Shrouded by greenery

mbriacola Valley is an area of Lampedusa in which these two detached and two semi-detached bungalows are situated. Dammusi is the Italian word for low stone-built dwellings popular in North Africa and the Imbriacola Dammusi are built from limestone in traditional Lampedusa style. They are set in beautiful gardens with dense foliage of bougainvillaea, hibiscus and palms. The gardens and grounds of these four separate properties are contained by stone walls and are located in a remote area of the island although not far by road to the town or to sandy beaches.

One of the stone dammusi

A popular island beach

Outdoors: The density of the garden at the Imbriacola Dammusi ensures that guests at each of the stone houses enjoy plenty of privacy – even when dining or relaxing on the front terraces that are a feature of each. The plants are particularly thick between the semi-detached properties, completely concealing one entrance from the other and offering no clues to inhabitants that the building is not exclusive to them. In addition, each property has its own separate entrance gate from the road and each overlooks a section of the garden. The terraces of each dammuso benefit from a barbecue and outdoor sink, ideal for preparing and grilling the fresh fish for which the island is famed.

A terrace with bbq

Garden of palms

Indoors: Within the houses, whitewashed walls are interspersed with bare patches where the crude stone has deliberately been left exposed, cleverly accentuating the rustic style of the properties. This traditional style is evident in the furnishings of the houses, from their simple kitchen corners to their wrought iron bedsteads. For families, two of the dammusi contain a sofa-bed in their living area, which is separated from the double bedrooms by a tiled wall and one has a small bunk bed instead. Each dammuso has a tiled shower room. Two of them have an air conditioning unit and the others have fans.

A typical kitchen corner

A rustic bedroom

Surrounding Area: The Imbriacola Dammusi are situated in countryside, but are still only a short drive from Lampedusa town, where visitors can embark on boat trips to the neighbouring islands of Linosa and Lampione or to the coves at the foot of the northern cliffs of Lampedusa. Also just a mile away at the entrance to the town is the beautiful beach of Guitgia, where beach bars and palm trees offer a shady alternative to the fine sand and the sparkling azure waters.

Lampedusa's old port

In the opposite direction, the island’s main road leads to the renowned Isola dei Conigli, an island in the protected nature reserve where caretta caretta turtles lay their eggs. While boats are prohibited from approaching the island, bathers who make the trip to the beach facing it are rewarded by a swim in the most beautiful, untouched spot on the island. Closer to the Imbriacola Dammusi, across a rough track, Cala Madonna is the nearest sandy beach just over a kilometre away and this has its own beach bar in season. Just 100m further away are the twin sandy beaches of Cala Croce with plenty of amenities.

Mar Morto - a rocky cove

Secluded Conigli beach

Italian Islands Insight: The secluded setting of the Imbriacola Dammusi guarantees a peaceful stay, but also necessitates motorised transport. Bicycle hire is a pleasant option for exploring Lampedusa by day, but in order to benefit from the cafés of Via Roma and the restaurants that line the old and the new ports, scooters or a car can be arranged by the property’s owner. The location makes an ideal base for those wishing to experience the nightlife of the town while having a quiet place to return to just a short drive away. They are ideal for a couple to spend a relaxing and romantic vacation and they make a good value option for a small family. Couples, friends or families wishing to holiday together could rent more than one. All in all, these charming dammusi offer a rustic rural retreat on a wonderful island where you can swim, sunbathe or sail to your heart’s content.