Discover Ustica: volcanic island between marine conservation and history

Ustica combines a distinctive volcanic landscape with exceptional marine life and a long history of settlement. The island is of volcanic origin; in the Riserva Naturale Isola di Ustica nature reserve, rugged black volcanic rocks shaped by the weather define the landscape. Together with the Area Marina Protetta Isola di Ustica marine protected area, this creates a destination where you can combine nature observation, culture and trails through the island landscape.

Marine protected area and unique natural features

The Area Marina Protetta Isola di Ustica covers 15,951 hectares and extends along approximately 15 kilometres of coastline. It was established in 1986, together with Miramare in Trieste, as Italy’s first marine protected area. Among other things, it protects Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows and their organisms, including the noble pen shell Pinna nobilis. The rich marine fauna also includes protected species such as the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta and various cetaceans, particularly bottlenose dolphins and striped dolphins.

Ustica also has a distinctive natural heritage on land. Covering a total of 204.37 hectares, the Riserva Naturale Isola di Ustica nature reserve protects special coastal vegetation, including an endemic species whose range is limited to the coasts of the Province of Palermo and to Ustica, Favignana and Levanzo. Mediterranean maquis is also present. The Riserva Naturale comprises around 570 plant taxa, predominantly of Mediterranean origin. During the autumn and spring migrations, Ustica serves as an important resting and feeding site for resident and migratory birds.

Archaeology, towers and viewpoints

The island’s history can be experienced particularly impressively at the Villaggio preistorico dei Faraglioni. The well-preserved and complete settlement dates from the Middle Bronze Age, between 1400 and 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.

At the museum in the Largo di Guardia complex, you can see archaeological finds in two pavilions: Pavilion A is dedicated to Ustica’s prehistory, while Pavilion B covers the period from the Hellenistic era to Late Antiquity. The Torre dello Spalmatore offers a different historical perspective. Built in 1763, the Bourbon watchtower now houses the headquarters of the Area Marina Protetta. The tower hosts informative and educational activities, cultural events, exhibitions and presentations.

The Falconiera Fortress 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 Rocca della Falconiera is a viewpoint overlooking the harbour, the town and large parts of the island of Ustica. Ferdinando Re Church is also located in Ustica’s central square and is recommended as a sight to visit.

Seaside attractions

The aquarium at Cala Santa Maria has six large tanks. They represent typical marine habitats of Ustica at different depths. The aquarium is housed in the historic Magazzino a mare in the centre of Cala Santa Maria, about 10 metres from the shoreline. The information centre of the Area Marina Protetta is located in Piazza Umberto I in the centre of Ustica. During the summer season, it provides a space for visitors and hosts meetings, exhibitions and seminars.

Island trails and water experiences

Several documented routes are available for exploring the island on foot. The Sentiero di Mezzogiorno begins at the Torre S.Maria, built by the Bourbons, passes through Punta Galera and ends at Punta Cavazzi. The Sentiero del Bosco begins in the north of Ustica and follows a path once used by charcoal burners. The walking route around Ustica takes approximately five to six hours. Another trail leads from Piazza del Municipio via Gorgo Maltese to the Villaggio preistorico dei Faraglioni; along the way, you pass, among other places, the turn-off for the Falconiera and the viewpoint above Cala Giaconi.

A guided snorkelling experience meets at Cala Sidoti within Zone A of Ustica’s marine protected area. In very shallow water, participants can observe marine fauna and flora. According to the description of the activity, no swimming skills are required. Punta Galera and Scoglio del Medico are considered dive sites for scuba diving. In the Grotta dei Gamberi, a colony of small crustaceans can be found at a depth of approximately 37 metres.

Near Scoglio del Medico, marine fauna that is rare in the Mediterranean can be found, including barracudas, groupers, salema porgies and amberjacks. A boat trip along the coast of Ustica can take you to the Grotta Azzurra, Grotta Verde, Grotta Pastizza, Grotta delle Barche and Grotta dell’Oro. Off Ustica, a Roman shipwreck with amphorae from the 2nd to 1st century BC was also discovered at a depth of approximately 70 metres.

Local cuisine and island products

Lenticchia di Ustica is a Slow Food Presidium product and has traditionally been grown entirely by hand on Ustica’s fertile volcanic soils. In local cuisine, it is used in a soup with locally grown vegetables and in pasta e lenticchie made with broken spaghetti. Ustica’s wine production includes Zibibbo, which is used to make passito wine. Another regional speciality is Pizza Usticese, topped with tomato sauce, anchovies, garlic and breadcrumbs.

Festivals and arrival via the harbour

The Festa della Madonna dei Pescatori festival takes place on the last Sunday in May. The Festa del Mare e dell’Area Marina Protetta follows in July. For arrivals, the harbour of Ustica is the central maritime access point: hydrofoils and ferries call there daily, and they can also carry vehicles. This allows you to choose your hotel according to your preferred focus, whether the coast, nature, archaeology, trails or the town centre.

More destinations: Mondello, Parrini, Paterna, Corleone, Monreale, Ventimiglia Di Sicilia, Ginestra, Castelbuono

For the higher-level travel overview: Palermo.