Linosa

Linosa, a beautiful Italian island of volcanic origin located between the coast of Sicily and Tunisia, captivates with its untamed, picturesque beauty, all condensed within a mere 5 km2.

On Ferryhopper, you will find useful information on must-see sights, beaches, local delicacies, and ferries to Linosa. Take a look at our travel tips and book your ferry tickets to the Pelagie Islands with no hidden costs.

View of the town of Linosa and its coastline

Vacation in Linosa

If the idea of a beach getaway in Sicily has crossed your mind, but you're yearning for a unique experience, Linosa might just be your perfect destination.

This volcanic paradise is ideal for those seeking relaxation, the soothing melody of the sea and the embrace of an unspoiled landscape.

Linosa is a timeless place adorned with trails, rocky coves and is primarily inhabited by fishermen and farmers. 

Despite its size, the island deserves at least 2-3 days to be best discovered. Alternatively, if you're looking for a livelier atmosphere, you could stay in Lampedusa, the largest of the Pelagie Islands, and visit Linosa on a day trip.

How to get to Linosa

The only way to get to Linosa is by sea. The island can be reached by taking the ferry or hydrofoil from Porto Empedocle (in the province of Agrigento in Sicily) and Lampedusa. 

The nearest airport to Linosa is in Lampedusa, so you could also arrive on the island by plane and continue by ferry to Linosa. Read more about the ferry schedules to Linosa in the dedicated section.

Colorful house close to Linosa harbor

What to do in Linosa

Linosa is an island that captures your heart from the very first moment.

Its volcanic rocks, cliffs and unspoiled nature are perfect for trekking and excursions. Climb up to the island's 3 peaks, enjoy wonderful views and be prepared to spot some rare bird species. 

If you're a snorkeling enthusiast, then Linosa is undoubtedly the destination for you. Underwater caves, archaeological remains on the seabed and an impressive marine life await you.

Linosa is a realm of tranquility and silence, inviting you to wander along rugged trails and unwind amidst its secluded coves. Don't forget to take a boat trip along the coast to reach points inaccessible by land. 

Visiting the island between July and August, you might also witness the nesting of Caretta Caretta sea turtles.

Discover Linosa at a leisurely pace and savor every moment with walks, seafood lunches and unforgettable dives!

Beaches in Linosa

Given the geological formation of the island, Linosa's beaches are mostly rocky coves. 

Many are also inaccessible by land, but with a boat excursion, you can admire the entire coastline and reach beautiful spots for diving.

Here are the 6 beaches of Linosa not to be missed:

1. Cala Pozzolana di Ponente: located on the west coast and very close to the port, this is the only beach with fine sand in Linosa. It's a small cove with dark sand, cliffs overlooking the sea and crystal-clear waters. The beach has no services and is also a favorite nesting ground for Caretta Caretta turtles.
2. Cala Pozzolana di Levante: this completely deserted and wild beach is located southeast, exactly at the foot of Mount Vulcano. The cove is carved into the tuff and you can reach it either by boat or on foot via a scenic path.
3. Piscina Naturale: situated on the northeastern coast of the island, this is a natural saltwater pool surrounded by beautiful black lava rocks. The place is very picturesque and you can safely dive in and explore its depths with a mask and flippers. It can also be reached on foot from the town.
4. La Secchitella: considered one of the most beautiful diving spots in the Mediterranean, it is a rocky ridge divided into 2 parts by a deep canyon. Its seabed reaches a depth of 25 m and in addition to the extraordinary aquatic fauna, you can admire archaeological remains. It takes 15 minutes by boat from the port to reach it.
5. Faraglioni: this small bay is reached by a 2 km walk that crosses the island. Here, various-sized rocks can be found, creating a beautiful contrast with the blue sea. Dive into its crystal clear waters, but remember to bring your rock shoes!
6. Punta Beppe Tuccio: located on the northeast side, in the Baia del Conte area, this is a promontory that forms a lagoon along with other islets. This rocky strip plunges into the depths, creating a series of arches. The island's lighthouse is also located here.

The beautiful Cala Pozzolana di Ponente, in Linosa

Sightseeing in Linosa

Linosa is a wild haven, where the main draws are the untouched wonders of nature.

After strolling through the narrow streets of the town and photographing the beautiful multi-colored houses, you should visit: 

• La Fossa del Cappellano, Linosa's main crater
• Monte Vulcano, beloved by trekkers, it is the best panoramic viewpoint on the island
• Monte Rosso, whose summit offers beautiful views of Baia del Conte
• The Punta Beppe Tuccio Lighthouse, located at the northeastern tip and towering at an impressive height of 6 m

The Punta Beppe Tuccio Lighthouse amidst the barren landscape of Linosa

Nightlife in Linosa

Linosa is a tranquil haven with a leisurely pace. If what you are looking for is a vibrant nightlife, perhaps this island is not for you. You could instead set your sights on nearby Lampedusa, which offers a wider range of clubs and nightlife entertainment. 

