Ask anyone who’s been there, and they’ll tell you there’s something magical about Pantelleria. A volcanic island in the Mediterranean, Pantelleria is a satellite island of Sicily, but it’s technically closer to Tunisia than Europe. In the summer, its population swells as Italians flock to the island seeking sun and the chance to swim in the glistening azure sea and soak in the thermal hot springs.

The lush landscape is characterized by Mediterranean scrub and dotted with dammusi, traditional stone homes with white domes that date back to the period when the island was ruled by Arabs. Vineyards, caper vines, and olive trees produce prized wines, capers, and olive oil.