Ustica
From CruisersWiki
Ustica
| Coords: 38°42.5′N, 13°11.8′E Chartlet: Chartlet Gallery: Photos |
Ustica is a small island, of about 1400 inhabitants, in the Aeolian Island Archipelago and is situated some 60 nM north of Palermo in Sicily. It is a low key and charming island mostly dedicated to underwater tourists who are taken in organized groups to its numerous underwater grottos.
Ustica has been populated since about 1500 BC by τηε Phoenicians. In ancient Greece, the Island was named Osteodes (Οστεώδης - ossuary) in memory of the thousands of Carthaginian mutineers left there to die of hunger in the 4th century BC. The Romans renamed the island Ustica, Latin for burnt, because of its black rocks. More recently during the fascist period, Ustica was used as place for exile for the political opponents of the dictator Mussolini.
There is considerable diving activity from Ustica.
Charts
- BA 1976 Cappo di Bonifati to Capo San Víto
- NIMA 53180 Napoli to Palermo including Isole Eolie
- NIMA 53181 Plans in the Tyrrhenian Sea
- NIMA 52180 Strait of Sicily-Northern Reaches
Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of local radio Nets.
The approaches to Ustica are straightforward without any dangers. The harbour at Cala Santa Maria is at the easternmost extremity of the island.
Ports and Popular Stops
| There is only one anchorage, the small main harbour. During the season, it is invariably filled to capacity. Since there are no alternative anchorages, Ustica should only be visited in settled weather.
We visited by ferry from Palermo in May and were glad we had left Athene in Palermo, since there was no space in the harbour. While we were there, a French yacht arrived and promptly sailed off again. --Athene of Lymington 17:30, 10 November 2010 (UTC) It is supposed to be crowded during the summer but during my two visits, both in October, I had room enough to moor side-to. --Istioploos 14:22, 14 July 2008 (MDT) Routes/Passages To/FromPopular passages/routes, timing, etc. |  Click for larger view |
Tourism & things to do ashore
The village, up the hill, is small and picturesque. It is a delight to wander in its narrow streets. Several of the houses have colourful murals painted on their outside walls. Taking nice long hikes in the island is also great fun. NE of the harbour, past the ferry terminal, are the remains of a Bronze Age village at Faraglioni.
 Main street, Ustica |
 Ustica ferry terminal |
 A beautiful Ustica mural |
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel - There is a fuel station at the SE entrance of the harbor. There is very tight maneuvering room. The station is attended every day from 0700 to 1900
- Water - Near the fuel station. Water is very scarce on the island and supplies may not be available in summer.
- Electricity - N/A
Laundry
Grocery Stores
- Some limited shopping in the village, about 10 minutes on foot up the hill from the harbour.
- There is a good bakery in the village.
- Camping Gaz is not available.
Eateries
- Good restaurants in the village.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
- There is one agency in the village.
Marine Stores & Facilities
None.
Repairs
N/A
Transportation
There are twice daily ferries from and to Palermo on the mainland (fast ferry Ustica-Palermo 1 hr 15 mins; slow ferry Palermo-Ustica 2 hrs 20 mins).
References & Publications
See Italy.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
- October 2004 --Istioploos 14:22, 14 July 2008 (MDT)
- May 2004 --Athene of Lymington 17:30, 10 November 2010 (UTC)
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | Italy | Sicily | Ustica | |
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