Ustica
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 Satellite Image of Ustica |
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.
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
- 53181 - Plans in the Tyrrhenian Sea
- 52180 - Strait of Sicily-Northern Reaches
Weather
See Italy.
Passages
See Aegean to West Mediterranean Passages.
Communication
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
The approaches to Ustica are straightforward without any dangers. The harbour at Cala Santa Maria is at the easternmost extremity of the island.
Berthing
Ports
Cala Santa Maria
There is only one anchorage, the small main harbour of Cala Santa Maria. During the season, it is invariably filled to capacity. Since there are no alternative anchorages, Ustica should only be visited in settled weather.
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)
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
Just to the south of the ferry dock - which is actually outside the harbour breakwater - an anchorage can be found in 20m half a cable off the cliffs in the vicinity of Grotto Azzura. It is by no means an ideal anchorage but in typical settled summer weather it is doable. We were there the day after a three-day mistral had gone through and even with a large NNW swell, the mistral had produced there was sufficient protection tucked in behind here behind the land. In any case if you are arriving from the east having cruised the rest of the Aeolian islands you will not be too perturbed by the lack of all-round shelter or depth and steepness of the ground in which you attempt to anchor, as these conditions will have come to seem normal by now.--SUZIECREAMCHEESE
Amenities
| Facilities | |
|---|---|
| Water | Near the fuel station |
| Electricity | N/A (Not Available). |
| Toilets | N/A |
| Showers | N/A |
| Laundry | ? |
| Garbage | ? |
| Supplies | |
| 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 |
| Bottled gas | N/A |
| Chandlers | None |
| Services | |
| Repairs | N/A |
| Internet | N/A |
| Mobile connectivity | ? |
| Vehicle rentals | There is one agency in the village |
Provisioning
- 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.
Eating out
Good restaurants in the village.
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).
Tourism
History
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 a place for exile for the political opponents of the dictator Mussolini.
Places to Visit
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.
Diving is a major activity here.
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
References
See Italy.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Ustica and this page's details validated:
- May 2004 --Athene of Lymington 17:30, 10 November 2010 (UTC)
- October 2004 --Istioploos
Travels with S/Y Thetis 14:22, 14 July 2008 (MDT)
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Names: Lighthouse, Istioploos, Athene of Lymington |
