Linosa, discovering the ‘black pearl of the Mediterranean’
They call it ‘the black pearl of the Mediterranean’, it is located in the blue of the Mediterranean Sea and is part of the Pelagie Islands. Here is Linosa, a small gem that symbolically connects Europe and Africa. This is a bridge made of culture and beauty that shows one of the most seductive sides of Sicily. In summer? It is undoubtedly the perfect destination. Let’s find out more together on Sicilian Secrets!
Welcome to Linosa! Moving away from the southern coast of Sicily, we cans see the archipelago of the Pelagie that also includes the famous island of Lampedusa. The smallest of the two ‘sisters’ has a unique charm, certainly given by its geographical position but also by the colors and atmospheres of its territory. It was already mentioned by Strabo, then by Pliny the Elder with the Greek name of ‘Aethusa’ and ‘Algusa’. In the sixteenth century, instead, ‘Lenosa’ appeared, and the current toponym came about in 1845.
Linosa has a volcanic origin and extends for 5.4 square kilometers, exactly halfway between Sicily and Tunisia. What remains today as a trace of its geological evolution are the craters, among which it is worth mentioning the main one, namely Fossa del Cappellano. Over the centuries, the island welcomed the Romans during the Punic wars, then the Arabs and the Normans, the Angevins and the Aragonese, becoming a refuge for all those who crossed the ‘Mare Nostrum’.
What to do in Linosa
Linosa is generally visited in combo with Lampedusa and Lampione, with the latter being part of the homonymous nature reserve. The wide variety of flora and fauna strikes the visitor’s eyes, and the Caretta caretta turtle is well known and regularly lays their eggs here. Once on the island, the main activities that can be done are undoubtedly those that make you be in touch with nature. And so, sea lovers can indulge in scuba diving thanks to the services of the local diving clubs, or take a boat ride. Instead, those who love walking, can explore the numerous paths that allow you to explore far and wide. One of the destinations for those who want to go trekking are the volcanic craters, so much so that some of the best excursions go in the direction of Monte Vulcano, Monte Rosso and Monte Nero.
The most beautiful beaches
Relax by the sea? In Linosa it means basking in an uncontaminated paradise. The island’s beaches are rugged and wild, the ideal solution for those who need a break from the daily frenzy. They call it ‘the black pearl of the Mediterranean’ because of the typical dark volcanic sand that ‘hugs’ the deep blue of the sea. The seabed is different from Lampedusa, forget the sand and shallow water…get ready to dive into a wonderful abyss. On board a fishing boat, it is worth going into several points of the coast, it will not be difficult to fall in love in front of suggestive views and sinuous inlets. Here are some of the beaches not to be missed during your stay: Cala Pozzolana di Pontente, Cala Pozzolana di Levante, the Piscine, Punta Beppe Tuccio and Sechitella.
From Linosa to Lampedusa
It frequently happens that travelers visit Linosa for a day during their holidays in Lampedusa. The proximity between these two islands makes it easy, so here are some little curiosities about the ‘star’ of the Pelagie. Lampedusa is one of the most popular tourist destinations especially during summer months and is the dream of anyone who wants direct contact with the authenticity that our planet gives. Did you know that you can even spot dolphins and white sharks in its surroundings? A fundamental stop on a trip to Lampedusa is the famous Spiaggia dei Conigli (in the southern part of the island) that in 2013 was crowned by TripAdvisor as the ‘Most beautiful beach in the world’. And if it had even fascinated Domenico Modugno, who had chosen it as a place for his holidays, do we need to add more?
