A closer look
South of Sicily lies Pantelleria, a wind‑carved Italian island closer to Tunisia than Rome. Think volcano remains turned vineyards, mud baths steaming beside turquoise seas, and a single bus looping the coast. Flights arrive twice a week, often under $100 if booked three months ahead. Rent an e‑bike—the island is only 14 km wide—and savor capers grown from black lava soil. Local rule: sunrise swims, sunset wine. Travelers chasing cheap flights to crowded Santorini rarely know Pantelleria exists. Now you do—just you, the wind, and stone houses older than most cities.
