A BIGGER SPLASH is a dazzling, sensuous portrait of desire, jealousy and rock ‘n’ roll under the Mediterranean sun.
The film is set on the beautiful Italian island of Pantelleria, 62 miles southwest of Sicily and known as the black pearl of the Mediterranean. While Sicily might be a known holiday destination, Pantelleria is not as familiar outside of Italy.
So to celebrate the release of A Bigger Splash on February 12th, we examine reasons why travel to Pantelleria should be on your list in 2016.
Pantelleria is the go-to destination for celebrities looking for a relaxation vacation
Giorgio Armani has a home on Pantelleria and the island has hosted high profile names such as Truman Capote, Madonna, Sting, Julia Roberts, and Martin Scorsese.
A unique location
Pantelleria – or the ancient Cossyra – lies 100 km southwest of Sicily and only 60 km east of the Tunisian coast. Tunisia is visible on clear days. It is the largest volcanic satellite island of Sicily, with the last eruption occurring in 1891 below sea level. Today hot springs and fumaroles can still be observed. The island’s proximity to Tunisia means that African influences are very apparent in Pantelleria’s architecture and cuisine. And the perfect location leads to a perfectly calm climate most of the year round.
Italian/Arabian food
Thanks to the island’s position in the Meditteranean, the food on the island has influences from Africa and Italy. You’ll be able to sample fine and diverse cuisine, from home-made ricotta to fish couscous.
Stay in a Dammusi
The Dammusi are the unique signature homes of the island, Built 10th century, these thick walled buildings usually appear black due to the extensive use of volcanic rock. They are still in use today, And part of the joy of staying on the island, is spending the night in a Dammusi home with their characteristic domes on top painted white to avoid overheating.
Easy to explore
Pantelleria is only 32 square miles, so it’s releatively easy to sail around the permieter or drive around the entire island in under an hour.
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A BIGGER SPLASH – Directed by Luca Guadagnino, and starring Ralph Fiennes, Dakota Johnson, Matthias Schoenaerts and Tilda Swinton. In Cinemas February 12th 2016
Rock legend Marianne Lane is recuperating on the volcanic island of Pantelleria with her partner Paul when iconoclast record producer and old flame Harry unexpectedly arrives with his daughter Penelope and interrupts their holiday, bringing with him an A-bomb blast of nostalgia from which there can be no rescue.
Watch the trailer here: