Mare di Nikà

A Lava Rock Escape on Pantelleria

A pair of architecturally updated, ancient dammusi connected by walkways lined by fragrant island maquis and volcanic stone, this Bay of Nikà escape is only steps from the sea, with shaded view terraces offering endless Mediterranean views.

The first building holds the property’s living room and kitchen that opens to a dining terrace with a large table for seaside meals as well as a bedroom and bathroom. A second terrace faces the adjacent dammuso that houses a large double bedroom and bathroom with a terrace of its own. Terraces are set with cushions and poufs, and there’s an outdoor shower for post-Med rinsing.

The property’s art collection includes works by the Japanese artist Hiromi Masuda, photo reproductions by Canadian Gregory Colbert, Karl Blossfeldt photo reproductions, and works by Eduard Habicher from Merano and Venezuelan artist Magdalena Fernandez.

Dominating the enchanting, intimate harbor of Nikà, at 25 meters above sea level with the deep blue Mediterranean as far as the eyes can see, this connected pair of dammusi stands in a sizable garden. The house is reached by an unpaved but drivable old mule track of uneven stones and small, off-road vehicles are recommended (Suzuki, Daihatsu, Panda 4x4, etc).

The descent to the Mediterranean from the house is spectacularly scenic, amid the volcanic stones and wild maquis shrubbery. From the sea, a few more steps lead to the bay’s famed thermal waters. Sunsets over the African continent inflame the area each evening, and dark velvety nights mean the skies are a dazzling, starry overhead carpet.

Layout

Dammuso 1: Shaded terrace with palm-frond pergola, lounge/studio with king-sized sofa bed, kitchen, sea-facing dining/lounge terrace, double bedroom and bathroom

Dammuso 2: Shaded terrace, double bedroom and bathroom, solarium

Outdoors: 2,000-square-meter seafront garden, pathway to the sea, barbecue, outdoor shower, private parking (4x4/high clearance vehicles recommended)

Around

A unique island south of Sicily, Pantelleria is one of Europe’s southernmost spots, just 30 miles from Africa in the strait between Sicily and Tunisia. Only 32 miles around, the island is famed for its dramatic volcanic coastlines pocked with caves and sheltered coves. The stone structures that make up this property and many others on the island are Moorish in origin. The island’s remote wild beauty is its draw, along with pristine waters. Head inland to the thermal Lago di Venere and the summit of Montagna Grande, the highest point from which you can see the African coastline on clear days.

Location

Nikà Bay, Pantelleria, Italy. Nearest airport: Pantelleria (20 minutes)

Best time to visit

May to November for best weather