Spiaggia dei Conigli

Spiaggia dei Conigli is a pale-sand beach on Lampedusa's south-western coast, facing the small Isola dei Conigli across a shallow stretch of water. Its landscape is also an important nesting site for loggerhead turtles.

Why it matters

The beach and islet lie within the integral protection zone of Lampedusa's nature reserve. Loggerhead turtles return to nest here, and conservation work includes monitoring nests and protecting hatchlings. The surrounding marine environment is also protected within the Area Marina Protetta Isole Pelagie.

What to notice

The beach's light sand contrasts with the dark rock and scrub of the low islet offshore. At times, a shallow sand spit links the two. The name of the islet is often traced to the cartographic form “Rabit Island,” later misread as “rabbit”; there are no rabbits on the islet. Yellow-legged gulls and the lizard Psammodromus algirus are among the wildlife recorded in the reserve.

Context and history

The Riserva Naturale Orientata Isola di Lampedusa was established in 1995, protecting a southern coastal band that includes the beach and islet. The marine protected area followed in 2002. Together, the protected areas safeguard coastal habitats and nesting grounds in the Pelagie archipelago, while conservation teams monitor turtle nests on a beach that has become internationally known for its scenery.