Italy's first marine reserve, on a black volcanic island
About an hour and a half by hydrofoil from Palermo, Ustica is a small volcanic island, the tip of an underwater volcano, with dark rocks, sea caves and a single village of colourful houses decorated with murals. In 1986 its waters became the first marine protected area in Italy.
The island is a paradise for divers and snorkellers: the seabed is rich in groupers, barracudas, sponges and red gorgonians, and the underwater archaeological trail at Punta Gavazzi shows ancient anchors and amphorae. By boat you can go around the island to visit the sea caves, such as the Grotta Azzurra and the Grotta delle Barche, and on foot you can walk the coastal paths to the lighthouse and the prehistoric village of Faraglioni.
Tip: the best season is from June to September; Ustica's tiny lentils, cultivated in volcanic soil, are a Slow Food presidium.
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