusi, peacefully arranged over four hectares of hillside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and surrounded by succulents, vineyards, and wonderfully fragrant citrus groves and rosemary. The dammusi villas come in different shapes and sizes (ideal for families of four), but whatever you choose it will be light and spacious, with minimalist details, and a private terrace overlooking the ocean. There are two pools, both beautiful, and a fantastic restaurant. Relaxed and idyllic.

For a Private apartment or private villa

• If you're travelling as a family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a villa or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Pantelleria has its own airport, Pantelleria Airport, which is about ten minutes from the centre of town by taxi, and is connected to Italian hubs like Rome and Milan, but also to Sicily’s Catania Airport. Alternatively you can fly into Palermo Airport on Sicily’s northern side, and catch the bus across to Trapani, and then the ferry to Pantelleria. It’s not a quick journey, but it is scenic!
• Having your own transport on Pantelleria is essential if you want to do much outside your resort, so we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Pantelleria’s Mediterranean location means the weather is mild and sunny for most of the year — very, very hot come the summer, and wetter come winter. Families and lovers of island holidays tend to make Pantelleria popular during the summer, even though the island’s low vegetation and black rocks send temperatures through the roof. August is hottest and most expensive, with June a better choice as far as crowds and heat go. Walkers tend to visit in spring or autumn — March through May, and October. If you want to be part of the grape harvest, or just watch it take place, then plan to visit in September.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay on Sicily
• Consider refining your search by the type of holiday you’re planning and focus on the best beach hotels on Sicily, our collection of Sicily’s great rural hotels or Sicily's best wine hotels
• You could also drill down by location, and focus on the best hotels near Mount Etna or the best hotels near Agrigento
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.