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Lampedusa, the largest of the three Pelagic Islands (the others are Linosa and Lampione), lies about 200km south of Sicily, closer to Tunisia than Italy. Surrounded by stunning aquamarine waters, with its south shore protected as a marine reserve, it's a popular summer holiday destination whose year-round population of 6300 more than trebles in summertime. In winter transport connections are cut back and almost every hotel and restaurant shuts down.
The island's main tourist attraction are its beaches, which are strung along the 11km south coast. The most famous, and one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful, is Spiaggia dei Conigli (aka Rabbit Beach) at Isola dei Conigli, a dreamy secluded bay lapped by shallow, turquoise waters.
Lampedusa has also made headlines in recent years as Italy's main port of entry for refugees from Africa and the Middle East, with tens of thousands of migrants arriving mostly from Libya and Tunisia.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Lampedusa.
Beach
Few beaches in the world enjoy such legendary status as this long stretch of pristine white sand lapped by turquoise waters, with pretty views out to a verdant offshore island. It's managed to retain its beauty thanks in large part to its protected status as the centrepiece of the Riserva Naturale Isola di Lampedusa. The beach is accessible only by boat or on foot via a 15-minute trail off the main road (look for the sign of the lounging rabbit).
Bay
Reachable only by boat, the limpid electric-blue waters of this cove off Lampedusa's south shore are one of the island's most awe-inspiring sights. There's no beach, so swimming from a boat is your only option; any Lampedusa operator will take you here for around €40 per person.
Beach
Secluded up near Lampedusa's northeast corner, this rocky cove is one of the island's most tranquil getaways, with crystal-clear waters and excellent snorkelling.
Wildlife Reserve
Lampedusa's pristine beaches are prime nesting habitat for sea turtles, in particular the loggerhead, and this volunteer-based organisation has been working doggedly for their protection for the past 10 years, taking in and rehabilitating injured turtles while educating local school kids and the general public about turtle conservation. Visitors can get a first-hand look at the Turtle Group's work, and meet a turtle or two, on guided afternoon tours (usually available in English with advance notice).
Viewpoint
For Lampedusa's best sunset, head to this viewpoint near the island's northwestern corner, where you can gaze towards Tunisia as the sun drops directly into an unbroken expanse of sea. About 3km east of Capo Ponente on the main road, you'll pass another fine sunset-viewing spot at Albero Sole (133m), Lampedusa's highest point; from May to September, the mobile bar Sprizzando sets up daily in the parking lot here to ply the late-afternoon aperitivi set with Aperol Spritzes.
Beach
Just across the bay from downtown Lampedusa, Cala Guitgia is surprisingly beautiful for an in-town beach, with fine white sand and calm, clear waters that are perfect for families with children. Pay €15 for two beach loungers and an umbrella and make a day of it. In season, it gets predictably packed.
Beach
Reachable only by sea or by a 15-minute walking trail, this secluded cove at the mouth of a small canyon is one of the island's most tranquil hideaways, with shallow waters tucked between rocky promontories.
Beach
Crystal-clear turquoise waters lap this long, narrow cove west of town; the small sandy beach at the far end is a perennial draw for swimmers and sunbathers.
Beach
A short distance west of Lampedusa town, this deep cove shelters a sandy beach that gets packed with holidaymakers, loungers and umbrellas in high season.