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Pantelleria is the largest  of Sicily’s satellite islands with a surface area of 83km2; it is also the most westerly, lying a mere 84km from the African continent, at the same latitude as Tunisia. Its warm climate, however, is constantly being tempered by ever-present strong winds blowing in from the sea, hence the justification for the islands Arabic name Qawsarah or Bent el Rion, meaning Daughter of the Wind. The current name is in fact late Greek or Byzantine in origin and may mean “rich land of offerings”. Pantelleria is definitely one of the favourite destination for relaxing sailing holidays in Sicily. The island is endowed with a jagged coastline bathed by clear blue sea, that hides a wealth of varied marine life: its rocky slopes, fashioned by dry stone walling into terraces fit for cultivation, together with the local dammusi (typical kind of house) combine to confer upon the place an exceptional and unique beauty. The distinctive colours of the soil and base rock, which for the most part are basaltic, have earned the island a nickname, namely the "black pearl of the Mediterranean”.
 The highest point on the island is Montagna Grande (836m), an ancient crater. The rocky black lava coastline is riddled with caves and small headlands projecting into the sea. The land mass being volcanic is extremely fertile and well drained, and therefore suited to the cultivation of the vine. Solimano, a sparkling wine with a delicate bouquet, together with the Passito di Pantelleria made with zibibbo grapes, are the principal specialities of the island. Second to these are the salted capers, which are harvested from plants that produce abundant numbers of exquisitely delicate flowers. Various phenomena provoked by volcanic activity are still much in evidence on Pantelleria: hot springs emerge from the sea floor just off the coast; sulphuric vapour emanates from natural caves, and jets of steam (known locally as favare) are intermittently emitted from the volcanic rock, especially in the vicinity of the craters. The island since is rich of natural thermal baths and natural moods is a perfect destination both for sailing vacation and wellness holidays.
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