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Ustica, Italy
GENERAL
Some 35 miles from Palermo in Sicily, 90 minutes by fast hydrofoil, lies the island of Ustica. A tiny island of 9 square kilometres supported by a small fishing industry.
The island was named by the Romans from the word 'ustum' or burnt, after the volcano on the island, now dormant. The island has few roads, few tourists and slopes steeply upwards from the sea.
THE DIVING
Much of the coastline of Ustica is protected by a marine reserve and there is a thriving scuba diving industry.
Dive sites are typically rocky sea beds with pinnacles. Sponges are common and there is significantly more fish life present here than in other, over-fished, Mediterranean resorts. Local folk lore has it that large fish are particularly prevalent in September.
The volcanic rock has formed many caverns and these are popular dive sites.
Dive sites include:
Cape Gavazzi: At depths of 15 metres, Roman and pre-Roman urns can be seen, with further examples at a depth of 40m. These probably are associated with the remains of a shipwreck.
Cape Galera: One of the most well-known and frequented diving spots of the island, suitable for divers of all grades. At 15 metres there are shoals of seabream and soemtimes even large Mediterranean amberjacks. The rocks are full of sealife in bright colours. More experienced diver can visit one of the most well-known caves in the whole Mediterranean, Cape Galera, at 42 metres. The cave rises slightly upwards from 42 metres until it reaches a depth of 28metres and it is only when half way through that it is possible to see the exit. A dive guide is essential for this dive.
Doctor's Rock: Ustica's west side is dominated by the Medico Rock. A large dive site, its main feature is an underwater passage, 70metres long and 20metres deep that runs for the whole length of the rock. This tunnel is 25metres wide and is sufficiently lit from the wide entrance to give a spectacular view of the exit. With several openings along the way, this creates some beautiful light reflections. Divers frequently see large groupers and barracudas.
FOR NON DIVERS
Although scuba-diving is its premier attraction, the small island of Ustica offers a range of other activities including hiking, excursions by bicycle or mule and swimming. There is an archaeological museum on the island with artefacts dating back to the various groups that have lived here since the Paleolithic era.
USTICA TOWN
Ustica Town offers a range of local services, including 2 supermarkets, a post office and a bank with cash machines. There are numerous cafes, bars and restaurants.
ACCOMMODATION AND DINING
A variety of accommodations is available to suit all budgets including 4 star hotel, boarding houses and B & B's. It is also possible to rent apartments and villas.B
The islanders pride themselves on the standard and value of their cuisine, a combination of delicacies from the sea and the land. The result is a great variety of flavours and styles ranging from a substantial lentil soup, a must on the menu of the historical local farmer, to lobster spaghetti.
GETTING AROUND
A minibus service covers the whole of the island. The timetable varies between the summer and winter seasons, but the waiting time is never more than 20 minutes. During the summer season it is possible to hire motor scooters or bicycles.
HEALTH
A 24-hour surgery offers medical assistance and thee is also a pharmacy. In case of an emergency, a military helicopter can transfer casualties to Palermo hospitals within 20 minutes. There are 2 local hyperbaric chambers with trained personnel.
GETTING THERE
Ustica is reached by passenger hydrofoil, 1 hour 15 minutes, or car ferry, 2 hours 30 minutes, from Palermo. Palermo is now serviced by flights from the UK including Ryanair.
Hydrofoils run from Naples in the summer only. This journey take 4 hours.
MORE INFORMATION
More information can be gained from the island web site: Here
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