Balata dei Turchi in Pantelleria
The Balata dei Turchi di Pantelleria, located in the southern area of the island, is a suggestive inlet set between imposing cliffs whose height reaches 300 meters. The sea that bathes this stretch of coast is crystal clear and has seabeds rich in flora and fauna, ideal for snorkellers.
The name Balata, derives from the Arabic Balat , and means stone slab. In fact, in this stretch of coast there is a large stone platform that extends gently from the rocks towards the sea. The term Turks recalls that a Turkish landing took place in this place and was thwarted by the local population. Tradition also has it that the icon of the Madonna della Margana, patron saint of the island together with San Fortunato, landed in this place after a shipwreck.
It is possible to reach the Balata dei Turchi by land via a path that in some points it becomes unpaved and uneven.
