PantelleriaBetween Italy & Africa

A Mediterranean Paradise

What is Paradise for you?

Sunset view from the patio framed by a stone arch

For me, Paradise is an island in the heart of the Mediterranean, a place where life remains simple and authentic, the sea is pristine and inviting, the people are warm and hospitable, and the food is unforgettable.

The Island

Sailboat passing a natural lava arch along Pantelleria's coastline

Pantelleria is my paradise.

Sailboats on the sparkling blue Mediterranean sea

Pantelleria is a volcanic island between Italy and Africa. Its spectacular coastline is carved into countless bays and grottos, with dramatic lava formations, hidden coves, underwater hot springs, and a lake nestled within the crater of an extinct volcano.

Salto la Vecchia cliffs plunging into deep blue sea

Where the sea is silent, infinite and overwhelming

View from inside a sea grotto looking out to the Mediterranean

Where the coastline is dotted with small secluded bays, grottos and lava formation

Aerial view of a dinghy in crystal-clear water along a rocky shore

Where I can hide and get lost

Sculptured basalt columns rising from the sea

Where ancient lava formations have hardened into monumental sculptures

Coastal landscape of Pantelleria with dammusi, terraced fields and the sea

The interior of Pantelleria unfolds through a succession of remarkable agricultural landscapes, dotted with unique examples of vernacular architecture and hidden archaeological sites.

Aerial view of Pantelleria's terraced vineyards and dammusi

Here every cultivable inch of land has been transformed into vineyards and caper fields

Specchio di Venere crater lake on Pantelleria

Here an extinct volcano cradles a lake knownas Specchio di Venere

This lake doubles as a natural open-air spa, where sulfur-rich mud and thermal waters have been soothing and rejuvenating body and mind for centuries.

Undulating white-painted dammuso roofs at Tracino

Here villages crown the hilltops, preserving the need for protection against pirates

Ancient Phoenician rock-cut tombs in the woods

Here I can discover sacred grounds of2000-year old tumbs

A Personal Note

Aerial view of Pantelleria coastline where the Elephant House sits

I have a house on this island.
My house is by the sea on the saddle between
Cala Tramontana and Cala Levante

Picturesque bay with agave plant, boats and swimmers in clear water

It is perched above a charming bay where local legend has it that Hannibal camped with his elephants in 218 B.C. before launching his campaign against Rome during the Second Punic War. For this reason, I named my property La Casa dell'Elefante.

Aerial view of Cala Tramontana with its lush green cliffs and turquoise water

Cala Tramontana is intimate and picturesque

Panoramic view of Pantelleria's coastline and the Arco dell'Elefante

Cala Levante is grand and elegant

Young girl and her dog resting in a hammock above the bay at La casa dell'Elefante

I have been coming here
since childhood

Siremar ferry connecting Sicily to Pantelleria

These days, I escape to Casa dell'Elefante whenever the pressure of daily life in New York City becomes overwhelming.
I fly to Sicily, and then continue to Pantelleria by plane, ferry, hydrofoil, or other means.

Casa dell'Elefante sign with white elephant on dark metal

.....until I reach my destination

White-domed vaulted roofs of the dammuso overlooking the sea

La Casa dell'Elefante is a cluster of stone buildings connected by open patios.

Bougainvillea cascading over the roof of the internal patio with stone walls and sea beyond

This place is an elegant and organic combination of stones, plants and flowers, animated by shifting sunlight and the gentle sound of sea breezes.

Upper deck without roof overlooking Cala Tramontana

the Upper Terrace is for contemplation and romantic dinners

Patio delle Spezie with butterfly chairs on patterned tile rug surrounded by lush garden

The Spice Patio is for sipping aperitivi

View through a stone arch into the Blue Patio with colorful hammocks strung between walls

The Blue Patio is for reading and napping

Outdoor dining table under bougainvillea pergola with blue patio archway in the background

The Bouganville Patio is for serious eatingal fresco

Stone barbecue and sink area in the Grand Patio under bougainvillea

This patio is equipped with an outdoor kitchen

Ceramic-tiled outdoor dining table under bamboo pergola with stone arch and oleander

This big ceramic table outside the kitchen is for breakfast and food preparation

Outdoor wood-fired stone oven with arched portico

The medieval wood-fired stone oven is for grilling, as well as for baking bread and pizza.

Roaring flames inside the wood-fired oven

Stone dwelling kitchen with gas range, hanging cookware, arched window and patterned tile floor

Our kitchen is housed in a separate stone building, and it is fully equipped for any cooking skill

Central piazza with deckchairs, palm tree and sea view from the Royal Suite

During the day, our piazza is the place for sunbathing

Central piazza at sunset with palm, plunge pool and sea view

At night it is for dancing and watching the stars

Whitewashed dammuso with pine tree overlooking the sea

The property resembles a miniature village composed of three independent residences—Stonehouse, Boathouse, and Warehouse—arranged around a central piazza overlooking Cala Tramontana.

