LINOSA

Overt volcanic island of Linosa, with an area of ​​just over 5 sq km, 3.4 km long and 2.7 km wide, was already known at the time of Pliny the Elder, the great naturalist and avid volcanology expert in the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD . In his writings he cited "Aethusa" to indicate the presence of a volcanic island in the Strait of Sicily.

The island was used since ancient times as a temporary landing place, but in 1845 they came to inhabit 40 people who founded the first settlement.

In the sixties Linosa begins to change things. Come the first technical innovations accompanied by a tourist development: in 1963 it installs the first telephone exchange, in '67 kicks in a power plant, in '68 is realized Infant Asylum, with primary and secondary schools. In '73 it is built the first desalination plant in '76 and landed on the island RAI that installs a repeater and four years later Mediaset. In 1984, after many years of transshipments with little discomfort with the use of boats in a sea is not always calm, the ferry Paolo Veronese makes the first berth in the dock at the Old Port. They made two more docks: Mannarazza and Pozzolan Ponente that allow the airport passenger and unloading of goods when the wind strikes the main landing. In 2002 he joined the hydrofoil service on the route Porto Empedocle, Linosa, Lampedusa.

The town center

Linosa, beautiful, black lava rock, stands the profile of its three mountains against deep blue sky. The only town is gathered around the harbor of the Old Port, and is characterized by nice buildings arranged in a row next to each other, painted along the edges, the doors and windows, in very bright colors like yellow, red, blue , blue green. Glancing a little 'more than we realize how everything, from the color of the houses in the green of the crops, the blue sea, contrasting with the black volcanic rock. It 'a card that excites and makes us understand the size, the environment, the atmosphere of the place. If you'll just have to ask to get information on where to stay or other indications in general, then you will find the immediate availability and promptness of linosani to solve all your needs. If the Sicilian hospitality is a sacred and essential element for linosani is even more Here the tourist is treated not as a guest but as a family, a relative came from far away that you can offer all the hospitality.

Those who choose to spend a holiday in Linosa plunged into a completely different reality from the chaotic resorts where, sometimes, maybe it's easier getting stressed than relaxing. Where the beaches are real mass graves and waterfront like noisy exhibitions of cars and motorcycles. Here there is none of this. A Linosa, from June to September, non-residents are not allowed to disembark car and the only means that tourists can bring the island are bikes and motorcycles. Therefore before boarding recommend leaving the car in Porto Empedocle in one of the many parking lots kept close to the port. Motorcyclists remember that in Linosa there are no service stations before leaving so it is essential to fill up on fuel. However, if you choose to arrive without half in tow, to get around the island you'll be fine. To achieve your goals you can rent a scooter on the spot, or accompany you on board some tractor with attached trailer, or a more comfortable motoape. The diversion is insured, and the driver will be your guide.

The heart of the island is the area of ​​the ferry dock.

The two main streets where there are also a few shops on the island and the post office, are the way King Umberto and Via Alfieri. The first runs from the old airport until you reach the home of the municipal representation. Hence the second stretches to the inner area of ​​the island in the direction of Monte Vulcano.

Which is essential for the island's economy is tourism which today is mostly supported by their own revenues come through the flow of tourists, although there are other sources of income from agriculture and fishing.

Linosa is a magical land to be discovered. The excursions into the interior will reveal the secrets of this land, around the island by boat will give you the vision of the sea coves that adorn the coast of a wild beauty.

Around the island

To go around the island on foot s'impiegano a couple of hours and it is useful to remember to bring a bottle of fresh water out of the country because there are dining in the summer and put a sunscreen because the sun can become particularly bitter. Wear a hat, the most comfortable shoes you have, (preferably hiking and still with rubber soles) and go to the conquest of the island. You can start the hike along the trails leading to the summit of the three main volcanic peaks of the island. The most classic of walks is the one to Monte Vulcano (195 m) very tip of an extinct volcano whose summit you can enjoy the magnificent view of much of the island and in the days of Libeccio, you get even see Lampedusa.

There is also the Monte Rosso (186 m.), On top of which is a lookout post and the inside of its crater is covered with crops. The Black Mountain (107 meters), is the least of the three high. It is reached by a path a bit 'rough. Not far you can also see the craterlet or Vulcanello high 50 mt. and with a diameter of 70 meters. It is the youngest crater of Linosa. Moving towards the inner part and the central island, an area particularly well-protected from the wind, you reach the so-called Pit Chaplain, who is none other than the oldest crater island. Going back towards the sea you reach the place called the Faraglioni, this place particularly attractive. Along the way you can see the cisterns to collect rainwater built by the Romans. Continuing on past the lighthouse, you reach Cala Mannarazza and the Caves area. These are the large natural caves that were the homes of the early settlers when they landed on the island and which were used as shelter during the Second World War. Going back you can reach Pozzolan Cala di Ponente, with the unique black beach and where the turtles "Caretta caretta" come to lay their eggs. A simple immersion in this place by the feeling of bathing as in a huge aquarium from the transparent and full of all kinds of marine life. Going a bit 'more down underwater, at 12 mt. you can see a statue of the Madonna and Child with protecting the sub. Cala Pozzolan indentation in the center is quite short.

Not to be missed

The boat tour