Lampedusa

Day 1: Settle in and learn the winds

Your first day is about easing into island rhythm and getting wind‑savvy. Pick up a scooter and follow the rule locals live by: go where the wind makes the water calm and clear. In peak season, expect crowds; in shoulder months, everything feels more relaxed and airy.

• Morning: Arrive, check into your stay, then hire a scooter. Start with a gentle swim at Cala Guitgia to shake off travel, grabbing a coffee nearby. Ask a local “Oggi che vento c’è?” to decide the calm coast for the day (Maestrale = south, Scirocco = north‑east).
• Midday: If the south is calm, head to Cala Croce/Portu ’Ntoni for sunbeds and a leisurely seaside lunch; if Scirocco blows, switch to Cala Creta or Cala Pisana where waters stay clearer. Bring water shoes if you choose rocky entries.
• Afternoon: Drift to quieter local favourites: Cala Francese (sheltered, family‑friendly) or Cala Maluk (rockier, wonderfully clear). Embrace the Posidonia on shore as a sign of a healthy sea.
• Evening: Sunset aperitivo overlooking Cala Croce, then dinner in town on Via Roma. Book your Spiaggia dei Conigli entry online for Day 3 (free, limited slots) and confirm tomorrow’s boat trip.

Day 2: Giro dell’isola by boat

Today is the classic Lampedusa experience: a full circumnavigation with swim stops in surreal, glass‑clear coves. Conditions and route flex with the wind, and the captain will find the best shelter. Expect multiple dips, a simple on‑board lunch, and memories of water so clear boats look suspended.

• Morning: Board a small group boat (or hire a gommone if confident) around 9:30. Pack reef‑safe sunscreen, hat, cash for extras, and a light bag. First swim stops often showcase sandy seabeds that make the sea glow turquoise.
• Midday: Float and snorkel at Cala Tabaccara, where the white bottom turns the bay into a natural pool. Ask the crew about jellyfish before each stop and rinse with seawater if stung; they’ll have advice.
• Afternoon: Continue along the northern caves and rugged inlets if conditions allow; in Scirocco, expect more time around Mare Morto/Cala Creta. If self‑driving a gommone, keep clear of rocks, watch fuel, and note the Coast Guard emergency number: 1530.
• Evening: Return to port for gelato, then a twilight swim back at Cala Guitgia. Dinner of grilled catch or couscous; early night to be fresh for tomorrow’s hike‑and‑beach combo.

Day 3: Spiaggia dei Conigli and wild Cala Pulcino

Your finale blends the island’s icon with its wilder neighbour. Conservation shapes the rhythm here: you’ll share space respectfully with nesting sea turtles and the volunteers who protect them. Travel light, start early, and drink plenty of water—the African sun is real.

• Morning: Enter Spiaggia dei Conigli for your reserved slot (morning or afternoon; bring ID). Walk 15–20 minutes down, carry water and a hat, and follow volunteers’ guidance; umbrellas are restricted and parts of the beach may be cordoned for nests.
• Midday: Simple picnic by the trailhead or quick bite at the kiosks above the path (there are no services on the beach). If Scirocco makes the south choppy, swap plans: go to Cala Creta/Mare Morto now and use your Conigli reservation in the other day’s slot if possible.
• Afternoon: Hike 30–40 minutes to Cala Pulcino for a wilder swim among white pebbles and deep blues; wear proper shoes, take 1–2 litres of water per person, and pack out all rubbish. Alternative for families/heat: linger at Cala Francese instead.
• Evening: Visit the turtle rescue centre in town to understand the Caretta caretta story first‑hand (check hours). Farewell sunset near the lighthouse above Mare Morto and a last aperitivo—celebrating three days of wind‑wise, low‑impact beach life.

By Air

• Lampedusa Airport (LMP) is on the island; 5–10 minutes by taxi/shuttle to town.
• Year-round direct flights from Palermo (PMO) and Catania (CTA); flight time about 60–70 minutes.
• Summer (roughly Jun–Sep): additional non-stop flights from Italian cities such as Rome Fiumicino (about 1h45), Milan (about 2h), Bologna, Verona, Turin (carriers and routes vary by year).
• No international flights; most travellers connect via Palermo, Catania or Rome. Seats sell out in August—book early.

By Sea (Ferry/Hydrofoil)

• Mainland/Sicily gateway: Porto Empedocle (near Agrigento) to Lampedusa (often via Linosa).
• Hydrofoil (passengers only, Liberty Lines): about 4–4.5 hours; daily in summer, fewer in winter; weather-dependent.
• Car ferry (Siremar/Caronte & Tourist): about 8–9 hours (often overnight); several times weekly, more in summer.
• Reserve in advance in peak season and allow buffer time for possible wind/sea cancellations.

By Train

• No rail to Lampedusa. For ferries, take Trenitalia to Agrigento Centrale:
  • Palermo → Agrigento Centrale: about 2–2.5 hours (direct services).
  • Catania → Agrigento Centrale: about 3 hours (via Caltanissetta).
• From Agrigento Centrale, bus or taxi to Porto Empedocle (about 20–30 minutes, ~10 km).
• The branch line to Porto Empedocle has very limited or no regular passenger service—use bus/taxi instead.

By Bus

• Intercity buses link Palermo and Catania (including their airports) to Agrigento:
  • Palermo → Agrigento: about 2–2.5 hours.
  • Catania → Agrigento: about 3 hours.
• Local buses run Agrigento ↔ Porto Empedocle (about 20–30 minutes).

By Car

• You cannot drive to the island; you can:
  • Drive to Porto Empedocle and park near the port, then take the hydrofoil (foot passengers).
  • Or embark your vehicle on the car ferry (reservation essential in summer; check any seasonal restrictions and costs).
• Approximate driving times to Porto Empedocle:
  • Palermo → Porto Empedocle: about 2–2.5 hours.
  • Catania → Porto Empedocle: about 2.5–3 hours.