Stonehouse exterior with arched glass door, lava stone walls, palm tree, and terrace

Stonehouse is the older structure of this property.
it includes a bedroom, a bath, and a second room with a terrace overlooking the bay below

Camera Oscura bedroom with blue bedspread, ceramic relief and arched ceiling

The bedroom has century-old 3-foot thick walls, as well as narrow windows. It is called Camera Oscura.

Camera Oscura interior with arched alcove and lantern

Wide panoramic view of the Stonehouse interior with twin beds, blue rose curtains and arched alcoves

The second room is bright and features two twin beds.

View through arched glass door onto terrace with loungers and sea beyond

It is called the Room with a View.

View of Cala Tramontana bay from the Boathouse garden

and overlooks Cala Tramontana.

Stonehouse bathroom with hand-painted decorative plates and blue door

The bath is located between the rooms.

Entrance to the Boathouse with whitewashed walls, blue door, hibiscus and oleander

Stonehouse is only half a century old and includes two bedrooms and a bath.

The Atlantic cabin — western room with twin beds, yellow and blue geometric tapestry, and arched window

Both bedrooms look like boat cabins.
The western room is called the Atlantic.

East Room interior with colorful tapestry and twin beds

The east room is called the Pacific.

View of Cala Tramontana through a bedroom window with yellow curtains

Both rooms enjoy spectacular views of the bay below.

Stone facade of the Warehouse with arched glass door and sunken patio

Warehouse is a multi-level residence with generous common areas, three bedrooms, and three bathrooms.

Warehouse facade from the street with arched window and painted door

Warehouse's street facade features a stucco finish in a color traditionally used on local houses.

First level grand space of the Warehouse with staircase, blue cushions, and Coca-Cola artwork

The building is a former wine cellar thoughtfully converted into living quarters.

Kitchenette with arched bookshelf niche, blue glass bottles, and blue cushioned bench

It features a majestic 30-foot high ceiling and includes a kitchenette

Rattan rocking chair beside a square window framing oleander, with dining table in the background

The common area includes different spaces equipped for eating, relaxing and studying.

Royal Suite bedroom with double bed, abstract painting, blue nightstands, and rattan lounge chair

This is the Royal Suite.

Royal Suite with arched window framing sea view, moored boat, and director's chair

This room enjoys a beautiful view of the house
and the sea.

Mexican Suite with blue walls, double bed, striped blanket, and Miró-style tapestry

This is the Mexican Suite

Yellow patio with striped shade casting diagonal light, driftwood sculptures, and patterned tile floor

…featuring a yellow patio

Safari Room with twin beds, coral-print turquoise throw, mosquito net canopies, and round porthole window

The Safari Room

View through an arched window of the Royal Suite onto a sunlit terrace with colorful deck chairs and the sea beyond

Together, the property features seven bedrooms and five baths, and can accommodate up to fourteen guests

View from the bay below showing the stone house perched on the terraced hillside above the rocky coastline and swimming dock

The sea is only a short walk below the house, making it possible to swim at virtually any time of day—or night.

Young diver leaping from the bow of a dinghy into the deep blue sea

When I am not there, I rent the house to guests who appreciate natural beauty, quality of life, and timeless architecture.

Friends posing with colorful koinobori flying fish banners along the stone wall — …and they always have a ball.

Local chef presenting a pan of yellow tagliolini with zucchini overlooking the sea — Sometimes I hire a local chef to prepare my meals…

Smiling man holding a bundle of dried oregano with a braid of garlic draped over his shoulder — … together with a spice consultant...

Smiling woman with white hair enjoying a glass of white wine in front of a lava stone wall — …and, occasionally, a sommelier

Full moon reflecting across a calm sea beside dark volcanic cliffs at dusk — *La Casa dell'Elefante* is available for rent from May through October, with a minimum stay of one week.

The property is fully furnished and equipped, and all linens are provided.

Five of the seven bedrooms are air-conditioned, while the remaining two are equipped with ceiling fans.

Two women floating on inflatable rafts in a crystal-clear natural rock pool beside the sea — During May, June, September, and October, guests may rent any one of the three residences while still enjoying the property's shared outdoor spaces and amenities. During July and August, however, the Elephant House is rented exclusively as a whole property, making it ideal for large families or groups of friends.

Smiling woman with a pumpkin sitting on sunlit porch steps — I look forward to welcoming you.

For inquiries and reservations

NADINE.PANTELLERIA@GMAIL.COM