So let's go to to Pantelleria

 

Now, I'm not going to write a whole lot about Pantelleria here; I'm going to excerpt some writing about Pantelleria here.  As I noted, I just found out this place exists a few days ago (as I write this). I did know that Malta exists, but this one escaped my knowledge for all my years, which are getting lengthier.

Descriptions of Pantelleria:

The Travelling Light -- Pantelleria: A Down-to-Earth Guide

"Riding on the back of our scooter from the airport to our Airbnb, I see the extraterrestrial landscape up-close for the first time: black volcanic rocks sprout sun-bleached wildflowers from their crevices, dried brown and yellow bushes cover the earth and even the most verdant plants are faded to a washed-out green.

Being on Pantelleria is an immersion in nature you can’t really escape. As a volcanic island, hot springs dot the ocean floor and steam seeps from cracks in the earth in places making natural saunas and fumaroles in the island’s rocky centre.

Strong winds batter Pantelleria regularly, so much so that planes often have a hard time landing and taking off. Grape vines are grown low to the ground to keep out of the path of the forceful gales.

On our holiday in late June though, the heat and strength of the sun is what gets to us, bouncing back from every surface, our only respite the cool, clear water surrounding the island."

So Close to Sicily, So Far From the Crowds (New York Times)

"  “We always tell newbies that you will either love it or hate it,” said the fashion stylist Sciascia Gambaccini, who has owned a vacation home on the island for 33 years. “This is not Capri. We don’t have Chanel. There aren’t fancy resort hotels. There is constant wind. The beauty is in the slow pace and the wild landscape.”

"Pantelleria’s topography completely shifts as you move from one part of the 32-square-mile island to another. As I zipped along the narrow main road and unpaved side routes, the scenery moved from lush caldera-formed valleys to barren plateaus tufted in Mediterranean scrub to hilltop villages festooned in pink bougainvillea, and up to woodsy mountains. Flowering cactuses and caper bushes with purple stamens grow with abandon, as do herbs. When the wind blows, it smells of wild oregano."

"The island’s largest hot spring, Specchio di Venere (Mirror of Venus), is an aquamarine-colored lake that sits in a volcanic crater bordered by mountains and vineyards. On top of gurgling 104 degree water, the draw is a therapeutic (and stinky) mud that bathers slather all over their bodies. Does it work? Well, the heat rash on my arms and chest stopped itching, and my travel-tight back relaxed."

The Specchio di Venere:

PANTELLERIA: The Reflection of Venus  (Sicily Review - this is a very good basic guide)

"Pantelleria, an exotic gem nestled between Sicily and Tunisia, boasts a rugged beauty shaped by volcanic activity and Mediterranean charm. Explore its dramatic coastline adorned with hidden coves and crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving adventures.

Discover ancient sites like the prehistoric village of Sesi, showcasing the island's rich history and archaeological treasures. Relax in natural thermal springs or indulge in the island's renowned Passito wine, cultivated in ancient terraced vineyards. Experience the unique culture and cuisine influenced by North African and Sicilian traditions, sampling local delicacies like couscous and capers. Pantelleria offers an enchanting blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage amidst the azure sea."

Below, a selection of pictures.

This resort also has a webcam. 

Port and town of Pantelleria.

Famous arch shaped like a drinking elephant.

The view from space;  it IS volcanic.