Known as the "black pearl of the Mediterranean", Pantelleria is the largest and most westerly of Sicily's satellite islands. Its highest point, Montagna Grande, is an old volcanic crater and its black lava coastline is dotted with caves and headlands jutting into the sea. The soil is ideal for crops and the island has many small gardens (panteschi), surrounded by high stone walls. The traditional house here is the "dammuso", a cubic dwelling made of squared blocks of stone.