In order to check the sea-level variability in the vicinity of Lampedusa Island (in the frame of Topex/Poseidon altimeter calibration), a numerical model of the tides for the Strait of Sicily and adjacent area has been performed. Cotidal and co-range charts for the main diurnal and semidiurnal constituents are drawn and the model results are compared with in situ data. Position of amphidromes for these constituents is also clarified: a strong semidiurnal resonance observed in the Gulf of Gabes is well reproduced in the model. Semidiurnal tidal currents are found to be important at the Adventure Bank (South-West of Sicily) and in the Gulf of Gabes. Diurnal tidal current, dominant on Adventure Bank, are due to energy trapped around the Western extremity of Sicily, that probably generate the strong diurnal internal waves which are observed in this area.