Lampedusa Nature Reserve

The Lampedusa Nature Reserve covers the southwestern tip of the island, centered on the area around Rabbit Beach and the sea around it. The reserve protects the last coastal scrub and maquis on the island — a habitat that would otherwise have been cleared for tourism development — along with the loggerhead turtle nesting beaches and a system of sea caves along the western cliffs.

Within the reserve, the coastline is accessible on foot via a network of rough paths from the road above. The sea caves are best explored by rented kayak or small boat — several operators at the harbour offer both. The inland scrub is good for birdwatching, particularly during the spring migration in April and May when the island can be alive with birds resting after the crossing from Africa.

things to do sight
A story
Lampedusa's nature reserve was established in 1995 partly to protect the loggerhead turtle nesting grounds, but also because the island sits directly on one of the most important bird migration routes between Africa and Europe. More than 150 species have been recorded passing through in spring and autumn, including raptors, waders, and passerines that use the island as a staging post during trans-Mediterranean crossings. Ornithologists from across Italy come to Lampedusa specifically for the migration spectacles.