Area marina protetta Isole Pelagie

The reserve encompasses three Mediterranean islands - Lampedusa, Linosa, and Lampione - covering 4,136 hectares of marine environment with clear waters reaching 30-meter visibility.

The Italian government established this marine protected area in 2002 to safeguard the diverse marine ecosystems and geological formations between Malta and Tunisia.

Local communities maintain traditional fishing practices while supporting conservation efforts through educational programs and sustainable tourism initiatives within the protected waters.

Visitors can explore underwater caves, observe marine species, and participate in guided snorkeling tours from designated access points around the three islands.

The area contains the only Italian habitat of Stapelia europea, an African plant species, and serves as a critical nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles.

Location: Province of Agrigento

Inception: 2002

Operator: Comune di Lampedusa e Linosa

Website: http://ampisolepelagie.it

GPS coordinates: 35.87240,12.86800

Latest update: November 22, 2025 06:45