Italy’s happiest hour happens when the sun is setting; aperitif in hand, relaxing on a terrace celebrating the day with people that matter.
Aperitif hour is a typical Italian pastime, and Pantelleria one of the best places to enjoy it, as your aperitivo comes with one of the most dramatic sunsets you’ll ever see. Pantelleria: where Africa-meets-Italy. Here the open skies and breathtaking Mediterranean coastline, make for the most spectacular sunsets, and a setting where aperitivo time is taken to a whole new level.
Of course you can just enjoy a glass of Pantelleria wine before dinner. That counts as an aperitif. But if you want to do things properly, as the Italians do, then you’ll take an aperitivo rinforzato; translated literally means a reinforced aperitif; actually means a drink taken with a bite to eat.
Local bars in Pantelleria will typically serve your aperitivo with a platter of local appetizers, such as zucchini (courgette) and eggplant rolls with capers, pantesca salad, an exquisite paté made with Pantelleria capers, and sun-dried tomatoes and olives. All locally produced and delicious.
Visiting Pantelleria? These are our favourite places to enjoy an aperitivo Italian-style
Sesiventi prepare their aperitivo rinforzato on the roof of a dammusi. This is the place to enjoy the Pantellerian sunset in all its glory. An incredible experience! The aperitif comes with a food platter for four people and costs 20 €. Booking is essential if you want to enjoy this dammusi rooftop experience, however there is also a large terrace just below where you can also enjoy the stunning view, and booking isn’t always necessary. The photos speak for themselves!
Kaya Kaya is a little beach bar, which belongs to Alta Marea restaurant. Enjoy a totally relaxed ambience, there are no airs and graces here. You can happily head there after a day on the beach with shorts and flip flops, to enjoy your Italian aperitivo.
Overlooking the harbour of Scauri, Kaya Kaya is just a few metres from the water’s edge, so although you can’t see the sunset, you can relax to the sound of waves gently lapping. The service at Kaya Kaya is fantastic, the waiters are super attentive.The reinforced aperitif costs 10 € and we highly recommends the Margaritas here!
Cantine Pellegrino
is the largest wine producer of Sicily, and also produce the Zibibbo and Passito wines of Pantelleria. Their cantine (winery) boasts a wonderful seafront location, just on the outskirts of Pantelleria town. Here the fiery sun sets right in front of the terrace. The perfect setting for a Pantelleria wine tasting session. The hostess knows her wine and will talk you through the production, grapes and flavours you’re about to savour. Here the aperitivo rinforzato costs 10 € and includes cheese, bruschetta with paté di capperi, olives and a spectacular sunset.
Lido di Shurhuq is a basic bar in a superb location. Overlooking the black beach, here you have front row seats to enjoy the magnificent sunset. Enjoy a glass of local wine for 5 € and be dazzled.
Overlooking the harbour in Pantelleria town you’ll find Emporio del gusto. A place marked out for the quality of the kitchen. Food lovers must not touch down on Pantelleria without a visit to Emporio del gusto. A delicatessen-cum restaurant serving snacks, light dinners and aperitifs, the emphasis here is on the food, although there is also a ample wine list to pick from.
Try the Focacce with paté of pistachio and grilled vegetables, croquettes of cod (baccalá), smoked fish plates, or the delicious cannolis and a must is the the famous bacio di Pantelleria (Sicilian ricotta fritters) – naughty but oh so good! The waiters are attentive and the food is 10/10. This is the place to enjoy your aperitif in style.
Discover one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Enjoy a stay in Corte Pantesca, our luxury dammusi on Pantelleria.