Page 469 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

Baia Turchese Via Lido Azzurro 0922 970 455, lampedusa.to. This cheery four-
star seaside hotel has the best location at Spiaggia della Guitgia beach, a skip across
from the sands, which explains the high prices. Rooms are always on a half-board
basis, with an extra charge if you want a terrace and sea view. €205

Belvedere Piazza Marconi 4 0922 970 188, hotelbelvederelampedusa.it. In
town, rather than by the beach, this is a friendly, family-run place overlooking the
harbour (rooms with a view cost extra), with a good panoramic dining room and

terrace restaurant to boot. It’s pretty good value for most of the year. Closed Nov–Feb.
€150

Cupola Bianca Via Madonna 0922 971 274, hotelcupolabianca.it. A luxury outfit
2km out of town, with a North African feel and plush rooms as well as upmarket
dammusi-style accommodation. There’s a fabulous pool and terrace, plus a restaurant
and all sorts of boat trips and excursions available. At least half board is required.
Closed Nov–April. Half-board doubles €400

Nautic Via delle Grotte 0922 971 531, lampedusanautichotel.it. This chic little

four-star hotel off Via Roma is the classiest town-centre choice, with only a dozen
rooms and a light, stylish touch throughout. There’s a decent restaurant too, with a
corner terrace. €200

Paladini di Francia Via Alessandro Volta 0922 970 550,
hotelpaladinidifrancia.com. Contemporary three-star resort hotel and restaurant on the
harbour, close to the beach, with rooms set around bright, white courtyards, the four at

the front with port-side balconies. There are flight-and-accommodation packages from
Milan Linate, Bologna and Bergamo available by the week. Closed Nov–Feb. €160

Vega Via Roma 19 0922 970 099, lampedusa-hotelvega.it. There’s nothing
wrong with the cheapest hotel in town – in fact, it’s quite cheery, with perfectly decent
en-suite rooms – but it just doesn’t have much of an island or seaside feel. That said,
B&B rates are always available, some rooms have distant port views, and it’s in the

middle of town so ideally located for bars, restaurants and services. €120

EATING AND DRINKING

There are lots of restaurants in Lampedusa town, and more around the harbours, and
while prices are much higher than on most of the Sicilian mainland, the quality is
largely excellent. In fact, you’re unlikely to have a bad meal, given the abundance of

fresh-off-the-boat fish and the exacting standards of Italian holidaymakers.
Specialities available everywhere include fish couscous, grilled tuna and swordfish
(often simply served with a garlic, olive oil, lemon and parsley salsa), and whole sea
bream or bass baked with potatoes. At night, the whole of Via Roma is basically one