THE LAMPEDUSA DIARIES

18 May THE LAMPEDUSA DIARIES

7.30 am.

I wake up on an airplane seat at the voice of the hostess.

“In 20 minutes we are going to start landing, we kindly ask you to return to your seats and fasten your seat belts”.

I open my eyes.

Only blue as far as they can see.

Suddenly, as I squint my eyes, something from all that blue starts to take form, and quickly reveal a lighthouse, and a landing strip full of waving violet and yellow flowers magically appears from the sea.

As I step outside the aircraft a warm sun blinds me, a wind that smells like juniper starts playing with my hair and I can see in the distance a group of ochre houses that gives me the impression of being just landed in Casablanca.

Can I tell you a secret?

That was the moment, before even touching land, that Lampedusa cast her spell on me, and I admit to have seriously wondered how would it be to live here.

I had already heard of Lampedusa.

I had heard of “Rabbit’s Beach” first on many lists featuring the most beautiful beaches in the World.

But Lampedusa unfortunately is also sadly known especially among italians to be the spot where a lot of migrants that take the sea in search of better opportunities land.

If I saw any immigrant?

Oh, I did, indeed.

Their names are Giuseppe, Renato, Carla, Silvia.

All migrated to Lampedusa because they fell so deeply in love with this rock scattered into the sea to want to make of it their home.

As all the small things this small island is a concentrate of marvels: the amazing blue of the sea, the harsh and exotic beauty of its nature and landscapes, but above all the warm hearts of its people, which are friendly, hospitable and kind towards those who venture so far South.

But where exactly is Lampedusa?

Lampedusa is an island South of Sicily, and it’s indeed part of the italian island, although it’s nearer to the African coasts than to the italian ones. It’s the Southernmost corner of Italy, and almost the Southernmost in Europe. Even if an island in Greece holds this record, in Lampedusa you can find the Southernmost lighthouse in Europe and even the Southernmost bar!

The island is served by Alitalia and the low-cost airline Volotea.

As usual, I let my pictures speak for me, to let you feel emotions and sensations, and to let you live Lampedusa exactly as I lived it!

The pride of Lampedusa: the blue of Rabbit beach and Cala Pulcino (in the first pic)

Giovanna, Johny e Nicola, from Ristorante Hotel Cavalluccio Marino

The fishermen’s harbor, where life has other colors and rhythms …

This picture (and the cover one) was taken at Guitgia beach,

the “city beach” of Lampedusa, just a few steps away from the city center …

Can you believe the color of this water??

This is “Tabaccara” also knows as “God’s swimming pool”

as Modugno, an italian singer used to call it .. I wonder why … 😉

Ready to dive with Marina Diving Lampedusa??

I am, and for the first time I dived underwater breathing with bottles!

It was incredible! Have you ever done it?

Mr Bluewago and el capitan

Making friends at Resort Costa House, the only horseback riding center on the island!

Did you know that in Lampedusa you can hire a mehari?

And I strongly advice it, it’s easy and fun, and the wonders to discover are many!

The Southernmost lighthouse in Europe!

Mehari style

Seems like Ireland, but instead we are far away South!

A special thank you goes to Bluewago, for having taken us discovering this amazing island, so far from sight but not from the heart, to new friends that welcomed us in their villages and lives, and to my travel companions, who made this experience truly UNFORGETTABLE!

More on this amazing island is coming, but I felt the urge to declare my love to her with this letter