Lampedusa is the largest of the 3 Pelagian islands,

this name means Island of high sea. It’s an

archipelagos situated in the Mediterranean Sea. It is

200 kilometres from Sicily and only 113 km from

Tunisia.

It takes the form of a long triangle and its highest

point is Albero Sole which is on the north side of the

island. Its coasts are varied: tall on the sea to the

north, low to the south. This is where we can find the

famous beach Isola dei Conigli (Rabbits’ beach),

which is a beach where the turtles Caretta Caretta

lay their eggs.

Lampedusa can be reached by plane, ferry or by

hydrofoil in the summer.

Lampedusa is a stony and rigid island. Its plants and animal life are similar to those of North Africa, for this reason it seems to belong to Africa. The only town is Lampedusa, rising on an inlet of South-East coast. High and jagged cliff walls, marine grottoes, decidedly mark the northern coast; on the southern and eastern ones, which are more accessible, there are a number of sandy bays, dominated by rock shaped by atmospheric agents. A feature of the southern coast is the Coniglirock, perhaps the most enchanting place on Lampedusa, separated from the land by a little shallow water, closing off a big and beautiful bay with crystalline waters.

Lampedusa Island has a mild climate, thanks to the winds and to the white rocks that limit the heat of the sun's rays.

Lampedusa is a paradise for snorkelers and divers who can enjoy a rich underwater world inhabited by corals, sponges and coloured fish.

Historically, Lampedusa was a landing place and a maritime base for the ancient Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs. Lampedusa has made international news as a prime transit site for immigrants hoping to enter Europe from Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Recently, Lampedusa has been catapulted into the public eye due to the events in Northern Africa. Immigrants have fled their native countries hoping to seek refuge in Europe, using Lampedusa as a safe harbour to move on from.

One of the most important landmarks is the sanctuary of ‘Madonna di Porto Salvo’. Christians and Muslems used to pray there. The church and the statue were restored. Every year on the 22nd Of September the festival of ‘Madonna di Porto Salvo’ is celebrated.

Lampedusa celebrates its protector with a procession, accompanied by fireworks, games and concerts. The local population start their preparations well in advance. On the first Sunday of the month the Madonna's statue is carried on fishermen's shoulders in a long procession from the sanctuary to the town's main church, where it is kept hidden until the 22th

September. There is then a further procession involving the whole town. At the end of the festivities on the 23th September a final procession takes the statue back to its sanctuary.

Arancini

Grilled fish

Cannoli

Baked Pasta

COUS-COUS

Filled squid

and