Pantelleria's northeastern facing shore hosts what is considered to be the prime of the islands shoreline hot springs.
The tiny port of Gadir harbours a number of geothermal phenomena, though at the far side of the harbour it's the pool which receives hot waters from two springs behind it, that receives all the accolades.
Taking the short steep turn off from the perimentale road, you need to park before the village itself, noting that with village I mean a couple of house's.
Restoration of the harbour side has been undertaken and it's a smart wee harbour for a couple of fishing boats. If winds are up and incoming, waves come slicing through the port, so there's not too much space.
A deck has been constructed, which is to be used for (sun)bathing purposes.
Next to this deck are 3 small springs (above), which are highly tidal: a higher tide pushes these underwater and fills them with assorted seaweeds. Not really worth a soak, though one was quite warmer than the other two which were barely above seawater temperature.
On the other side of the street is a hand pump which should pump up hot water.
Continue onwards for the main springs which flow into a roughly 5 by 5m tidal pool with a depth of over a meter.
The tiny port of Gadir harbours a number of geothermal phenomena, though at the far side of the harbour it's the pool which receives hot waters from two springs behind it, that receives all the accolades.
Taking the short steep turn off from the perimentale road, you need to park before the village itself, noting that with village I mean a couple of house's.
Restoration of the harbour side has been undertaken and it's a smart wee harbour for a couple of fishing boats. If winds are up and incoming, waves come slicing through the port, so there's not too much space.
A deck has been constructed, which is to be used for (sun)bathing purposes.
Next to this deck are 3 small springs (above), which are highly tidal: a higher tide pushes these underwater and fills them with assorted seaweeds. Not really worth a soak, though one was quite warmer than the other two which were barely above seawater temperature.
On the other side of the street is a hand pump which should pump up hot water.
Continue onwards for the main springs which flow into a roughly 5 by 5m tidal pool with a depth of over a meter.
Checking the tidal pool, to the right are the sources.
The first time round the weather was at best inclement. Nah, it was seriously stormy with rain pissing down twice on our 5 minute walk to the far side pool.
Second time around there was a rough wind, sending waves crashing over the tidal wall (50cm), basically rendering the contents of the tidal pool exactly similar to the sea itself. That and the fact there was a kid in the pool trying to fish with rod and reel made it a very useless soak. Just no luck.
Even pumping the water, resulted in a lot of creaking but no waters.
Even pumping the water, resulted in a lot of creaking but no waters.
Protection
Again the familiar lament concerning info on Pantelleria, there's precious little.
After translation from Pantelleria guide we learn:
Viverepantelleria.it adds:'It gets busy, even at nighttime. Soaking here has been taking place for thousands of years.
'Gadir, is a name of Semitic origin which means "protected place". Recent studies have established that the likely thermal plant has been covered by a volcanic collapse and that the small existing tanks excavated in the rock are said to be the remains of the old plant.
...
The spring waters, especially sweet but rich in mineral salts, serve to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatism in general and have a constant temperature ranging from 39 ° C to 50 ° C. On the walls of the tubs a special quality of algae is born, very effective for the treatment of sinusitis, colds and small respiratory problems'.
Rough Guide To Sicily (2017) notes that'Gadir creek is on the north-eastern side of the island. The breathtaking landscape immersed in terraces that slope down to the sea and its thermal springs which have been known and enjoyed since very ancient times make it a must of the holiday. The warm salty waters of Gadir are especially indicated to cure rashes and dermatitis.It is one of the few fishermen hamlets on the island and it is composed of many little Dammuso which are built very close to the sea'.
It also notes that one of the 3 pools would be 90°C.'Gadir is one of the most perfect spots on Pantelleria'.
Tripadvisor rates Gadir as #1 of 3 Spas & Wellness in Pantelleria, this based on 51 reviews who average 4 stars. Nearly all reviews in Italian.
