Pantelleria. The Stone Islands. The Lake of Venus. Sicily.

Pantelleria, 110 kilometers from the Sicilian coast, is a volcanic island of extraordinary scenic interest. It has just over 7,000 inhabitants and is part of the province of Trapani. The island is protected by the Pantelleria Island National Park. The lake of Venus, a lake basin that occupies an ancient crater, is its symbol. Moreover, everywhere in Pantelleria the presence of the volcano is tangible. The rock, the thermal springs, the fumaroles, the old flows are the testimony of a geological past in perennial evolution. Shaped by volcanic phenomena, the sea and the wind, the island is a fragment of Sicily lost in the blue of the Mediterranean. Beyond a beautiful sea, Pantelleria offers the visitor spectacular nature, with its craters called Mursìe, secondary volcanisms, jagged coasts and the inland mountains covered with woods. A dense network of trails allows you to explore the island far and wide. No less fascinating is the agricultural heritage that has developed unique features here. The cultivation of the sapling vine from which the excellent passito is obtained is now a UNESCO heritage site. The Pantelleria gardens, small citrus groves protected from the wind by circular walls of lava stone, characterize the territory together with the cultivation of capers, present everywhere. The dammusi, the typical buildings with a domed roof, a legacy of the Arab domination, characterize the spirit of adaptation of the locals in a difficult environment. And for archeology enthusiasts, Pantelleria can boast prehistoric sites that date back to the 22nd century BC, to then continue with the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs and so on. Pantelleria is an island to be discovered. It has excellent hotel accommodation (there is something for all tastes) and can be reached by sea or by plane. It has a considerable surface area so it is useful to have a means of transport (a bicycle is also good for the more sporty) and has a respectable gastronomic tradition. Maybe it’s not your typical beach chair and umbrella island. In fact, it does not have beaches, but there is no shortage of options for bathing and the rugged coastline that can be seen from the sea is truly amazing. It is an island out of the ordinary, starting with the names of the districts, a microcosm that must be discovered slowly and with an open mind. I am sure it will not disappoint you, indeed expect love at first sight! This video was mainly shot in 4k with a Lumix GH5 and in 2k with a GoPro Hero7. Only a couple of clips were filmed with an I-phone 13 (also in 4K). The photos are by Francesca Sparatore and were taken with different cameras, depending on the circumstances. Post-production and editing was done using Final Cut Pro X. The song “Hero’s Ascent“ is by Chris Haugen and is available on the YouTube Audio Library. More information? Leave a message in the comment section or contact me through the following links: Twitter Facebook MeWe Instagram