Lampedusa (Italian pronunciation: [lamˈpɛːdusɐ]) is the largest island of the Italian Pelagie Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It is also the name of the largest town of the island, settled at the northern end of the island and has a population of about 7,000 people, making it one of the most populous settlements in Italy in terms of area and population. Although not an island strictly speaking, it may be considered as such.
1: Book your tickets in advance
As you can see by our selection of cheap flights from Milan, many people travel to Lampedusa at any time of year. If youre planning on visiting a tourist hotspot during peak season or on one of its most popular holidays New Years Eve, Valentines Day or Easter come to mind we recommend that you book your flight tickets as far in advance as possible.
2: Avoid school holidays
Its tempting to go on vacation when you know everyone else is away from school and work. However, many popular tourist destinations in Europe get inundated with tourists during peak holiday periods. Visiting a popular destination during a less traveled time of year will result in a better overall experience and leave you with plenty of time to soak up all that Rome has to offer! This also means you have more space for activities like museums or shopping without being surrounded by thousands of other people.
3: Try Airbnb
Not everyone wants to stay in a hotel when they travel. If youre going on vacation and dont mind sharing your home with a stranger or two, check out Airbnb. People use Airbnb to rent out their homes to travelers and can make up to $2,000 per month with an entire apartment building. You can also enjoy some of Airbnbs most successful listings for free by participating in their promotion code program.
4: Check the bus schedules
Buses dont run as often on Sundays and holidays, so if you are planning to go somewhere on a weekend or a holiday make sure to check in advance that there will be a bus running at all. If you are traveling with kids it is also worth checking if they have special arrangements for youngsters like discounted fares or even free tickets. Often bus companies also offer cheaper tickets at various times of day and week.
5: Bicycles are handy
Anyone whos been to Lampedusa will tell you that bikes are an ideal way to get around. A visit from a bike-rental shop is perfect for those who are looking for an alternative to buses and ferries. Here, you can rent your own bike at a very affordable price of about 10 euros per day. Visitors who want to rent one can just head on over to Giacomos Bikes that is located in Piazza Libertà in downtown Lampedusa.
6. Explore outside of high season
If youre planning a trip to Europe during high season (summer or winter), prepare for higher prices and book your lodging as far in advance as possible. With summer approaching in Europe, many hotels have already filled up for July and August and are charging more money for their rooms. I suggest avoiding peak times altogether unless you are willing to pay premium prices.
7. Arrive early for dinner if you want to eat inside
unless you have booked a table or made reservations, youll most likely have to eat outside at one of Lampedusas many outdoor restaurants. This may be a bit uncomfortable for some people, so be sure to make your meal plans early! If you are dining in December or January (high tourist season), make sure to book ahead. In fact, if you want to secure a table inside at all times of year during high season then we recommend booking either an afternoon or evening reservation.
8. Pack sunscreen, bug spray and hats!
Be sure to take along plenty of sunscreen and bug spray. The Mediterranean can be sunny in October, and since youll want to show off your tan anyway, youll need to protect yourself from UV rays while soaking up vitamin D. Also pack hats just in case you go swimming or your tour includes a visit to a winery. (Hats are very Italian!) Oh, and dont forget an umbrella.
9. Consider car rental for easy access to all parts of island
Booking a car rental can be a hassle (especially if you're flying in), but it's worth it when you want to explore all of Lampedusa. Renting a car will give you easy access to every part of your island paradise, and if you don't think that far ahead before arriving on island, don't worry: there are many travel companies at the airport ready to help guide you through your options. On that note...
10. Do not underestimate the power of sunset
during our trip to Lampedusa we had sunset almost every night. It wasnt so much what happened during sunset as what didnt happen during sunset. There was no electricity and no light-pollution; it was a visual experience that cannot be matched. I couldnt get enough of watching twilight settle over a beautiful island paradise. If you are going to Lampedusa make sure to arrive just before sunset; it is a must see!
