Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa: one of the best beach in the world!
Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, also called Rabbit Island, is a charming place that lies in the South western zone of the island. Lampedusa is actually closer to the coast of North Africa than it is any other part of Italy and the weather certainly reflects this; rain is rare and summer temperatures can reach 40°C.
Lampedusa is a very quiet island and the best thing to do is to enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Most visitors come to the island to visit the beautiful beaches, spend time relaxing in the sun and swim in the cool waters.
In 2013, Rabbit beach, Lampedusa, was rated the best in the world by TripAdvisor for its “crystal clear” water and “soft sand”similar to a tropical paradise, this beach is a perfect mixture of nature and colours.
The beach does not have any facilities: no bar, no toilets, no sunbeds. In the beginning of the path walk (near the parking area) there is one restaurant where you can eat sandwiches or salads with honest prices (4-7 euro per dish) and you can hire beach umbrella, but you should bring it with you downstairs and then bring back upstairs! It takes around 15 minutes to go down the hill and about 20 to go up.
You will reach a stunning and paradisiaca view. The shades of the sea are unbelievable. It is the perfect spot to celebrate the beauty of the nature, capture memories with amazing pictures and spend a great holiday. Bring some water and food with you, and sun cream too as it is very hot. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended as the road is quite rocky.
The Beach is also known for turtles to leave their eggs in a part of the beach, that is also the reason it closes at 7.30 pm. In August the eggs hatch and under strict protection from local environmental groups, the babies scuttle down the beach into the sea. The waters between Rabbit Island and Lampedusa’s coast fall within the Island of Lampedusa Natural Reserve. Water navigation is forbidden inside this zone, as are mooring, fishing and any other activity outside of swimming.
The origin of the name:
There is some confusion over the origin of the name Baia dei Conigli (Bay of the Rabbits) with Isola dei Conigli (Rabbit Island) lying just 30 metres from the beach of the same name. On the British nautical maps from the 1800s it is referred to as Rabit Island which probably led to the improper translation.
It is most likely that ‘Rabit’ comes from Arabic meaning ‘link’ and referred to the isthmus that used to link the little island to the bigger one. Today the isthmus has disappeared but as the water is only about 30cms deep it’s easy to walk from the beach to the island and round it a short way until it gets too deep.
Attempt to get to the other side of Rabbit Island if you want to spot its submerged natural arch, colonized by orange madrepores, colorful sponges, red shrimp, and rockfish and moray eel burrows.
Lampedusa Hotels – Where to Stay
Best luxury hotel: Cupola Bianca Resort
Excellent location
Boasting a free-form pool and sun terrace surrounded by palm trees, Cupola Bianca Resort lies among olive, carub and hibiscus plants. It has a dominant position on a promontory just outside Lampedusa.
Mediterranean-style accommodation includes standard rooms and Dammusi, the traditional Lampedusa buildings. This peaceful hotel is just 150 m from Lampedusa’s Marina and a 5-minute walk from the sandy beach and crystal-clear water.
Best mid-range hotel: I Dammusi di Borgo Cala Creta
Fantastic location in front of the sea
I Dammusi di Borgo Cala Creta offers unique accommodation in the stone houses traditional of Lampedusa. Built in 1977, the property is within the Area Marina Protetta Isole Pelagie nature reserve. Served daily on the terrace, breakfast includes a wide variety of options, such as hot and cold drinks, croissants, bread, as well as jams, fresh and tinned fruit.The restaurant is open for dinner, and specialises in Mediterranean cuisine, with fish menus and couscous with meat once a week.
Best budget hotel: Hotel Il Faro Della Guitgia Tommasino 3*
Lovely location overlooking the sea
Hotel Il Faro Della Guitgia Tommasino is set right on Guitgia Beach on the island of Lampedusa. You can admire the view across the turquoise waters from the panoramic terrace.Il Faro Della Guitgia has been in the Tommasino family for 2 generations and offers a friendly personalised service. The hotel itself is bright, welcoming and full of charm.
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