On a map, the Sicilian island of Pantelleria looks like a slightly flattened caper in the middle of the Mediterranean. It is geographically closer to Tunisia – about 50km, as opposed to 100km from the coast of Sicily. When we spend time in Gela on the south coast, I like to imagine we can see Pantelleria from our beach towels, although that would be miraculous for anyone, and especially me, considering my eyesight.
The 84km2, caper-shaped island is also covered with them. Wild and at home on the volcanic terrain and rock, caper bushes are fabulous plants to look at, sprawling and scrambling everywhere, their round, fleshy and shiny leaves flashing in the sun.
