Holiday apartment in Ustica: volcanic landscape, marine conservation and history

Ustica is of volcanic origin. In the Riserva Naturale Isola di Ustica nature reserve, a rugged geomorphological landscape can be seen, with black volcanic rocks shaped by weathering. In addition, the Area Marina Protetta Isola di Ustica marine reserve covers 15,951 hectares and stretches along approximately 15 kilometres of coastline. Between dark rock, protected seas and traces of a long history of settlement, an exceptionally tangible picture of this island emerges.

Nature and sea

The Area Marina Protetta Isola di Ustica was established in 1986 together with Miramare in Trieste as Italy’s first marine reserve. It protects meadows of Posidonia oceanica and the organisms living there, including the shellfish Pinna nobilis. The diverse marine fauna includes protected species such as the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta as well as various cetaceans, particularly bottlenose dolphins and striped dolphins.

The Riserva Naturale Isola di Ustica nature reserve, which covers a total of 204.37 hectares, also preserves distinctive coastal vegetation. This includes an endemic species whose range is limited to the coasts of the Province of Palermo as well as Ustica, Favignana and Levanzo, along with Mediterranean maquis. The reserve is home to around 570 plant taxa, most of Mediterranean origin. During the autumn and spring migrations, Ustica is an important resting and feeding site for resident and migrating birds.

Culture and history

The Villaggio preistorico dei Faraglioni preserves a well-preserved and complete Middle Bronze Age settlement dating from 1400 to 1200 BC. The Villaggio dei Faraglioni has a proto-urban layout with regular pathways and is considered one of the most important prehistoric complexes in the Mediterranean region. The archaeological area of the Villaggio dei Faraglioni is temporarily closed due to exceptional maintenance work.

The museum in the Largo di Guardia complex presents the archaeology of Ustica in two pavilions. Pavilion A is dedicated to Ustica’s prehistory, while Pavilion B covers the period from the Hellenistic era to Late Antiquity. Another historical trace is the Falconiera Fortress: it is an ancient Roman archaeological site that was expanded under Bourbon rule into a large defensive fortress on the edge of an ancient volcanic crater.

The Torre dello Spalmatore was built in 1763 as a Bourbon watchtower and now serves as the headquarters of the Area Marina Protetta. The Torre dello Spalmatore hosts informative and educational activities, cultural events, exhibitions and presentations. During the summer season, the information centre of the Area Marina Protetta on Piazza Umberto I in the centre of Ustica provides a space for visitors and organises meetings, exhibitions and seminars. Also located on the central square is the Church of Ferdinando Re, which is recommended as a sight to visit.

The Rocca della Falconiera is a viewpoint overlooking the harbour, the town and large parts of the island of Ustica. Here, the archaeological past, fortifications and views of the present-day settlement stand in close proximity to one another.

Exploring the island above and below the surface

The Sentiero di Mezzogiorno starts at the Torre S.Maria, built by the Bourbons, passes Punta Galera and ends at Punta Cavazzi. In the north of Ustica, the Sentiero del Bosco begins along a path once used by charcoal burners. The walk around Ustica takes approximately five to six hours.

The landscape continues below the water’s surface. Punta Galera and Scoglio del Medico are diving sites. At a depth of around 37 metres in the Grotta dei Gamberi, there is a colony of small crustaceans.

A guided snorkelling experience meets at Cala Sidoti, within Zone A of Ustica’s marine reserve. During this guided snorkelling experience, participants can observe marine fauna and flora in very shallow water; according to the offer description, swimming skills are not required.

The aquarium at Cala Santa Maria has six large tanks representing typical Ustica marine habitats at different depths. It is located in the historic Magazzino a mare in the centre of Cala Santa Maria, approximately 10 metres from the shoreline.

Cuisine and local produce

Lenticchia di Ustica is a Slow Food Presidio. It is traditionally grown entirely by hand on Ustica’s fertile volcanic soils. In local cuisine, the lentil is used for a soup with local vegetables and for pasta e lenticchie made with broken spaghetti.

Ustica’s wine production includes Zibibbo, which is used to make passito wine. Another local speciality is Pizza Usticese, prepared with tomato sauce, anchovies, garlic and breadcrumbs.

Getting there

The port of Ustica is served daily by hydrofoils and ferries, which can also transport vehicles.

When comparing holiday apartments in Ustica, you can check the respective offer pages for details such as the exact location, accommodation type, occupancy, included services, price components, and booking and cancellation conditions.

Discover more places

You can discover more destinations here: Scillato, Santa Cristina Gela, Campofelice Di Roccella, Giardinello, Gratteri, Marineo, Mondello, Bolognetta.

To the higher-level travel overview: Palermo.