Plinius Travel Notebook 01: Where We Go to Celebrate & Get Inspired

Last september, I had what I can only describe as a dream holiday. I finally got to check off some long-awaited destinations from my ever-growing travel wish list.

My boyfriend gives me sort of carte blanche when it comes to planning, but only after we’ve agreed on the destination together. Once that’s settled, I get to decide where we stay, what we visit, and where we eat—though I do have to accommodate one non-negotiable from his side: there must be some “old stones” involved.

Luckily for me, he has a thing for islands and unique places,—something about their manageable size and that unmistakable island vibe that just screams holiday mode and total relaxation.

So pitching a combined trip to Pantelleria and Sicily? That was an easy sell!

PANTELLERIA

Pantelleria is a inimini tiny volcanic island between Sicily and Tunisia, known for its dramatic coastline, natural hot springs, and unique dammusi stone houses. With no sandy beaches but stunning lava rock formations and crystal-clear waters, it’s a paradise for those seeking raw, untouched beauty and a slower pace of life. Ever since i’ve read an article in Konfekt about this place and seeing the beautiful Parco dei sesi, I have been wanting to visit it.

LITTLE GEM NO. 051 | AUTHENTIC ESCAPE OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Parco dei Sesi was booked, but after looking for a while, I found these stunning little ‘dammusi’ and this simple and relaxed vibe was all I wanted for our stay on this Island.

We arrived in Pantelleria on a tiny propeller plane, landing on what is essentially a single airstrip. Only a handful of these small planes fly in and out each day. After landing, we walked almost straight out of the airport. It was so quick and easy, it gave me this feeling of going back in time, like how flying must have been years ago.

Speaking of stepping back in time—I (enthusiastically) decided we should explore the island in a vintage Fiat 500. And let me tell you, it was SO cool!

Okay, honestly, there’s not much to do on the island – this is SLOW LIVING. But that’s exactly what you should embrace. And honestly, I can't think of a better way to start your holiday here, as it’s the perfect place to completely unwind.

So here’s what we did: 
 

• On our first day we took a little road trip in our old fiat around the entire island (you can technically do it in about an hour, but we took our time to soak it all in, of course! ).
• Started our mornings with a daily coffee at Emporio del Gusto – perfect for picking up some local delicacies and wines too!
• Visited the Museo del Cappero (This is possibly the cutest museum in the world!) and picked capers. After trying these capers, I can never go back to buying cheap capers in the supermarket again, this is just another world of capers! )
• Had a really nice dinner at Il Principe e Il Pirata – A slow food restaurant and I think the best of the island.
• Enjoyed a natural spa day at Lago di Venere and had a really good sandwhich at Azienda Agricola MaRai.
  
  
   
• Cocktails and a swim at KayaKaya – perfect for a chilled afternoon.
  
  
• Swam in the sea of course, no beach but we still managed to find some cool swimming spots.

'beach' at Kaya Kaya and Il Gelato di Ulisse

• We hiked Montagna Grande, the highest point on the island at 836 meters (2,742 feet), and the view was absolutely worth it.
• Had delicious ice cream at Il Gelato di Ulisse.
• Caught a breathtaking sunset at the Lighthouse – a serene spot to end the day

Lighthouse

• Swam at Cala Tramontana, definitely our favorite swimming spot on the island.

Cala Tramontana

• Lunched at Le 2 Cale in Cala Tramontana – we loved this spot.
• Enjoyed a sunset pizza at Pizzeria L’Alice
• Tried a different local wine each day – seriously the wines are great!
• And the rest of the time, we simply relaxed on our own terrace, reading books, enjoying breakfast and aperitivo, and savoring these slow days.

Sunsets at le Case del Principe Pantelleria

After a short week on Pantelleria, we flew back to Palermo to continue our holiday. (I originally wanted to share everything in one post, but it looks like I have too much to share—so this trip will be continued! ;) )

Want to book a holiday to Pantelleria, check out Parco dei Sesi here or if you would like to know about this other little gem, please send me an email at shari@plinius.homes

Love,

Shari