Pantelleria National Park, National park on Pantelleria, Sicily, Italy
Pantelleria National Park covers about 66 km², nearly 80% of the island, in a strip from the north coast through the centre to the south coast. It includes Montagna Grande (836 m) and Monte Gibele (710 m) and overlaps several Natura 2000 sites.
The island was settled in Neolithic times, with archaeological remains showing early human presence, and contains megalithic tombs from the Bronze Age. These ancient burial sites and settlements dot the current park area.
The park's name refers to the island, whose economy has long centred on Zibibbo grapes, the base of the sweet Passito wine. The low bush vines, trained in hollows to resist wind and salt, remain a visible feature of the cultivated terraces within the protected area.
Wear sturdy shoes when exploring the trails, as they cross volcanic terrain and can be steep or uneven in places. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for walking, with milder temperatures than the hot summer months.
The park protects plant species found nowhere else in the world that have evolved to survive the volcanic soil and intense winds. These rare botanical features make it a valuable location for understanding how life adapts to harsh conditions.
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