Sorgenti di Nikà (Nikà springs)

About Sorgenti di Nikà (Nikà springs)

Cala di Nikà is a small cove on the south coast of Pantelleria, below a steep ridge of lava rock. It's one of the wildest and least visited places on the island, and it hides a surprise: in some spots, among the rocks and on the shore, hot thermal water rises and mixes with the sea, creating areas where you can bathe in warm water with a view of the open Mediterranean.

The temperature varies a lot from spot to spot. Where the water rises directly it can be very hot, even dangerous, while where it mixes with the sea it becomes pleasant. Before getting in, always test the water with your hand and move slowly until you find the right spot. On the black rocks you can see deposits of sulphur and silica.

Nikà is isolated and poorly signposted: it's best to ask for directions locally or have an up-to-date offline map. You walk down from the road to the cove, or arrive by sea, as there is a small landing used by fishermen. There are no facilities of any kind, so bring water, food and everything you need.

Precisely because the cove is remote and the water is very hot in places, Nikà isn't suitable for children or for people who find it hard to move around on rocks. For everyone else it's one of the most authentic places on the island, where you'll often find yourself alone or nearly so.

Nikà goes well with a tour of the south-west coast, with the Grotta di Sataria and the little harbour of Scauri a short distance away, and with a stop at the island's wineries to taste Passito di Pantelleria.

Before going down to the cove, check the sea conditions: with a southerly or westerly wind the waves can make getting into the water and staying on the rocks dangerous. When the sea is calm, on the other hand, Nikà offers one of the best experiences on the island, especially in the afternoon, when the sun warms the black rock.