LINOSA ISLAND

Welcome to the heart of the Mediterranean ( Linosa island )

Linosa lies virtually at the center of the Mediterranean sea. Together with Lampedusa and Lampione, it belongs to the PELAGIE ISLANDS. The old name for Linosa was ALGUSA because of the great ammount of SEEWOODS on the sea bed, all around the island. It is a volcanic isle of about 5 square kilometres, 95 nautical miles from the Sicilian coast, about 15 nautical miles from Lampedusa ( its major sister) and about 100 from north of Africa. The 2 craters of Montagna Rossa (186 m) and Monte Vulcano (195 m) are quite visible. Its inhabitants number about 500 and they dedicate their time to animal breeding, agriculture and fishing. In recent times, they are also catering to tourism and that’s why, nowdays, it rappresents an important reality for it. The island provides a tranquil haven for a tempo and scene change and its charm is apparent the moment you arrive there. Greener, more rural and smaller than Lampedusa, life on Linosa moves at a leisurely pace. The rhythms dictated by the seasons, fishing and agriculture for most of the people living there. In winter and spring, the Island is covered with flowering herbs and lush crops. In summer, it’s awash with oleander, bougainville and geranium. Its rugged landscape and spectacular coastline await exploration. Choose from rocky inlets to the only black sand beach or sail, snorkel, dive and fish. Linosa has some of the Mediterranean’s best dive sites. Some of the most picturesque scenery of all the Pelagie islands can be found in Linosa. So put on your hiking boots and and enjoy the country-side on Linosa island. There’s something to discover whatever the season. In the old days Linosa was inhabitated by the Romans and the Arabs and it was colonised by Ferdinando II. It’s an evocative place characterized by a country-side whose colourful vegetation contrasts with the dark background of the lava and of the basal, a dark igneous rock. The intense blue of the sea and the sky furrowed by the flight of seagulls and Manx shearwater ( at night) are framed in a silent beauty that almost recreates the dawn of creation. Linosa has some of the  great dive sites. The seas around the island are warm and clear and there are dive sites to suit all tastes and levels. The Island offer excellent sport for both beginners and experienced open water and cave divers. With its natural harbours, bays, sheltered creeks, cliffs, reefs and wrecks, the Island invites you to explore. The possibilities are endless. With dive sites just a stone’s throw away from each other, you will be able to explore a variety of underwater worlds. They range from  labyrinthine caves to reefs and wartime wrecks. At just a couple of hours’ flight from major Italian cities to Lampedusa airport, the Island of Linosa is easily accessible for long weekend diving breaks as well. Sea temperatures average around 23ºC in summer and drop down to around 13ºC to 15ºC in December to March. The prospect of an active sun and sea sport holiday is just as tempting in winter. At this time of year, you can see some wonderful species; fish such as the John Dory come closer to shore in winter. The waters here are some of the most limpid and clear in the world. Visibility is excellent down to around 30 metres. So Linosa is a dream destination for underwater photography. Marine life flourishes in a vibrant display of colours. You are likely to come across groupers, gunards, octopi, red mullet, flying fish, corals, conger eels, and Marine life flourishes in a vibrant display of colours. You are even likely to come across the rare  sea perch which has all but disappeared from the Mediterranean sea. 
For more excitement, try a night dive or dive deeper to 30 or 40 metres. Colours appear almost fluorescent by torchlight.  For the more experienced, these dives offer a unique. 
If you are interested in diving, courses and  diving schools visit the following web pages

www.linosadivingcenter.it

www.marenostrumdiving.it

 Where to stay

Accommodation facilities:

1. apartments

2. cottage

3. Family Home

4. hotel 

Accommodation in Linosa is possible only in private houses and apartments. It can be difficult to get in contact with the owners, unless you contact the restaurants or someone you already know because you or your friends have been here before. Residences are situated in the village or scattered around the island: if you choose to live "down town", you get everything in a few steps. Although it's not a noisy village, experiencing Linosa's nature is the best you can get: the sound of the sea and the singing of the  " Manx shearwater" birds are unique. You would just need to rent a bike or a scooter to reach the coast, the village or the diving center. Rental prices are usually per person and include all consuming, as well as sheets and cleaning. Mind that sometimes there are no towels available. All houses are equipped for any primary needs, and many have a garden or a terrace with barbecue. It is also possible to get Bed&Breakfast, Half Board o Full Board with local restaurant. A small hotel, Linòikos, has opened in 2003 and offers single and double rooms in B&b. comfortable, neat and clean, it is well fitted in the environment and located in the centre of the village.

www.linoikos.it

 How to get to Linosa

By sea

A regular ferry and catamaran service links Linosa, Lampedusa and Sicilian port (Portoempedocle). For information have a look at the following web pages

www.siremar.it

www.usticalines.it

 By air

There is no airport on Linosa island. So if you want to reach the island by air there are a few of national carriers operating regular scheduled flights to and from Lampedusa (the major of Pelagie islands). Charter flights from various cities in Italy are also available.

www.meridiana.it

For furthur information on Linosa island email me at

linosaisland@libero.it

or drop me a line

0039/333.57.11.483

As a member of the small community of Linosa island, I'll be glad of giving you further information you need. Linosa is the island you will love at first sight, or  you won't at all.