Grotta di Sataria (Sataria cave)

About Grotta di Sataria (Sataria cave)

The Grotta di Sataria is a small cave overlooking the sea, on the south-west coast of Pantelleria, between Scauri and Rekale. Inside there are three pools fed by hot springs, with water at around 40 °C. Legend identifies it with the cave of the nymph Calypso, who according to the Odyssey kept Ulysses on her island for seven years.

Bathing at Sataria means soaking in hot water inside a cave, with the open sea a few metres away. Combine it with a dip in the sea from the rocks in front, alternating hot and cool. The pools are free and there is no management or ticket of any kind.

The cave is small and holds only a few people at a time, so in the summer months you may have to wait. The best time is sunset, when the light comes in through the opening on the sea and the coast turns red. You get there with a short walk from a small car park on the ring road that circles the island.

The rocks around the cave are slippery: keep closed shoes on until you reach the entrance and move slowly. Because of the layout of the place and the water temperature, Sataria isn't suitable for small children. As at all free hot springs, take your rubbish away and don't use soap.

Nearby is the little harbour of Scauri, one of the most beautiful spots on the island for a swim in the sea, and not far away are the natural sauna of Benikulà and the Nikà springs. Pantelleria is an island to explore slowly, among dammusi (traditional stone houses), zibibbo vineyards and volcanic coastline.

The sea in front of the cave can be rough on windy days, and wind is frequent on Pantelleria: in those conditions the rocks become more dangerous and a dip in the sea is not advisable. Check the weather and wind direction before you go and, if the sea is rough, choose one of the hot springs on the opposite side of the island.