Near the port and in the heart of Linosa's town center, you’ll find a number of bars, restaurants and pizzerias. 

Start the evening with an aperitivo, continue with a seafood dinner and end your evening with a delightful stroll under the stars. You won't regret it!

Food in Linosa

Being a volcanic island, Linosa takes pride in its unique, locally sourced flavors from the earth. Among the excellences are the lentils, but fish also takes center stage on the dining tables.

Here are some delicacies to try in Linosa:

• pasta with lentils
• caper pâté
• spaghetti with shrimp
• pasta with mullet ragù
• fresh stewed and grilled fish
• local jams
• prickly pear granita
• Zibibbo wine

A delicious amberjack stew with local capers and cherry tomatoes

Tips for Linosa

Here are some useful tips for your holidays in Linosa:

• Visit the Marine Turtles Rescue Center of Linosa! It’s located near Cala Pozzolana di Ponente and will give you the opportunity to get a close look at the work the staff does to preserve this endangered species.
• Linosa's seabed is among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Book a guided dive at the island's diving centers and get ready to admire ancient archaeological remains underwater.
• For your trip to Linosa, pack a snorkeling mask, fins, rock shoes, a snorkel, comfortable clothes, and a jacket for windy days. 
• If you have decided to stay a few more days in Linosa, you should also visit nearby Lampedusa. Reach the famous Isola dei Conigli and admire the sunset at Albero Sole, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Lampedusa!

Useful information about Linosa

Linosa has only one town and provides some basic services for its 500 residents and visitors. Stores, bars and restaurants are all concentrated in the port area, along with accommodation facilities.

If you plan to stay in Linosa, you should be aware that the accommodation options are quite limited. There are just a few hotels, B&Bs or vacation homes, so you are advised to book well in advance (especially during high season). 

As for health care, Linosa has a pharmacy and a medical service.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Linosa

Here are some useful contacts to keep within reach during your trip to Linosa:

• Coast Guard: +390922970141
• Municipality: +390922972086
• Medical guard: +390922972115
• Pharmacy: 0922972203
• Carabinieri police: +390922972083
• Taxi: +390922972059
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Linosa

Linosa is a very small island that can be easily explored on foot. Strolling along its seaside trails is the best way to discover it, but you can also rent a bicycle, scooter or quad bike for a more leisurely journey. This way, you'll be able to effortlessly reach the island's coves and diverse points of interest.

As for motor vehicles, there are restrictions at certain times of the year for non-residents. The good news is that having a car on the island is truly unnecessary!

Useful info: some locals also offer a kind of taxi service for visitors for a small fee.

Bike ride through the trails of Linosa

The port of Linosa

Nestled on the southern side of the island, the port of Linosa is seamlessly blending with the town.

Although it is quite small, it has 3 piers used for docking ferries from Porto Empedocle and Lampedusa depending on the wind direction.

Near the port, you'll find a few restaurants, a grocery store, shops, and a diving center.

Linosa ferry: schedules and tickets

Ferries to Linosa depart from Porto Empedocle and the nearby island of Lampedusa. 

The routes are active year-round and are operated by 3 companies: Liberty Lines, Siremar and Traghetti delle Isole. 

Ferries to Linosa accommodate pets on board and it is also possible to board vehicles, but only on conventional ferries. Keep in mind, however, that from June to October, it is forbidden for non-permanent residents of the Municipality of Lampedusa and Linosa to board and travel by motor vehicles.

Here is some additional information on ferry connections to Linosa:

• Porto Empedocle - Linosa ferry: the ferry route from Porto Empedocle to Linosa has 2 departures per day, with an increase in frequency during the summer. Crossings range between 3 hours and 7 hours 15 minutes, depending on the operator chosen, and tickets start from €28.
• Lampedusa - Linosa ferry: ferries and hydrofoils to Linosa from Lampedusa operate 3 times a day and the trip takes 1 or 2 hours depending on the type of vessel. As for Lampedusa - Linosa tickets, prices start from €16.

Important: since Linosa is prone to strong winds, ferry connections are subject to change and hydrofoils may remain docked at the ports of departure.

Fishing boats at the small port of Linosa

Book ferry tickets to Linosa online

On Ferryhopper, you can book your ferry tickets to Linosa easily and quickly. Explore all available connections to the Pelagie Islands on our Map of Ferries and plan your adventure among the wonders of Sicily!