Lampedusas

Lampedusas is an Italian archipelago and commune in the central Mediterranean, comprising the island of Lampedusa and the inhabited island of Linosa, with Lampione as a small uninhabited islet. It forms the southernmost part of Italy and Sicily. The two inhabited centers constitute the municipality of Lampedusa e Linosa, in the province of Agrigento, Sicily.

Geography and environment: Lampedusa lies about 113 kilometers south of Tunisia and roughly 205 kilometers southeast of Sicily. The island has a rocky coast with sandy coves and clear, warm waters. Offshore lies Isola dei Conigli, a protected nature reserve and nesting site for sea turtles.

History: The islands have been inhabited since antiquity and have passed through Phoenician, Greek, Carthaginian, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Norman rule. In the modern era, settlement expanded and fortifications and lighthouses were built. In the 20th and 21st centuries the area has become known internationally for migrant arrivals across the Mediterranean.

Economy and demography: The local economy relies on fishing, tourism, and services, with seasonal population increases in summer. The municipality administers Lampedusa and Linosa; Lampione is uninhabited and lies to the south. The resident population numbers in the several thousands, with a larger temporary population during peak tourist months and migrant-reception periods.

Transport and points of interest: Lampedusa is served by an airport and ferry connections to Sicily. Notable sights include the Isola dei Conigli, several beaches such as Cala Pulcino and Guitgia, and coastal watchtowers and a lighthouse that reflect its strategic location in the Mediterranean.