Little Gem N° 049 | *Ancient Dammuso on Pantelleria

Perched high above the sea on a wild, windswept promontory, is one of those rare places that seems to hold the soul of an island. Six ancient dammusi – Pantelleria’s traditional lava-stone homes – sit immersed in the Mediterranean scrub of the Pantelleria National Park, overlooking the Punta Spadillo lighthouse. From here, sunrise paints the horizon gold and the moon casts silver trails across the bay below.

This estate has been in the Sallier de La Tour–Tasca d’Almerita family for generations. Ariane, who now tends to the houses and gardens, grew up between these stones and the sea. Her parents first fell in love with Pantelleria in the 1970s, long before the island was on anyone’s travel list. They built the dammusi as a family refuge – a place for children to run wild, meals to be shared, and summers to unfold slowly in rhythm with nature. Today, Ariane continues this tradition, welcoming guests to experience the same serenity and sense of belonging her family has always found here.

The Space

The dammusi are built with thick volcanic walls and high vaulted ceilings, ingeniously designed to stay cool in summer without the need for air conditioning. Each one has its own terrace, seemingly suspended over the sea, where you can dine, read, or simply watch the horizon shift throughout the day. The interiors are simple but warm – whitewashed walls, hand-painted maiolica tiles, shelves lined with books, and furnishings chosen with a quiet elegance.

The Ancient, Small & Large Dammusi

The Ancient Dammuso
A love nest for two, with a vaulted living space, alcove bedroom, and a terrace framed by stone benches and blue-tiled tables. The bathroom, once a stable, has been beautifully reimagined with a lava stone sink and a sea-view window.

The Small Dammusi (up to 4 guests)
Built in the 1970s, these dammusi are anything but small. Each has two bedrooms, a vaulted central living area, two bathrooms, and a kitchen. French doors open onto shaded terraces with traditional cannizzo reed canopies, where long lunches and starlit dinners unfold.

The Large Dammusi (up to 7 guests)
The first to be built on the property, these houses embody the spirit of Pantelleria: silence, simplicity, and connection to the land. With multiple bedrooms, generous living spaces, and sea-facing terraces, they are ideal for families or groups of friends.

Outdoor Life

Every dammuso opens to its own passiaturi – a terrace with stone benches, bright cushions, director’s chairs, and an outdoor shower for rinsing off after a swim. A private path leads down through the scrub to the bay below: a slab of black lava smoothed by waves, perfect for sunbathing, diving, and snorkeling.

Just a 10-minute walk away lies Lago di Venere, the island’s volcanic lake. Here, you can bathe in thermal waters, cover yourself in mineral-rich mud, or watch flamingoes pause on their migratory journey.

Substack Article 

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

Location

Within Zone 1 of Pantelleria’s National Park, the island’s most protected area where nature still dominates. It feels remote, yet the main town of Pantelleria is only 4 km away, with its shops, markets, and trattorias. From the estate, you’re perfectly placed to hike Montagna Grande, explore the island’s caper farms and vineyards, or simply surrender to Pantelleria’s raw, elemental beauty.

Getting There

Pantelleria can be reached by daily propeller flights from Palermo, Trapani, and other Italian hubs. The island has no train station; the closest is in Trapani on the Sicilian mainland, with ferry connections also available.

What Makes It Special

Staying here is not just about a holiday house – it’s about entering a family’s story, one deeply entwined with the island. These are homes where children grew up barefoot, where friends gathered for meals that lasted long into the night, and where the silence of the wind carries as much meaning as conversation.

It’s the kind of place you tell your closest friends about, because it feels too personal and too beautiful not to share.

Price Indication

Ancient Dammuso: €800 - €1.000 €1.500 | 2 Guests 

2x Small Dammusi €1.100 - € 1.600 - € 2.300 | 4 Guests

3 x Large Dammusi €1.500 -  €2.000 - €3.200 | 7 Guests

*Price depending on season