Other typical dishes on Lampedusa, strictly fish of course, include a seafood salad, "Black risotto" made with sepia ink, steamed swordfish and lobster.
The island provides its own sustenance through fishing and tourism, although the earth itself is hard-baked and barren where in the past an abundance of wildflowers bloomed.
The once flourishing rabbit population, like the rest of the local fauna on Lampedusa, is completely extinct. Fishing is lively throughout the year, supporting a healthy number of fishing boats. The climate is favorable year-round, with high temperatures mitigated by the force of strong, often violent, winds.
Natural sponges are a local natural resource, which can be obtained at the harbor directly off the fishing boats who work the grotto. After harvesting, the sponges are dried completely in the sun, soaked for several hours in sea water, then rinsed a number of times in muriatic acid to eliminate superfluous cells and other elements in preparation for the final bleach bath.
The resulting natural sponges are infinitely softer than their artificial cousins and last for years.

The form of island dwellings, called "dammusi," is simple and linear, developed and executed by the by the local people themselves in absolute harmony with the natural environment. The entire structural landscape comprises walls, gardens, stalls and warehouses. The countryside is dotted with the vestiges of Arab civilization, featuring cupolas and high walls. The "dammusi," both original and reconstructed, located near the holiday residences offer a fresh form of hospitality, flexible and personalized. Within their walls, in the intimate alcoves and external areas, there is a sensation of a humanized architecture and architecture no longer out of control in the hands of over-zealous design purists.
Visitors to the traditional abodes are immersed in the aroma of surrounding Mediterranean vegetation, and the silent song of nature. They are sheltered and awed by the rugged beauty of black lava rock, rocked by the rhythm of the deep blue sea. The dammusi, offer a unique and otherworldly sort of hospitality, rich Oriental mystique and bewitching smells. Transported by the scintillating sea air, these particular fragrances are sure to make any sensitive visitor quite giddy!
A fine example of such an accommodation is the Blu&Green, an optimal choice for a holiday respite. This family-run agriturismo provides houses guests in mini apartments constructed inside the dammusi. They are each furnished with a bed, wooden wardrobe and small bath. The half-pension menu consists of traditional local dishes prepared exclusively with organically grown ingredients.
For those interested in a more "intimate" experience, there's the Gattopardo di Lampedusa, a tiny village center with rooms for 20 guests, wonderfully situated overlooking the coastline. The total package includes daily boast excursions with on-board lunches and scuba trips accompanied by instructors.
It has been said that no one who's set foot on Lampedusa can help but promise to return to this arid yet strongly appealing island. No one can resist for long the lure of its magic spell -- the enchanted memories of this unique place suspended between heaven and sea.

first part
where to sleep
where to eat