THE ITALIAN ISLAND where only SHARKS LIVE

There is an island in Italy where the only inhabitants are a group of sharks. But where is it? And why is it so neglected?

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Swimming with sharks has never been easier. There is an island in Italy where the only inhabitants are a group of gray sharks. But where is it?

THE ITALIAN ISLAND where only SHARKS LIVE

Who said you can’t swim among sharks in Italy? There is an Italian island where only gray sharks live. Let’s find out together.

# The last Italian land before Tunisia

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It is the smallest island of the Pelagie archipelago, in Sicily. About 10 nautical miles from Lampedusa (about 18.5 kilometers), the island of Lampione is the last Italian territory before Tunisia. Here, in addition to swimming in the clearest waters of Italy, it is possible to swim with a group of gray sharks: one of the few possibilities in the whole of the Mediterranean.

# Why are there sharks?

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From mid-July until October, the island is inhabited by a group of about 40 gray sharks who move there temporarily. In fact, during these months the sharks choose Lampione as their home, and the University of Palermo, after observing and filming them for two years, has identified two possible causes of this unusual phenomenon. More likely, the island of Lampione represents only a temporary stage of a longer migratory route, but they may also have chosen it for its temperate waters, the favorite of this species.

# Shark watching paradise

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The species that inhabits Lampione, the gray shark (scientific name Carcharhinus plumbeus), is absolutely harmless to humans and indeed, should be protected and protected as it is very vulnerable and at risk of extinction. Precisely for this reason, the island is considered a true paradise for divers and shark lovers, who can practice shark watching in complete tranquility while following the rules. Being a species to be protected, the rules to follow are strict but not many: the diving groups must not exceed 15 people and for divers there is a ban on taking flash photos, feeding animals, making noise or movements. abrupt, or approach the sharks inside the caves.

# An uninhabited island where only sharks stay

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Apart from the presence of sharks who have chosen Lampione as a destination for their summer-autumn holiday, the island is totally uninhabited throughout the year. There is no human testimony except the automatic lighthouse from which, in fact, it took its name. The only way to reach it is via a path that starts from an artificial dock, where only small boats can land. According to Greek mythology, the island of Lampione was originally a boulder, which escaped from the hands of a Cyclops and was set like a precious stone in the middle of the sea.

Despite being a true Italian paradise for shark watching and diving tourism enthusiasts, the island of Lampione does not enjoy a great reputation. Enhancing it could be a way to restart Sicilian tourism, offering an out of the ordinary experience to tourists from all over Italy.

ALESSANDRO VIDALI

(Original article by Rosita Giuliano)