Lampedusa Island

The Mediterranean island of Lampedusa belongs to Italy and is the largest of the islands of the Pelagian Archipelago. Lampedusa is located 111 miles from Sicily, 90 miles from Malta and 63 miles from Tunisia . Lampedusa is a small island, with an area of only 20 square kilometers and a population of 5,300. The population lives by fishing, agriculture and tourism.

Lampedusa's ancient history is strongly associated with piracy, and nowadays the main flow of immigrants from Africa to Europe goes through Lampedusa. This is due to both the island's proximity to Africa and the fact that special camps for illegal immigrants have been built, providing them with medical care, temporary housing, and food.

Lampedusa is connected by ferry communication with other islands of Pelagian archipelago and Sicily. There is a local airport on the island.

Lampedusa has a harbor where yachts can be moored to the pier. However, even in low season it is crowded and it is difficult for transiting yachts to find mooring space at the pier.