Arco dell'Elefante, Pantelleria

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Pantelleria

Halfway between Trapani and Tunisia, this volcanic outcrop is Sicily's largest offshore island. Originally named Bent-el-Riah ('daughter of the wind' in Arabic) for the year-round winds that buffet it, Pantelleria is characterised by jagged lava rock formations, steaming fumaroles and mud baths. The island's unique agricultural traditions, characterised by low-slung caper bushes, dwarf grapevines and olive trees laid out on terraces between dry stone walls, earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. There are no true beaches, but Pantelleria's gorgeous, secluded coves are perfect for snorkelling, diving and boat excursions.


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