Sicily & Her Islands + Sardinia

USTICA

Known all over the world as Italy’s first natural marine reserve, it is called the ‘black pearl’ or ‘solitaire’ of the Tyrrhenian sea.

Ustica, an offshoot of the Aeolian Islands, is rich in nature, atmosphere and beauty. The whole island is open to exploration with delights from prickly pears, to green caper plantations and lava cliffs that plunge into the deep blue sea to maritime pine trees, which gently cover its hills.

The coast is full of inlets and natural caves, accessible either by boat or by swimming. Pride of the Usticesi is the underwater world paradise for divers and nature lovers. In 1990 it became an underwater archaeological site. This turtle shaped island is a favourite with artists and many walls have been decorated with frescoes by famous Italian painters.

Visitors will be charmed by the intense colours of the sea and the land as well as by the scents of jasmine, raisins and almonds. Not to be missed are the stunning sunsets from the lighthouse, from the Torre Borbonica or from the Passo della Madonna.

Nepaulozzo

This is a small residential resort built by Ann and Paulo of Profondo Blu to compliment their dive operation. There are 3 x 2 bedroom apartments, with kitchen, terrace, barbeque with fine views and 4 twin bedrooms with garden view and terrace. At the end of the garden there is a BBQ used from June to September and lunch and dinner can be ordered in advance from the resident cook. Click images to enlarge.

Hotel Grotta Azzurra ****

51 rooms
Located on the most evocative side of the Island of Ustica, with its white pavilions and terraces sloping down to the sea, this 4 star Hotel is enveloped in an oasis of colours and fragrance of the Mediterranean.

All rooms with romantic terraces overlooking the sea, in panoramic positions overhanging the reef. A wonderful natural cavern, the Grotta Azzurra is set in the reef below: among the most beautiful islands, famous for the spectacular chromatic effects. The restaurant La Cala dei Fenici offers the typical specialities of the island. The rocky beach of the hotel has a swimming pool with hydromassage. It is dominated by a characteristic windmill.
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Patrice **

41 rooms
Comfortable hotel situated in a quiet area of Ustica town, it has a lovely garden area where guests can relax in total tranquillity. It has been recently refurbished. The rooms, double, twin, triple and family rooms, are bright, simply but comfortably furnished all with private facilities, most with sea or garden view and small private balcony.

Hotel Clelia ***

14 rooms
Pensione Clelia is one of the first hotels built in Ustica. It is situated in the centre of Ustica town and it offers 14 newly refurbished comfortable rooms, twin and single with private facilities, shower, telephone and fan on B&B basis. There is a bar, internet point, reading room.

From the roof top restaurant, while tasting a typical Usticese speciality guests can also enjoy a beautiful view over the bay. Pensione Clelia and its friendly owners are the ideal choice for a relaxing and unforgettable holiday in one of the most beautiful island of the Mediterranean.

APARTMENTS IN USTICA

We have many apartments situated in Ustica, all very comfortable and functional. They are located either in the centre of the town, or in outlying villages, overlooking the crystal sea and only a few km from all facilities. They are studios, one, two, and three bedroom apartments and are self-contained. They have kitchen, bathroom, terrace/balcony and most of them have TV and fan.

HOW TO REACH USTICA

We can organise transfers from Palermo airport to Ustica and viceversa. There is a ferry and hydrofoil service which connect the Island with Palermo. In low and mid season it is possible to take the car to the island. The time of these services varies very often so it is always best to check before departure. In case your flight does not connect with any ferry service, we can assist you with overnight accommodation in Palermo downtown.

USEFUL INFORMATION

If you love walking, there is a coastal path for at least half of the route. The path hugs the cliffs along the island’s north side as far as the Marine Reserve, at Punta di Megna. Here and at the offshore rock of Scoglio del Medico the snorkelling is fantastic: the clear water bursts with fish, sponges, weed and coral. You then reach Punta Spalmatore, where you will find some of the island’s best bathing spots: the torre or Punta Cavazzi where there is a piscina naturale, a sheltered seawater pool.

DIVING IN USTICA

The Island of Ustica has been a protected marine reserve for 15 years and as a result boasts profuse marine life. The diving itself ranges from calm protected bays perfect for open water training to sheer walls and caverns for the more adventurous. Most dives are carried out by boat and a sheltered site is almost always a short boat trip away what ever the wind direction. Offshore sites such as “Doctors Rock” and “La Colombara” often provide of schooling barracuda and large Mediterranean Grouper. Walls of Red Gorgonians are also found on the deeper dives. The shallow inshore sites hold countless colourful rainbow wrasse and spectacular fan worms.

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Profondo Blu

Ustica's premier dive center is based at the port. Courses are run under the guidance of Ann whilst Paulo with 12 years experience of Ustica's water, supervises the dive center and the dive boat Profondo Blu. The new dive boat is purpose built with covered cabin, a w.c, hot shower, sun deck and a powerful diesel engine.

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For further information or to book please call 0208 744 0474 

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