Bagno Asciutto Grotta Di Benikulá

Useful Information

Location:	91017 Pantelleria, Free municipal consortium of Trapani. From Siba-Roncone follow the Via Grotta di Benikulá to the end. Short hike, 350 m, 5 minutes. Geosite n°9 (36.7765523, 11.9851071)
Open:	no restrictions. Information Point: All year daily 9-12, 16-19. [2025]
Fee:	free. [2025]
Classification:	lava cave
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:	A=380 m asl, T=38 °C.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:	W. D'Alessandro, G. Dongarrà, S. Gurrieri, F. Parello, M. Valenza (1994): Geochemical characterization of naturally occurring fluids on the Island of Pantelleria (Italy) Mineralogica Petrografica Acta, n. 37: 91-102. F. Parello, P. Allard, W. D'Alessandro., C. Federico, Jean-Baptiste, P., O. Catani (2000): Isotope geochemistry of Pantelleria volcanic fluids, Sicily Channel rift: a mantle volatile end-member for volcanism in southern Europe Earth Planetary Science Letters, n. 180: 325-339.
Address:	Bagno Asciutto Grotta Di Benikulá, Tel: +39-0
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

Bagno Asciutto Grotta Di Benikulá (Benikulá Cave Dry Bath) is a small cave with a thermal spring, which is used as a sort of natural sauna. Of course, this is not the name of the cave which is simply named Grotta Di Benikulá (Benikulá Cave). However, this site is not listed as a semi-wild cave, it is listed as a natural sauna. The cave is actually a small chamber with triangular portal and profile, the floor is almost rectangular. Through cracks in the wall geothermal vapours enter the cave and heat it up. Actually the vapour is mostly steam, the gases are not dangerous, except for the heat.

The steam condenses right outside the cave portal, which makes it one of the few sources of water in the rather arid area. Many insects come to this place for the water, so there are numerous bees and wasps.

If you actually want to do sauna, it will take about an hour, either two or three times inside for 10 to 15 minutes, then outside for 15 minutes relaxing. There are wooden benches outside, but no chairs or benches inside the cave. Also, there is no water and no possibility to shower or cool down. So the sauna experience is actually a little limited. And, depending on the season, it may be wa little crowded. You should go very early and avoid weekends. On the other hand, the site is free and open 24/7.

In the car park there is an info point and a dry toilet for the numerous visitors to the cave. Here you can get background information about the geology, but also tipps for the use of the sauna. Its also a sign that this spot is quite popular.