Isola dei Conigli, the most beautiful beach in the world is in Lampedusa!

The beach and the Isola dei Conigli are located on the island of Lampedusa, off the southern coast of Sicily. Since 1995, this area has been part of the Lampedusa Oriented Nature Reserve, which entails significant restrictions: navigation and scuba diving are prohibited, and swimming is only permitted with access from land. The beach of Isola dei Conigli, which visitors reach after about a twenty-minute walk, offers an immersive experience in nature, with an atmosphere that recalls Africa more than Europe. This beach is an ideal destination for those who love tranquility and wild beauty. Before reaching the beach, semi-hidden in a ravine, is the villa that was the residence of Domenico Modugno. The famous singer was so fascinated by this bay that he called it "God's swimming pool." The Bay of Isola dei Conigli is of fundamental importance from a naturalistic point of view. It is an important stopover for migratory birds, which stop there in April and September; the island is the realm of the Yellow-legged Gull (gabbiano reale), which nests right here, and serves as a "rest stop" for flocks of migratory birds that stop here to "break the journey." Furthermore, it is one of the few remaining sites in Italy where the Caretta caretta sea turtle lays its eggs, every year in spring. On this occasion, part of the beach is closed to the public by LegaAmbiente volunteers and monitored until the eggs hatch, usually at the end of August. The reserve protects a fragile and precious ecosystem, allowing visitors to closely observe the richness of the local flora and fauna, without disturbing the natural balance. The combination of beach, crystal-clear sea, and uncontaminated vegetation creates a unique environment that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those who visit it.

Etymology of the name The origin of the name "Isola dei Conigli" (Rabbit Island) is still debated today. It is probably a linguistic qui pro quo. The first mention of the bay appears on a 1824 map by Admiral Smith, who named it "Rabit Island." It seems that in subsequent cartography this toponym was improperly reported and translated from English (rabbit) instead of from Arabic (rabit = connection/that binds, connects). Smith, in fact, had plausibly relied on the Arabic language to refer to the sandy isthmus of about 30 meters that rarely forms during low tide between the islet and the coast, temporarily connecting them. The last event of this kind dates back to 2008, but currently, the water in that stretch of the bay is only a few centimeters deep anyway, offering breathtaking scenarios. Another theory suggests that the name derives from the fact that, in the past, the islet was inhabited by a large colony of rabbits, which arrived and remained there precisely because of the occasional appearance of the isthmus. Regardless of the origin of the name, the bay and the islet continue to fascinate with their natural beauty and the unique moments they offer to visitors. The crystal-clear waters and the particular conformation of the landscape create an enchanted atmosphere, making the Isola dei Conigli a must-see destination for lovers of nature and tranquility. Even without the sandy isthmus, the area remains a natural spectacle of great charm, where history and nature intertwine in a suggestive way.

The Beach Being located within a protected area, the beach is accessible to tourists from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm, divided into two shifts, and becomes partially off-limits during the turtle nesting period. The beach is worth a visit at any time of the year thanks to its exceptional beauty and mild temperatures. However, it is important to keep in mind that it can be very crowded in summer, while in the months of April, May, September, and October one can enjoy its crystal-clear waters in relative solitude. To preserve the integrity of the landscape, the beach has no services or bathing establishments. There are only a small refreshment point on the road and bathrooms at the start of the descent. It is advisable to bring the necessary equipment with you. There is a kiosk on site that rents umbrellas, which can only be used in a marked section of the coast. You can bring food and consume it on the beach, making sure to leave no waste. Finally, a note on the wind: it is preferable to visit the beach when the Maestrale (north-west wind) is blowing, which makes the sea clearer and calmer. If the Scirocco (south-east wind) is blowing, the currents stir the water, making it cloudier. The beach visit and access methods are as follows:

• 365 spots per shift can be reserved online.
• From the first days of June, it will be possible to book visits from June 20 to August 6; from the first days of July, it will be possible to book visits from August 7 to October 15.
• It is possible to book for only one shift per day (8:30 am-1:30 pm or 2:30 pm-7:30 pm); at the end of each shift (1:30 pm for the morning and 7:30 pm for the afternoon), visitors present on the beach must leave the premises and exit the Reserve.
• It is possible to book for once a week (the week runs from Sunday to Saturday).
• Each reservation can include a maximum of 2 people.
• Minors up to 6 years old and people with disabilities who use the accompanying service by sea of the Marine Protected Area can access without reservation.
• In addition, 35 spots per shift, without the need for reservation, are reserved for residents of the Municipality of Lampedusa and Linosa and similar (domiciled for service reasons).
• Those who have booked online must access the Reserve by 9:30 am for the morning shift and by 3:30 pm for the afternoon shift, otherwise the reservation will expire.
• In addition to the online reservation, an additional 150 spots per shift are available via an entry list, by going directly to the Reserve entrance from 8:30 am for the morning shift and from 2:30 pm for the afternoon shift.

How to reach Isola dei Conigli? The Isola dei Conigli is very close to the coast and can be reached by swimming from the "Spiaggia dei Conigli." To get to the beach, you can walk, use your own means, or take the bus. Regardless of the chosen means, you will have to cover a dirt track of about 10-15 minutes.

• On foot, the beach is about 6 km from the center, requiring over an hour's walk plus the final dirt track. This solution is tiring and not recommended.
• In summer, you can take the "linea azzurra" (blue line) bus which leaves every hour from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm from Piazza Brignone. The bus stops at the beach entrance, near the car parks.
• If you prefer to go by car, the beach is about 18 minutes from the center. Both free and paid parking are available, but in high season, free spots are hard to find. Pay attention to signage and restrictions to avoid fines.

How to Get to Lampedusa? By Plane Lampedusa is easily reachable by plane thanks to the island's airport, which operates direct flights from various Italian cities. During the high season, major airlines offer direct flights from cities like Rome, Milan, Palermo, and Catania. It is advisable to book well in advance, especially in the summer months, to find the best fares and availability.

By Ferry Another option for reaching Lampedusa is by sea. There are ferry and hydrofoil connections that depart from Porto Empedocle, near Agrigento, in Sicily. The ferry journey time is about 8-10 hours, while the hydrofoil takes about 4-5 hours. This mode of travel allows you to bring a vehicle with you, making travel on the island more convenient.

Where to stay nearby? Lampedusa offers various accommodation solutions, from comfortable full-optional hotels to economical bed & breakfasts. Below, we recommend some facilities not too far from Isola dei Conigli:

• Hotel La Rosa dei Venti: Via Terranova, 64, 92010, Lampedusa
• Oasis Resort: Via Grecale, 92010, Lampedusa
• Residence Agave: Via Madonna, 2, 92010, Lampedusa Other accommodations near Isola dei Conigli include hotels and B&Bs with prices starting from €40.00 per room.

What to do and see nearby? The Isola dei Conigli is a Sicilian gem, characterized by a close and unique contact between man and nature. Its seabed is rich in rare marine species, and the island is the habitat of the particular psammodromus algirus lizard, the Yellow-legged Gull which nests on the islet, and the Caretta caretta sea turtle. The hatching of the turtle eggs, a rare event, occurs around the end of August and is observable under the supervision of environmental volunteers. To protect the turtles and the entire marine fauna, the Lampedusa Turtle Group was created, a rescue center promoted by WWF volunteers. In collaboration with law enforcement and the Port Authority, the center saves numerous turtles accidentally caught by fishermen's nets, treating them and returning them to the sea.

• Visit the Turtle Rescue Center The center is open to visitors, who can observe the work of specialized doctors and volunteers in caring for the turtles.
• Visit Domenico Modugno's house The Isola dei Conigli is linked to the life of the famous singer Domenico Modugno, whose villa is located in the heart of the bay, just before the beach.
• Boat excursions to Lampedusa and neighboring islands Boat trips are among the favorite pastimes of tourists, with packages offered by various companies for an unforgettable tour of the Pelagie Islands.
• Snorkeling and diving Snorkeling and diving are must-do activities in Lampedusa and on Isola dei Conigli. It is important to rely on experienced professionals to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.
• Lampedusa by Night In addition to the beaches and landscapes, Lampedusa offers a lively nightlife. The main street, Via Roma, is very lively day and night. A famous meeting point is the Bar Isola delle Rose, known for its Sicilian granitas and strategic location near the main street. The bar also offers catering services and live music, with staff always available to satisfy every gastronomic request.

General Considerations and Travel Tips

• Advance Bookings: During the peak summer season, it is essential to book both flights and ferries in advance to secure a spot.
• Transport on the Island: Once in Lampedusa, you can rent cars, scooters, or bicycles to explore the island. There are also taxi and bus services connecting the main points of interest.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer a mild climate and less crowding than summer.
• Luggage: If you are traveling by plane, check the airline's baggage policies to avoid surprises at check-in.
• Navigation: For those traveling by private boat, it is possible to anchor near the port of Lampedusa, but it is important to respect local rules for the protection of the marine environment. With these options, you can best organize your trip to Lampedusa, ensuring a pleasant and smooth experience. Book your visit to Isola dei Conigli here! Cover photo credit: Isola dei conigli