Pelagie

Pelagie, officially known as the Isole Pelagie, is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean Sea and the southernmost part of Italy. Located to the south of Sicily and closer to Tunisia than to the Italian mainland, the islands sit at the edge of the African and European geographic zones. The name derives from the Italian pelago, meaning sea.

The archipelago consists of three main islands: Lampedusa, Linosa, and Lampione. Lampedusa is the largest and most populated; Linosa is smaller and volcanic in origin; Lampione is uninhabited. Administratively, the Pelagie belong to the region of Sicily and the province of Agrigento, within the municipality of Lampedusa e Linosa.

Environment and protection are prominent aspects of the islands. The surrounding waters include a marine protected area established to conserve seabed habitats, coastal ecosystems, and migratory species. The Pelagie lie along important migratory routes in the central Mediterranean and are known for their clear seas, diverse marine life, and varied coastal landscapes.

History and economy: evidence of ancient settlement suggests activity by Phoenician and Greek peoples, followed by incorporation into later Italian states. In modern times, the isles have been part of Italy since unification. The economy traditionally centers on fishing and tourism, with services concentrated on Lampedusa and growing visitor interest in nature, beaches, and diving.

Today the Pelagie are primarily recognized for their geographic position, ecological importance, and role in regional Mediterranean culture and economy.