Ustica

The etymology of the word is not clear yet. It is likely to derive from the Greek word Osteodes, that is island of bones or ossuary. Legend has it, the ancient navigators died near the coast of the island, attracted by the mermaid’s songs. By a strange twist of fate, Ustica was used as a place of banishment for political prisoners and common criminals until the sixties.

The island is the emerged part of a volcano and it has been named the Burnt for long time. It is the result of a large number of geological evolutions whose visible traces are the black lava coasts and a volcanic ridge (Mount Guardia dei Turchi, Mount Costa del Fallo, and Promontory Falconiera). The breathtaking marine grottos were formed by the intense volcanic activity in the depths as well creating a unique setting in the Mediterranean Basin. The most renowned are the Grotta Azzurra and the Grotta del Gambero, marked by blue crystal water. They are easily accessible to anyone. You do not need to be an expert diver: just provide yourself with a nozzle and a mask. Aquarium boats are a good means to exploring the wonderful and rich sea beds. Ustica has maintained a particular appeal in the course of the time thanks to the splendid sea beds, the amazing marine life, the grottos, the colony of rare bids it hosts and the air scented with rosemary and wild fennel which create an incredible mix. It houses a Nature Reserve dedicated to safeguarding this particular ecosystem, which extends over 200ha and supports over five hundreds species of endemic plants and over two hundreds birds.

Moreover it is also home to a well-known Natural Marine Reserve which attracts visitors who wish to meet and observe some of the most amazing life species of the world. The island can be visited on foot, by bicycle or motorbike according to one’s own curiosity and passions.

The island is densely populated near the harbor. The village is regulated by a calm rhythmic existence and marked by murals and painting with bright colors. It is dotted with excellent restaurants and bars. The specialties are the granite flavored with coffee and lemon and the delicious small cassate with ricotta cheese. Do not leave the island without the local lentils, which are small but very tasty.

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