Page 547 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

certain appeal, and there’s much to be said for simply observing the regular to-and-fro

of delivery vessels and fishing smacks from one of the seafront café-bars, while the
marina sees the manoeuvrings of some uncommonly flash yachts and even the odd
schooner. Things get a bit livelier in the evening, when the harbourside fills with
perambulating locals.

Castello Barbacane
Via Castello • Aug daily 6pm–midnight; call to arrange a tour at other times • Free • 327 363 9284

The only building that predates the war is the morose, black Castello Barbacane, a
legacy of the Spaniards. Its partly restored interior is destined to hold an

archeological museum, but in the meantime it’s the venue for changing exhibitions and
has photos and videos showing aspects of island history and culture, from World War
II bombing to carnival celebrations.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: PANTELLERIA TOWN

By plane The airport ( 0923 911 172, pantelleriairport.it) is 5km southeast of

town. A bus service makes the 12min run into town four times daily from a stop
outside. Taxis into town charge €15, though you might be able to haggle them down to
€10 if you are lucky; alternatively, it’s a 45min downhill walk. For airline tickets, try
the La Cossira travel agency, Via Borgo Italia 77 ( 0923 911 078).

Destinations Palermo (2–3 daily in summer; 50min); Trapani (3 daily in summer;
40min).

By ferry and hydrofoil Arriving by sea, you’ll disembark right in the centre of town,
close to most of the bars, restaurants and hotels. In bad weather, you may be deposited
instead at Scauri, a smaller port on the island’s southwestern side, from where a bus
takes foot passengers into town (remember to disembark promptly or it will leave
without you). Siremar operates a ferry service to Trapani leaving at noon (June–Sept