Pantelleria in mountain-bike

This first ride will allow us to discover the island in its entirety, following the perimeter road and visiting the various points of interest along the coast.
We leave from the centre of Pantelleria (1) to reach Punta Spadillo (2), with its lighthouse and volcanological museum. Continuing the tour, we pass by Cala Cinque Denti (3) and reach Gadir Marina (4). This is a thermal resort par excellence, thanks to its thermal pools carved into the rock. We will continue this relaxing morning. In this small harbour you will have the opportunity to approach not only the warm waters but also the sea of Pantelleria for the first time.
We continue to the Arco dell’Elefante (5), a classic postcard image that cannot be missed, and it is in this picturesque spot that we stop for a snack.
After the break, a climb up the steep cliffs overlooking the sea awaits us in Dietro Isola (6), where we can admire the Balata dei Turchi and the Salto della Vecchia, a drop of almost 300 metres into the sea. The next stops are at Rekale (7) and Scauri (8), two very characteristic rural areas. Finally, we will stop at La Vela (9) to catch our breath and perhaps take a dip in the sea.
We will then return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Duration: Full day; Distance: 48 km; Altitude: 1100m

We are now ready to conquer the highest peak of the island: the Montagna Grande, 836m above sea level. We begin the climb with a first stop at the archaeological site of San Marco and Santa Teresa (1), where you can admire the amazing Roman acropolis and discover the splendour of ancient Sicily during the Punic-Roman period, when the island was one of the most sought-after destinations in the central Mediterranean due to its strategic position between Africa and Sicily. It was here, in 2003, that imperial portraits from the 1st century AD were found.
From here we move on to one of the most ancient places on the island: Montagna Grande. From the village of Sibà (2), the last inhabited village before reaching Montagna Grande (3), the highest peak (4) on the island at 836 metres above sea level. The route runs through a natural pine forest. After a splendid climb, during which you will come across the Kuddia Mida fumaroles, you will reach the summit, from where there is a 360-degree view of the island, with some very suggestive glimpses of the Piana Ghirlanda crater from above. After a break to recharge our batteries, we set off for Lake Venus (5), following beautiful paths through pinewoods and along the old mule tracks that once linked the different areas of the island. We pass through the districts of Randazzo and Bugeber and finally we will arrive to Lake Venus. It is a volcanic crater that has created a basin with a unique ecosystem. You can relax by immersing yourself in the small basins with warm waters or by sprinkling your body with natural mud, which is considered an excellent treatment for the well-being of the skin.
After this relaxing stop, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Duration of excursion: 5 hours; length km 34; difference in altitude approx. m 1000

DAY 3

We will visit the Khaggiar lava flow (3) along paths in a unique setting overlooking the sea for a sensitive dance session and a breathtaking bath. After an afternoon break we will meet again in the evening for a night excursion to Lake Venus (4).

BOAT TRIP

We are bikers but let’s not forget that we are on an island and what better way to discover its coastline than a tour of the island by boat. After breakfast we will go to the harbour of Pantelleria (1) to begin this day of sea and relax. The full tour of the island will give us the opportunity to visit numerous creeks such as Nikà with its thermal waters, while being fascinated by the colour of the seabed and the spectacle of the coastline with its impressive cliffs and numerous caves. There will be several opportunities to stop for swimming and snorkellin. There will be also stop for a light lunch on board.
Around 16.00 we return to port in the direction of the accommodation facility.

Return in the afternoon, dinner and overnight stay.

After the day’s break dedicated to the sea, everyone is ready for the next ride.
We will then move on to Piana Ghirlanda (1) with the guide, who will explain the techniques of pruning and cultivating vines using the alberello method, so that we can understand the reasons why this practice has become a UNESCO intangible heritage site.
We will continue the tour to Cappereto Bonomo (2), one of the most important examples of heroic cultivation on the island. The cappereto is owned by the Bonomo Emanuela company of the same name, where we will stop for lunch/tasting of the products of Pantesca agriculture, including wines and passiti.
From here we will set off on a tour towards Piana del Monastero, cycling through the vineyards to reach the natural sauna “Grotta di Benikulà” (3) at the foot of Montagna Grande. A place of rare beauty and originality that can be reached by a short walk along an ancient mule track. It is in fact a Turkish bath inside a natural cave that exploits the water vapour that escapes from a fissure in the rock inside the cave itself. All framed by the picturesque landscape of the Monastero plain (4), a valley dedicated to agriculture, with the Mediterranean Sea in the background.
From here we finally depart for the return to the facility, dinner and overnight stay.
Duration of excursion: 5 hours; length km 40; difference in altitude approx. m 800

An unforgettable evening among wines, stars and gourmet food awaits you in the vineyards of Bukkuram Estate.
You will have the opportunity to taste the wines of Abraxas Winery and Alchimia’s gourmet food, while lying among the vineyards of Bukkuram Estate, looking at the stars, guided by the words and equipment of an astronomy expert. All accompanied by Alchimia’s gourmet cuisine.
What can you see on this evening?
The naked eye viewing will include: Milky Way, Moon, Summer Triangle (Denib – Vega – Altair), Sagittarius, Scorpio, Northern Mythos.
Telescope viewing will include: Moon, bright stars, double stars, star clusters, galaxies (weather permitting).

We go back home

Unfortunately, it is time to leave, the island will have left its mark on you, but do not despair, we are waiting for you for a second visit to Pantelleria, for a new experience
on the island.