Remote European island that’s closer to Africa is ‘growing in popularity’ and is known for cheap wine and thermal pools

A SMALL island off the coast of Italy is said to be growing in popularity – although you can still visit without the huge crowds.

Dubbed the black pearl of the Mediterranean Sea, Pantelleria is technically closer to Tunisia than Sicily.

The island is home to roughly 7,000 residents and is the largest of the minor Sicilian islands.

Even though it takes just 30 minutes to drive the length of the island, there are plenty of natural wonders to keep holidaymakers entertained.

Travel comparison website TripAdvisor even said: “This small, hilly island between Sicily and Tunisia is growing in popularity as a tourist destination.”

While holidaymakers from the UK are only just catching on to its charm, the island has always been popular with Italians, thanks to its thermal hot springs and coastline.

It's also a magnet for the rich and famous, with Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani spending his summers on Pantelleria.

Even though the island welcomes A-list celebrities, it has also been described as ‘The Mediterranean's Last Great Unspoiled Destination' and ‘Italy‘s Anti-Capri'.

Its volcanic landscape is part of its draw, thanks to the naturally-steamy hot springs and open-air ‘spas' on the island.

One of those places is Lago di Venere, an incredibly blue hot water lake.

Both swimming and floating in the lake are said to help muscles relax.

Meanwhile, the volcanic mud at the bottom of the lake is said to be good for the skin.

There's also Grotta Benikula, a natural sauna in a cave near Montagna Grande (a mountain on the island).

A crack in the rock releases hot vapors, which create a natural sauna.

While the island isn't home to sandy beaches, it does have several rocky coves where holidaymakers can swim, including Cala Blue Marino, Cala Martingana and Cala Cottone.

Holidaymakers can also go swimming or snorkeling by Elephant Arch, a natural rock formation in the sea.

Other attractions on the island include Castello Barbacane and traditional stone homes called dammusi.

The stone buildings are topped with white domed roofs and date back to a period in time when the island was ruled by Arabs.

Pantelleria is also home to vineyards and olive groves, with wine tastings taking place on the island.

Wineries such as Marco De Bartoli operate tastings and tours from £21.

The island isn't short of beach resorts, with Sun Online Travel finding overnight stays at four-star hotels from £77 per night.

Visitors can reach Pantelleria by either plane or ferry.

Danish Air Transport operates direct flights from Pantelleria to Palermo and Trapani, both of which are in Sicily.

Flights take 55 minutes, with Sun Online Travel finding one-way fares from £43 per person for non-residents.

Overnight ferries between Trapani and Pantelleria take seven and a half hours.

Sun Online Travel have found one-way fares from £39 per person.

From Sicily, Brits can board connecting flights to the UK.

Meanwhile, this tiny island is Italy's best-kept secret.

And this largely untouched Italian island is home to red sand beaches and hidden coves