On my recent trip to Italy, I had the incredible fortune of visiting a small island nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Closer to Africa than Sicily, this island is often referred to as the 'Black Pearl of the Mediterranean.' What is this secret paradise that barely registers on most maps? (Believe me when I say you realllllllly have to zoom in on Google to find it!) Pantelleria.
Unlike anywhere else I've explored in Italy, Pantelleria captivated me with its striking volcanic landscapes, constant sirocco (winds), and shimmering turquoise waters, offering the perfect retreat from the rush of modern life. Though it's still a well-kept secret among many Americans, Pantelleria’s allure is beginning to spread, having recently been featured in The New York Times.
How did I discover Pantelleria, the ancient hidden gem of the Mediterranean? I joined my sister, Dani Reidy, on a yoga retreat with her company, Arrow Yoga! And yes, I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to do so. My sister also brought along her talented photographer, Anna Meyer Photo, to capture our entire trip! All of the beautiful photos below were taken by her.
During the week, we not only participated in daily yoga practice but also had the chance to connect with ourselves and each other through unforgettable excursions - something my sister does exceptionally well when she leads her incredible trips! These adventures took us across the island, allowing us to fully immerse in the beauty of Pantelleria. From exploring rugged landscapes and bathing in the famous Mirror of Venus Lake (Specchio di Venere) to hiking through the Parco Nazionale Isola di Pantelleria and diving off a boat into the crystal-clear Mediterranean, we enjoyed the island's very best. And, of course, no trip to Italy would be complete without visiting a local winery and indulging in some truly delicious meals.
It's hard to put into words the absolute magic we experienced while visiting this island, but that's the only way I would describe it.
A significant part of this magic was thanks to our serene and welcoming stay at the stunning Parco Dei Sesi. Owned by a lovely husband and wife duo, we felt at home the moment we arrived. Located in the heart of the archaeological Sesi park, the resort made us feel like we were stepping into history, especially while staying in the Dammusi—traditional houses unique to Pantelleria, known for their thick lava stone walls, small windows, and iconic domed roofs.
Another enchanting aspect to our stay was starting each morning with rooftop yoga, overlooking the sea. Afterward, we enjoyed a delectable breakfast made by a local chef, featuring fresh fruits, grilled veggies and homemade breads. It was the perfect fuel for our adventures across the island.
Now for some highlights...
SPECCHIO DI VENERE
The lyric that immediately came to mind when I first saw the color of this lake was, 'Oh, damn, never seen that color blue.' Thank you, Taylor Swift! 😉 Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like the striking color of the Mirror of Venus lake. What makes it truly unique is its location within a volcanic crater, with rich, dark mud known for its therapeutic properties, and natural hot springs - making it an open air spa. We made sure to fully embrace all the natural benefits this incredible lake had to offer, mud bath included!
PARCO NAZIONALE ISOLA DI PANTELLERIA
Pantelleria offers a variety of unique landscapes, with volcanic rock being at center stage. However, the island is also rich in biodiversity, which we experienced firsthand during a hike through Pantelleria Island National Park. Covering 80% of the island, the park preserves not only its striking volcanic features but also its lush vegetation, including Zibibbo grape vineyards and caper fields - that you can see from this breathtaking view! We also had the opportunty to see natural hot springs and ancient Dammusi houses on our exploration. One of the best parts of our hike? The gelato we stopped for on our way home!
WINE TASTING AT ABBAZIA SAN GIORGIO
While Italy is renowned for its wines, the island of Pantelleria is particularly famous for producing Zibibbo wine, a sweet and aromatic white wine made from the Zibibbo grape, which has been cultivated low to the ground for centuries - dating back to ancient Roman times! The most famous variety, Passito di Pantelleria, involves drying the grapes in the sun before fermentation, resulting in a rich, sweet wine. Local winemakers take immense pride in this meticulous process, and we had an unforgettable time sampling the fruits of one winemaker's labor at Abbazia San Giorgio. Not only was the wine delicious, but the winery also provided the most spectacular views that added to the wonderful experience.
SAILING TRIP
We couldn’t leave Pantelleria without experiencing its beauty from sea level and we were lucky that the wind subsidded on this particular day to allow us to do so. With no proper beaches aside from the Lake, the best way to enjoy the Mediterranean is by boat! We truly saved the best for last, as nothing compares to diving into the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean on a warm summer day. Another highlight was being able to see the beautiful cliffs and rock formations. If you've ever taken a boat tour to Capri, there were definitely some similarities. Since I love being on the water, this was easily my favorite day of the trip!
THE WOMEN
While the island offered immense natural beauty and rich history, the true treasure of the trip was the opportunity to connect with the other women. In just a short time, we created bonds not only with the island itself but also with one another through meaningful conversations, shared adventures, and a few dance parties! It's truly a testament to my sister and her ability to bring supportive women together in a special way.
All photos taken by Anna Meyer Photo // https://www.instagram.com/annameyerphoto/
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